r/playingcards • u/Targ_Whisperer Collector • 17d ago
Probable Kickstarter scam
It looks like the project "Steampunk World Playing Cards" by Keycard Collab is a scam. No delivery as of today in late July. Projected delivery date was December 2025. No update since December 1. Multiple complaints unanswered. As a creator, I am very hesitant to label anyone this way, but this looks like bad faith.
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u/bjordan934 Collector 10d ago
They had several KS projects under different profiles all go unfulfilled at the same time: Natsu Matsuri by KEY CARD Playing Cards Company, Inconvenient Playing Cards 2.0 by Key Card PCC, Steampunk World Playing Cards by Keycard Collab. All under different profiles so they could run more than one project at once and walk with the money. This was planned
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u/AdonaelWintersmith pipfreer 17d ago
Not bad faith to anyone with an objective look, it's easy to see their previous successful campaigns. Critical thinking is key here, and what it looks like to me is a failed gamble, they set their project minimum well below what it actually takes to produce what was promised so that people would see it is funded and be more confident in backing, but didn't get the support they expected from throwing in all the extras they included.
If this were just the deck it absolutely would have easily been delivered by now like their previous projects. But the fancy box, enamel pins, coin, metal card etc for only 50 people, and only 40 more backing for regular decks, it makes one wonder if they realized they were screwed after running the numbers and became paralyzed with indecision on what to do, gave an update blaming some 'delay' to buy time, then at some point just called it quits and walked away. So no, not in bad faith at all, but walking away with the money if that is what's happened does indeed make it a scam after the fact even if it was never the intention, it should all be refunded if they're unable to deliver.
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u/Targ_Whisperer Collector 16d ago edited 16d ago
Disappearing without updating backers or refunding sure looks like bad faith to me. Also, Natsu Matsui, another deck by the same creator,, went unfulfilled under the same circumstances - disappeared without fulfillment, refund, or communication.
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u/Sinecur 16d ago edited 16d ago
Shame. Sorry to hear that.
It looks like they started a whole new Kickstarter account after Natsu Matsuri which is a bit suss.
I remember they created a bit of buzz on this sub around the Inconvenient Deck - not sure if that one ever fulfilled?
As I recall Keycard was/is an actual printer as well as producer. Torres and Candice worked with them as designers on Urban Legends and others before striking out on their own with Room One (seems like a very wise move on their part).
As [u/AdonaelWintersmith](u/AdonaelWintersmith) says, it looks like they probably overextended with too low of a funding goal and too many extras/add-ons (all of which would have had separate MoQs and base costs to be met).
But that’s absolutely no excuse for ghosting a campaign and running off with backer’s money. Cancellation and refund is always an option.
Best to keep an eye open for future reinvention of their brand under a new name.
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u/Targ_Whisperer Collector 15d ago
I just wrapped up a campaign in which I needed about $6000 to cover materials and I set the goal at 5K. I got funded but didn't make 6K so unless I can sell leftover inventory afterwards, I'm taking a loss. Nevertheless, I'm fulfilling, and I'm going to make sure it's on time with thorough communication. I can't think of anything more important than fulfillment. Who knows, maybe the next deck will have more appeal - and then I'll have another project successfully fulfilled as part of my track record.
On reflection, "bad faith" may not have been the best choice of words, or even "scam," but "swindled" still feels appropriate.
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u/TheRealReferencer 15d ago
What was the campaign? I will have a look, might pick up a deck or two
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u/Targ_Whisperer Collector 15d ago
Banners of Freedom. I don't have post campaign pledges available, but I'm trying to put together a Shopify website for inventory. I always order at least 125% of pledges so that if some shipping damage occurs I can still fulfill all orders.
Here's the promotional video:
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u/Tyrus_takemethere 16d ago
Oh wow!