TCG Interview #21: [SYNSOULS]

I spoke with the creator of [SYNSOULS]- here are their answers to my questions:

Q: Please describe your trading card game!
A: [SYNSOULS] is a new TCG featuring a unique, three-lane battle system and a number of different artists from around the World! [SYNSOULS] is heavily influenced by the power of sound and music, which can be felt across the terminology and game mechanics.

Q: What inspired you to create your own TCG?
A: Having grown up playing Card Games and Tabletop Role-Playing Games, we wanted a way to share the stories and characters we've created over the years. In the past, I had created custom trading cards of our characters within existing card games, and I think that was the first step in what ultimately led to the creation of [SYNSOULS].

Q: What TCGs did you grow up playing as a kid?
A: I started with Pokemon back when Wizards of the Coast still published everything. As a pre-teen I switched to Yu-Gi-Oh, and spent High-School and beyond playing Force of Will.

Q: What sets [SYNSOULS] apart from other TCGs?
A: We're really proud of our unique battle system which we feel is the perfect mix of new and familiar to those who have played card games in the past. There are numerous different ways to set up and strategize, even within a single deck!

Q: How did you come up with the name [SYNSOULS]?
A: The name actually has a double meaning. It comes from both SYNergy, and SYNtax. The latter is also expressed in the name's stylization.

Q: How long have you been working on the game?
A: We went public in November of this year. Before that, we'd been seriously working on the game for a little under two years. However, the worlds expressed in the game have been years in the making between close friends.

Q: What is the illustration/design process like?
A: We've been in contact with a number of different artists from around the world. Instead of a strict across-the board style, we have opted to give our artists free creative reign. The characters and settings within the worlds of [SYNSOULS] are varied and unique, just like our own world. To best express this, we've encouraged our talented artists to make each piece of artwork their own.

We've kept detailed logs of the process, and if our Kickstarter goes well, we plan to release a book detailing this process in much more detail!

Q: What are your future plans for [SYNSOULS]?
A: We hope to launch the game with 6 Starter Decks, alongside an Expansion set. We have the first three sets planned out, which will make up the first 'Cluster' of [SYNSOULS]. Our hope is to be able to put out 1 Cluster of cards per year!
Beyond that, we are hoping to foster and grow our community so that the game and its players can thrive in both casual and competitive settings.

Q: Will you be at any upcoming conventions?
A: We will be attending our very first Convention this December in our home town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
GeekCon will be running all day on Saturday, December 3rd!
https://www.uwecgeekcon.com/

Q: Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own TCG?
A: That's a tough one. I always want to be encouraging, but I also can't understate how stressful and anxiety-inducing it can be. I suppose the best advice I can give is to make sure you have a good support team behind you. Having people to share your ideas with, as well as people to share your troubles with is invaluable.

Beyond that, know that having a good game unfortunately doesn't equate to success. Getting your game out there is the hardest part, but failing to do so doesn't mean that your game isn't worthwhile!