The Road to Open Playtesting – What’s Next for OMG?

It’s taken longer than expected, but now it’s finally happening—Old Mana Game is ready for open playtesting! The prototypes are here, and apart from a few small tweaks, they turned out great. Now, it’s time to take the next step.

Local Playtesting Comes First

Right now, my main focus is in-person playtesting in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. I’ve narrowed it down to two potential locations, and my goal is to host weekly playtests in a structured but relaxed way. This won’t be a free-for-all—players will need to sign up in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly. Without proper sign-ups, this kind of playtesting just wouldn’t be feasible.

Beyond that, I’m considering a bigger step: bringing community playtest hosts into the project. These would be people I equip with the game, who could run local playtest sessions in their own areas. Think of it like an Old Mana Game ambassador program—people who are passionate about the game, who want to be part of its development, and who can help spread it further. If this works out, it could be a key step in building a real grassroots community.

I won’t rush it, though. Up until now, I’ve done everything myself, and while I know that at some point I’ll need to expand, I want to be careful about who I bring in. Building a strong, reliable team takes time, and I want to make sure I get it right.

Tabletop Simulator – Yes, But Not Yet

A digital version on Tabletop Simulator will definitely be coming—I’m certain about that. However, I haven’t yet had the time to properly set it up, and I want to make sure it’s done right.

First, I need to gather initial feedback in my native language through in-person playtesting. Seeing how people interact with the game firsthand is crucial for me before bringing it into a digital environment. Once I have a solid foundation, I’ll start working on the Tabletop Simulator version with the help of experienced players and developers.

By the time the Kickstarter campaign goes live, we’ll be launching the first digital playtests. I might also look for extra support from the Discord community to help with the setup and testing process. If you’re interested in contributing to that, make sure to join the discussion!

Discord – The Real Hub for the Community

While Instagram has been my main social platform, I’m now shifting more focus to Discord. Why? Because it’s simply the best place to actually build a community.

On Discord, I’ll be structuring events, discussions, and community-driven card development. Yes, you read that right—players will have the chance to influence the creation of new cards and help shape the game in a real way. This is something I’ll be pushing more on Instagram as well, so if you’re interested in actively contributing, make sure to join the Discord server.

Beyond that, Discord will also be where I organize voice chats, testing sessions, and deeper discussions about the game’s development. If you want to be part of Old Mana Game’s journey, that’s the place to be.

Card Rarities – Let’s Discuss!

One of the things I’ve been thinking about a lot recently is card rarities and special versions. Right now, I have a system in mind, but I’d love to get the community’s input before making any final decisions.

Here’s what I’m currently considering for Old Mana Game’s card variations:

Regular
Foil
Full-Art
Full-Art Foil
Alternate-Art
Alternate-Art Full-Art
Alternate-Art Full-Art Foil

On top of that, I’m also thinking about introducing super limited-edition cards, maybe numbered from 1 to 100 to make them truly rare.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts:

What kind of rarity system do you enjoy in TCGs?
Do you like the idea of numbered, limited-edition cards, or do you prefer more accessible rare prints?
Any cool ideas for additional variations that you’d love to see in Old Mana Game?

I’ve set up a discussion channel for this on Discord under #suggestions, so if you have ideas or opinions, I’d love for you to join the conversation there!

Social Media – The Good and The Bad

Old Mana Game has been growing fast online. We’re approaching 1,000 Instagram followers, with a weekly reach of around 100,000 people. That’s incredible for an indie game, and I’m beyond grateful for the support.

But with more exposure comes more criticism. The AI-generated art debate has been a major topic, and I’ve already addressed my stance in a separate blog post. Transparency is important to me, and I encourage anyone curious about my thoughts to go read that post. But let me be clear—I’m not going to keep defending myself over and over. If someone doesn’t like AI-assisted art, that’s totally fine. But I stand by my work, and I won’t waste energy engaging with people who are just here to argue.

The same goes for the comparisons to other games. Yes, Old Mana Game is influenced by existing TCGs. No, I didn’t reinvent the genre. But let’s be real—I’m not some massive company with a thousand developers. I’m one guy building a game out of passion, and I’m still in the early stages. The game isn’t even for sale yet, and everything is still evolving. The goal is to create something unique and immersive, and I’ll get there.

At this point, my stance is simple:

Constructive feedback? Absolutely welcome. If something can be improved, I want to hear it.
Mindless negativity? Take it somewhere else. I don’t have time for trolls, and I’m not interested in arguing with people who aren’t here in good faith.

One Step at a Time – Kickstarter in Q3?

Right now, everything is still a one-man project alongside my full-time job, so I have to pace myself. Looking at where things are now, a Kickstarter launch in Q3 of this year seems like a realistic goal. Maybe it’ll be sooner, maybe later, but I want to do this right, not rush it.

For now, the focus is on real-world playtesting, building the community, and refining the game. If you want to be part of this journey—whether through playtesting, discussions, or just following along—join the Discord, follow on Instagram, and stay tuned. Big things are coming. Let’s build this together.

Cheers,

INDI