TCG Interview #32: Diecard

 

I spoke with the creator of Diecard- here are her answers to my questions:

Q: Please describe your trading card game!

A: Well, my trading card game is like a love letter to folklore and mythology from all around the world. It's a celebration of the creatures, legends, and stories that have captivated humanity for centuries. Each card features a beautifully illustrated creature from a different culture, accompanied by a brief wonderful quote that fits with the illustration! It's the perfect game for anyone who loves fantasy, history, or just wants to learn a little bit more about the cultural world around them. Oh, and it's also a lot of fun to play! Just don't let the dragons high roll you!!

Q: What inspired you to create your own TCG?

A: I've always been fascinated by mythology and folklore from different cultures, and I wanted to create a game that would allow players to explore and experience these myths in a unique and exciting way. I also wanted to create a game that would be accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds, and that would encourage players to learn more about the stories and creatures that are featured in the game. But most importantly, I wanted to create a game that was fun to play and would bring people together. And you know what they say, if you want to make a game that people will enjoy, you have to put a dragon in it. And who doesn't love dragons? 

Q: What TCGs did you grow up playing as a kid?

A: Growing up, I didn't exactly play any trading card games…But I was always drawn to the artwork on the cards from games like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. I found the rules of those games to be a bit too complex and the cost of building a deck to be quite high. So, I decided to create my own TCG that was more accessible and focused on the art and storytelling aspect of the game. It's a game that's easy to learn, but still offers a lot of depth and strategy. And, of course, the artwork is top-notch and really brings the characters and worlds of the game to life.

Q: What sets Diecard apart from other TCGs?

A: Diecard sets itself apart from other TCGs in a few key ways. First, it's designed to be more accessible to new players, with simpler rules and more forgiving and open deck building. We've also put a strong emphasis on the art and illustration of the cards with the help of DALLE2, creating a truly beautiful and immersive gaming experience right out the gates as a beta. And third, we've incorporated elements of strategy and luck to create a game that is both challenging and fun for players of all skill levels. Overall, we believe that Diecard offers a unique and exciting gaming experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Q: How did you come up with the name Diecard?

A: I was playing monopoly around Christmas time with my kids and the tv was on, Die Hard was playing and as I was holding the dice and the cards in my hand it immediately struck me! It would be so cool if a game was called Die Card and used dice and cards to play it, like monopoly but darker(Die card is nothing like monopoly btw)…..A few months later development started when I broke my leg 

Q: How long have you been working on the game?

A: Well, the development timeline for Diecard has been an interesting journey. It all started about 5 years ago when I unfortunately broke my leg and had to take a break from work. Being stuck at home, I started toying around with the idea of creating my own trading card game. I did some basic development on it at the time, but quickly realized that the cost of illustrations would make it impossible for me to look after my kids with a broken leg. So, I put the project on hold for a while. But the idea never truly left my mind and I would randomly think about it from time to time. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, with the dawn of AI generated artwork, it has made it possible for me to start development again and bring my vision to life. I picked up development where I left off, and I've been working on it for the past 2 months. The plan is to release a beautiful beta early this year. Overall, it's been a 3-month journey of development but it's been in my mind the whole time and I'm excited to finally bring it to the world!

Q: What is the illustration/design process like?

A: The illustration and design process for Diecard is a combination of technology and creativity. I use a software called Dalle 2, which is a powerful AI-based tool for generating artwork. I also use a technique called "prompt engineering" to guide the software in creating the images I want. My main focus is on researching different mythologies and trying to get Dalle to generate faithful depictions of the creatures. I then go through multiple generations of illustrations, usually over 10, to pick the best one that captures the essence of the creature and is true to the mythology. It's a time-consuming process, but it ensures that the final illustrations are of the highest quality and are true to the source material.

Q: What are your future plans for Diecard?

A: I have big plans for Diecard! My ultimate goal is to release a digital version of the game that utilizes NFC technology embedded into the cards. This will create a 3D battlefield similar to the one in the Yu-Gi-Oh anime, and will be made possible by using the camera on smartphones and NFC technology to identify each card. This will make it almost impossible to replicate, and will provide an amazing augmented reality option for the digital game. The game will be highly flexible and will be able to be played with or without AR enabled, and with or without a phone. I also plan to translate the game to different regions, publish books and merchandise, and really grow the brand.

Q: Will you be at any upcoming conventions?

A: I'm planning to attend the convention in Manchester in April to debut Diecard. While the game is currently still in development, I'm working hard to have it ready in time for the convention so that attendees can get a sneak peek and try it out for themselves. It's an exciting opportunity for me to share my passion for the game and connect with other gamers and fans in the community. I hope to see you there!

Q: Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own TCG?

A: Sure, my advice for someone looking to create their own TCG would be to first have a clear and unique vision for the game. It's important to have a clear understanding of what sets your game apart from others in the market. Next, have a solid understanding of the cost and resources required to bring the game to fruition, including artwork and printing costs. Also, don't be afraid to seek out help and advice from others in the industry. And lastly, be prepared for a lot of hard work and dedication, but also remember to have fun and enjoy the creative process!

For more, follow @diecard on Instagram and check out https://diecard.co.uk