MVP143: Behind the Scenes of Altered TCG: A Conversation with Game Designer Marcus Kearsey

The Manaverse Podcast: Magic: the Gathering Business / Game Store Entrepreneurship / LGS Professionals

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, I interview Marcus Kearsey, a game designer for the Altered TCG team. We discuss the unique aspects of Altered TCG, including its non-combat focus, digital integration, and innovative deck-building mechanics. Kearsey shares his journey into game design, the challenges and rewards of developing a new TCG, and how player feedback shapes the game. They delve into the game's lore, art, and future plans, including organized play and competitive aspects. The episode offers a deep dive into the creative process behind Altered TCG.

Questions:

What initially inspired the concept of Altered, and how has it evolved from its original idea?

Can you share insights into the creative process behind the game's unique blend of lore and visual design, especially with influences from Miyazaki and Dixit-like illustrations?

What challenges did you face in creating a balanced yet engaging gameplay experience in Altered?

Could you elaborate on how the game’s unique rarity system and algorithmically generated cards impact both gameplay and player strategy?

How did you approach the lore creation for the six factions in Altered? What inspired their distinct characteristics and stories?

Can you delve into the process of integrating the game's lore with its mechanics and card design?

What does a typical day look like for you as a game designer on Altered?

How do you balance creativity with the technical aspects of game design?

In what ways has player feedback shaped the development of Altered?

What future expansions or developments can players look forward to in the Altered universe?

How do you envision the growth of Altered in the competitive TCG scene?

What have been some of the most challenging aspects of developing Altered, and how did you overcome them?

Can you share a particularly rewarding moment or milestone in the game’s journey so far?

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the field of game design, especially in the TCG genre?

How has working on Altered influenced your personal views on game design and storytelling?

If you could go back to the beginning of the Altered project, is there anything you would do differently?

Check out the Altered TCG Kickstarter campaign!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/equinox-studio/altered-tcg

Book a 30 minute strategy session with us to get your game store digital marketing plan created for free. It's yours to keep either way so you have nothing to lose. Go to https://manaversesaga.com/mma to book your call and start off 2024 strong.