Would you like to find a nice card game to play with friends, but have decided it's not worth spending € 200 on a good collection? If you think so, you can create a trading card game yourself for less than € 25! Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a basic genre for your game
It could be science fiction, fantasy, western, past, future, etc.
Step 2. Invent a unique story and setting
You should base the rules on the theme of the game and not the other way around. Therefore, start with this step before continuing.
Step 3. Plan the game
Create a set of effective rules and set an interesting goal for each game. It's not fun to play if there are no rules - or if there are too many.
Many games have different rules. Some are stiffer, others less so. Experiment to find the solution you prefer. During the planning phase, you should think about how it is possible to lose or gain turns, how to win the game and much more
Step 4. Think about the various types of cards
Start with a wide variety of characters. Powerups, bonuses, and healings are also cards that can make your game more interesting. You can even insert cards that can change the rules.
Special cards make your game more interesting. You can group them into types, elements or classes if you wish. They should have images that represent them. Few people like games where the cards only have text on them. Hire a draftsman if needed
Step 5. Choose a time period relevant to your setting
If the creator of Yu-Gi-Oh had called his game "A Journey to Modern Rome", it would have confused all potential fans. If there are many different creatures in your game, summoned from various time periods, you can skip this step.
Step 6. Choose a name for your game
It should be catchy and original, to get people to play. Do not use copyrighted names, such as Yu-Gi-Oh or Pokémon.
Step 7. Get a program like Paint and a graphics tablet
Photoshop is probably your best bet. Draw models using the program, then write abilities, colors, attack power, name, etc. on the cards. You can draw the cards by hand, but doing it would take a very long time.
Step 8. Print the templates on paper or card, then ask the designer to make the illustrations, or use a graphics tablet to trace them on the computer
Step 9. Play with your friends and have fun
Advice
- Remember that having fun is the most important thing.
- If explaining the rules takes more than a minute, write a clear, easy-to-read manual. Better to do it on the computer.
- If you used plain paper to print the cards, laminate them. This way they will be protected from tearing.
- If you really like your card game, try making a playmat that serves as a game board, or creating a rules manual. You never know if you will be successful.
- If your idea is very successful, try visiting https://www.thegamecrafter.com to get the site owners to publish and sell your game. Who knows, you could be earning a fortune.
- Keep your cards in special sleeves. If you can't find a style you like, use inexpensive pouches with beautiful designs. Create some designs that are different from others.
- Before deciding on the name of the game, fully develop the idea.
- Try not to create more than 50 cards at a time. Start with a few cards and note if they are successful. If the reaction is positive, you will be able to continue adding cards in the future.
- Use good quality materials. The cards will look better and be more durable.
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Don't steal the ideas of others (be it large corporations or your best friend), but draw inspiration from them.
- The first successful trading card game was Magic: The Gathering, still one of the best known today. Make sure your game is not a clone of it.
- Of course, your game may have some traits in common with others you've never heard of; there are really many.
Warnings
- Don't take on the role of the game's invincible boss. You wouldn't be fair if you printed 100 copies of the most powerful cards just for you. You would ruin the fun of the game.
- Don't invent new rules during a game! You would ruin the fun and end up arguing with your opponent.
- If you intend to pitch your idea to card game companies (e.g. Wizards of The Coast, Upper Deck Entertainment etc.), be prepared to be ignored or manipulated, as the big companies may not want to hire you. Don't be discouraged! You can create a company that produces card games, even if it will be necessary to follow some legal process.
- If you want to sell your game, remember to get a patent or copyright before starting production, to make sure no one can steal your idea.
