I spoke with the creators of Omni- here are their answers to my questions:
Q: Please describe your trading card game!
A: Omni is a fast paced strategy game that focuses on “Ascending” (or evolving) your “Souls” (basic monsters) into “Entities” who have stronger abilities and higher stats. There are tons of unique mechanics woven into Omni’s gameplay, making it a breath of fresh air in the TCG space! Some of these mechanics include:
1. Ascension (with the use of our “EvoVal” (or evolution value) concept)
2. Soul Tokens (living shields; similar in concept to pawns in chess)
3. Our Crystal Progression System
Q: What inspired you to create your own TCG?
A: We both went to college to learn game design; one of Connor's ideas was "Genesis", an online game that would allow you to customize your character (a soul) with personal questions and later throughout the game – essentially, every interaction or battle in this world would result in growth; meaning, if you defeated an enemy with a fire whip appendage, you would be entitled to that fire whip and assimilate it into your character. Eventually, a character would reach a certain point and evolve into a unique entity that was based off the characteristics you initially put in and developed throughout gameplay. Needless to say that that game was extremely ambitious. A year ago, Connor stumbled upon a Team APS video discussing deck masters and he adapted the idea of "Genesis" into an attempt at a TCG. This too was ambitious and Connor soon found himself in need of assistance. Enter Jacob with all the experience and technical knowhow to get Omni into a more playable state. With the two working together, Omni TCG came to fruition!
Q: What TCGs did you grow up playing as a kid?
A: Connor played a lot of Yugioh and collected Pokemon growing up; Jacob plays MTG and Pokemon, however Jacob also dabbled in making TCGs while growing up as well!
Q: What sets Omni apart from other TCGs?
A: Our unique gameplay and art style. Essentially, Omni is a perfect blend of chess like strategy and tactics, while also incorporating a revolutionary evolution system that relies on the board state and combination of cards, rather that set cards that require other certain cards to progress in power and level. There is also no such thing as a “dead card” in this game with the inclusion of our Soul Token system!
Q: How did you come up with the name Omni?
A: Originally the game was “Genesis”; as we became more familiar with the TCG space as it is today, we soon learned that this name was already in use and so we began working on a new title. Omni was the only name we could both agree on; the goal in the game (as in many) is to defeat your opponent. That being said, we needed a reason for these creatures in our game to do battle; and so we created the realm of Omni. The ultimate goal for all in the realm is to become all powerful and all knowing; to become omnipotent. We felt omnipotence was a very strong word, but it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue; we then shortened it to Omni and have loved it ever since!
Q: How long have you been working on the game?
A: The original video game idea and the concepts that revolve around it originated in 2016. The game was slowly added to over the years until 2020 when Connor approached Jacob to form 7Dwarves and officially begin working on Omni TCG. We have been hard at work ever since!
Q: What is the illustration/design process like?
A: Connor would normally draw / look up some concept art for a card design and we then forward that to our artists. They send back sketches for approval; once approved, we move to color. We then approve the final colored piece for print!
Q: What are your future plans for Omni?
A: Honestly, that’s entirely up to the community. We have spent years and over $10K to get to where we are at today. The game will be released either at the end of this year or beginning of next; but with the current support we have, it seems unlikely we will continue development after completing the Omega set. We truly love this game and the community members that have supported us thus far; however, in order to continue developing this game at its current costs is starting to make less sense. We would love to work on another set of 50 or so cards to further expand Omni’s gameplay, but we need a lot more people playing to justify the work and funds necessary to continue.
Q: Will you be at any upcoming conventions?
A: We will absolutely be a Phoenix Fan Fusion again this year; as we were last year, we will likely be in the gaming lounge, demoing our game and getting people pumped for the full release of the game!
Q: Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own TCG?
A: Do your research! Make sure you know exactly what capital you need, what you have, and who you have supporting you with this project! If you are going alone, DO NOT BURN YOURSELF OUT!!!! Take it slow and don’t rush to appease others (remember to take breaks). Remember, this is YOUR game, not theirs! It’s great to take advice and incorporate people’s suggestions, but don’t compromise your values or parts of the game that you truly love.
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