Background Info
My team was required to create an 18-card wallet game. Our goal was to create a refined game that can be learned and played without guidance from developers, and to produce a rulebook that not only provides clear instructions but also effectively teaches players how to engage with the game.
My contributions included creating game design, systems design, character design, concept art, card design, illustration, level design, mission design, narrative design.
Create a "Wallet" game that uses trading as its core mechanic, with a Norse theming! We wanted players to expend resources as their core action. This led to placing cards on a board to give items they need. Players will have to think how to play their cards, consider which God cards to use and when, and think about where to expend their resources. This game should make players feel accomplished, smart, racing the opponent, and pressed but not frustrated.
At the beginning of creating a card game, we wanted to focus on the core loop and not branch out from it; this ended up being to draw, place, and exchange. The players’ decisions would include random chance, buffs, and resource management. When introducing the game, play testers really enjoyed the resource management, as the motivation for the game is to craft pieces and offer items to the gods.
When creating the designs for the four gods, I wanted to make them look distinct from one another while showcasing their characters as much as possible. This made me focus on their silhouettes and colours; Heimdall is built sturdy as he is the front line of any battle, Loki would have a slimmer body as he is not known for fighting but being a trickster. This later developed into smaller details that correlate to God’s specific lore.
These are the official illustrations used for the cards. All the gods are depicted in black and white to indicate that they are just statues. This was intended to remind players that offering an item to a specific shrine would grant a wish from that God. As you only see them from the waist up, I thought it was important to embody their personalities through their poses. Freyja treats her sword like a close friend, Heimdall is reaching for his horn as he is ready for foreseeable danger, Hel has her hands on her chest to show compassion and sincerity, and Loki has his hand over his heart like making a promise, but with a mischievous grin.
