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Joshua Guthrie's avatar

Excellent article on the nature of algorithmically generated card games! This longer "design diary" format is especially interesting to read. :)

I must confess that prior to listening to your podcast I wasn't very familiar with many TCGs or CCGs (I actually have yet to play a Stoneblade game!) But then I recently listened to one of your older episodes in which you interviewed Richard Garfield. In it, he talked about the algorithmic nature of Keyforge decks and I was like, "hold up, what did you say??" I was so intrigued by this concept that I promptly bought a starter set to see it in action! The possibilities that open up now that a computer can craft together a coherent, fun deck from seemingly limitless card options based on a set of rules that you have given it is nothing short of incredible. Not sure I would ever want to tackle that design challenge myself someday (though hey, who knows?), but it is intriguing to learn about none-the-less! Thanks for peeling the curtain back a bit for us!

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Justin Gary's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, working on algorithmically generated games like SolForge Fusion is definitely jumping into the deep end of design. I wouldn't recommend it for newer designers, but the possibilities of the technology are fascinating and I love learning new things and being at the frontier of game design!

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Joshua Guthrie's avatar

Yes, I also really enjoy learning new things; most of my favorite games have some aspect or game mechanic that I haven't seen in other games (the use of sand timers in Pendulum is an excellent example) and I find that innovation exciting. :)

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