Dev-Blog: Set Sail - Design phase complete!

The journey to crafting Old Mana Game has been nothing short of an epic quest. With Version 7, the game feels as if it has finally crossed the threshold from raw concept to a polished prototype. After hundreds of hours of design, testing, and refining, we’ve arrived at what feels like the foundation of the final gameplay system.

Trademark Milestone

Securing the name Old Mana Game is another important step forward. The trademark is currently under review—a process that takes 4 to 6 months. My own research suggests the name is unique, so this stage is more of a formality, but it’s still an exciting moment as the brand begins to take shape.

Community & Playtesting

As the design framework solidifies, it’s time to expand beyond the solo-creator phase. Locally, I have my sights on two playtesting groups, and there’s even the exciting prospect of traveling 700 kilometers south to test the game with another group of enthusiasts (you know who you are!).

Now is the time to reach out to like-minded individuals—people with experience in TCG development or related fields—to help navigate the next stages. This isn’t just about avoiding missteps; it’s about carefully planning risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.

An open playtesting phase is targeted for Q1 2025, followed by preparations for a Kickstarter campaign in Q2. However, this will only move forward once I’ve delved deeper into the process and established connections with manufacturers to ensure smooth production.

Version 7: Key Features

Version 7 represents more than just a gameplay milestone; it’s a culmination of all previous iterations, blending the best features into a cohesive and engaging experience. Here are the highlights:

• Turn-based Mana System: Inspired by traditional TCGs, mana is gained progressively each turn, allowing for strategic deck-building and resource management.

• Loot & Gold System: Defeating enemy allies (minions) generates Gold based on a formula tied to the card’s rarity and mana cost. This adds a layer of resource utility beyond standard card draws.

• Hero Classes & Specializations: Players select a Hero representing one of six core classes. Each class features three unique specializations, offering distinct playstyles. For example, the newly renamed Thief class (formerly Assassin) includes:

• Shadow: Stealth-focused tactics for evasion and surprise.

• Assassin: Precision strikes for maximum single-target damage.

• Pirate: A plundering playstyle with gold-generation and chaos mechanics.

These systems, combined with utility cards and a modular design, make Old Mana Game feel expansive yet deeply personalized.

A Path Toward Prototyping

Version 7 isn’t just about gameplay mechanics—it’s the gateway to creating physical prototypes. My printer is running hot, churning out decks for testing, while shoeboxes and crates are overflowing with playtest cards.

Every step forward feels like untying a knot—hundreds of hours of hard work finally paying off. The final pieces are falling into place, and the transition from design to a fully playable prototype is within sight.

What’s Next?

The next steps involve:

• Preparing a detailed roadmap outlining development milestones for 2024.

• Transitioning to open playtesting with broader community involvement.

• Diving into the gameplay flow in the next blog post, which will remain password-protected for now.

Old Mana Game is evolving into more than just a TCG; it’s becoming a labor of love, a passion project that merges medieval fantasy themes with strategic depth and community-driven design.

For those who’ve supported this journey so far: Thank you. The adventure is far from over, and I’m excited to share what lies ahead. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, may your decks be ever in your favor. Yours, Indi.