Interview with Raphael Parr of Kissaki Studios on Mindbug at Gamescom 2024
At Gamescom 2024, I had the opportunity to sit down with Raphael Parr, producer at Kissaki Studios, the team behind the digital adaptation of the innovative card game “Mindbug.” Originally designed as a physical card game by Raphael’s brother, Marvin Hegen, and co-designed with Richard Garfield, the creator of “Magic: The Gathering,” “Mindbug” quickly gained popularity following its release in 2021. This success led Kissaki Studios to take on the challenge of developing and publishing a digital version, aiming to preserve the strategic depth and simplicity that made the original so appealing.
“Mindbug” offers a unique card game experience, focusing on strategy over deck-building. Both players draw from a shared deck, reducing the entry barrier while offering a deep and engaging gameplay experience. The digital version called Mindbug Online is set for release on November 13th, 2024, on Steam, iOS, and Android. Here’s our interview with Raphael Parr, where we dive into the game’s mechanics, design choices, and the transition from physical to digital.
What inspired the creation of “Mindbug,” and how did it transition from a physical card game to a digital one?
The inspiration for “Mindbug” came from my brother, Marvin Hegen, who designed the original physical card game released in 2021. It was developed during the post-COVID period and quickly found success. Marvin worked with Richard Garfield on the game design, which really helped in shaping its unique mechanics. Seeing the game’s potential, we at Kissaki Studios decided to bring it to the digital realm. We assembled a team with a background in game development and marketing to ensure the transition maintained the essence of what made the physical game so special.
What role did Richard Garfield play in the development of the game?
Richard Garfield was involved in the initial design of the physical card game. His experience and expertise were crucial in developing the core mechanics and gameplay. For the digital version, his direct involvement is less, as we’re building upon the established mechanics of the physical game. However, he continues to contribute to new expansions alongside Marvin, keeping the game fresh with new cards and mechanics.
How does “Mindbug” differ from traditional trading card games?
“Mindbug” takes a different approach compared to traditional trading card games. It’s not about building your own deck; instead, you buy a box of cards, like the “First Contact” box containing 52 cards, and both players draw from the same deck. This shared deck concept eliminates the complexity of deck-building and ensures that every game is unique since only 20 cards are used in each match. With expansions, players can mix and match cards, but the gameplay remains focused on strategy and decision-making.
How does gameplay work when you meet up with friends to play?
When playing with friends, you only need one set of cards. You shuffle the deck, and each player draws 5 cards to their hand and 5 to form their deck. This approach is about simplicity and accessibility, allowing players to jump into the game without the need for elaborate setup or deck-building. It keeps the focus on the strategic elements of the game.
How do you decide which cards go into the deck if there are more cards than needed?
Most players stick to the base set and don’t mix cards too much, which keeps things straightforward. Since only 20 cards are in play at any time, the game remains fresh and diverse. In the digital version, we’ve implemented short seasons, typically lasting four weeks, where we rotate cards in and out of play. This rotation ensures players always have to adapt to new strategies, keeping the gameplay dynamic.
Can you tell us about the mechanics and design of the digital version?
In developing the digital version, we aimed to retain the feel of the physical game while enhancing it with visual elements. The core gameplay mechanics remain the same, but we’ve added cosmetic features like alternate artworks, chroma skins, and shiny effects to give it a unique digital touch. Additionally, we’ve included an AI mode, which allows players to practice and enjoy the game solo.
How does the AI work in the digital version?
The digital version features an AI Arena, where players can compete against AIs of varying difficulties. You start against weaker AIs, i call it a toaster, and as you win, you progress to stronger opponents. Our best AI is challenging even for experienced players, designed to provide a stimulating experience. It doesn’t cheat; instead, it’s programmed to mimic human decision-making, making it a formidable opponent.
What makes “Mindbug” unique compared to other card games in terms of gameplay mechanics?
The uniqueness of “Mindbug” lies in its mind bug mechanic. Each player has two mind bugs they can use to steal a card that their opponent plays. This mechanic adds a significant layer of strategy and decision-making to the game. The timing and choice of when to use your mind bugs can be game-changing, making each match feel unique and adding to the game’s strategic depth.
How does the mind bug mechanic affect the balance of the game?
The mind bug mechanic allows us to introduce powerful cards without breaking the game. It creates a natural balance because even if you have a strong card, your opponent has the option to steal it with a mind bug. This forces players to think carefully about their strategy and how they use their mind bugs, as using them too early could leave you vulnerable later in the game. As an example – creating a bait moves to lure opponent’s mindbug.
Is “Mindbug” designed primarily for one-on-one play, or are there other modes?
“Mindbug” is primarily a one-on-one game, which is where the strategic depth really shines. However, we’re developing a 2v2 mode for the physical card game to offer more variety in gameplay. In the digital version, you can play against another player or an AI. We’re always exploring new modes to keep the game engaging, but the core focus remains on one-on-one matches.
Can you elaborate on how matches play out and the game’s basic rules?
Each player starts with 5 cards in their hand and 5 cards in their deck. On each turn, you have one action: either play a card or attack with one of your cards. The mind bugs add a twist to the gameplay. When your opponent plays a card, you have the choice to use a mind bug to steal it. This creates a constant tension and forces players to weigh their options carefully, making each game unique.
In terms of duration, How long does a typical game of “Mindbug” last, and what factors influence the game’s length?
A typical game of “Mindbug” takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The duration can vary depending on how players use their mind bugs and the strategies they employ. Since you only have two mind bugs, you have to decide the right moments to use them, which can significantly influence the pace and outcome of the game.
How does the game ensure replayability and strategic depth?
The shared deck and the mind bug mechanic provide a lot of replayability and strategic depth. Since you’re drawing from a shared deck, each game feels different, and the mind bugs introduce a layer of strategic decision-making. In Online version, we also keep the game fresh by rotating cards every four weeks in the digital version, encouraging players to adapt to new strategies. The competitive scene, with tournaments and a World Championship, adds another layer of replayability and skill-based play.
Sorry, have to ask this as monetization aspect often worries people, Is there a pay-to-win aspect in “Mindbug,” especially in the digital version?
No problem! No, “Mindbug” is strictly against pay-to-win mechanics. We decided early on that we wouldn’t include loot boxes or any form of gambling.
“We wanted to create a fair playing field where the outcome is determined by skill rather than how much money you spend“
While players can purchase cosmetic items like avatars and card animations, these do not impact gameplay. We wanted to create a fair playing field where the outcome is determined by skill rather than how much money you spend.
Can you tell us more about the competitive scene for “Mindbug”?
We’ve been developing a competitive scene for “Mindbug” over the past year, hosting physical tournaments around the world and culminating in a World Championship. We had 64 participants battling it out, which was streamed on Twitch. This competitive aspect showcases the depth and strategic elements of “Mindbug,” and we’re looking to expand this scene even further in the future.
How does the digital version handle matchmaking and progression?
We’ve implemented a ranking system and matchmaking in the digital version to ensure fair and balanced matches. There’s also a season pass system, where players complete daily quests given by their chosen mind bug master. Progressing through the season pass unlocks various rewards like avatars, emojis, and tournament tickets. We aimed to create a progression system that feels rewarding without giving players an unfair advantage.
Are there any future expansions or updates planned for “Mindbug”?
Yes, we’re committed to keeping “Mindbug” evolving with two new expansions each year, designed by Marvin Hegen and Richard Garfield. These expansions introduce new cards and mechanics, keeping the game fresh and exciting. In the digital version, we also plan to introduce short seasons and card rotations, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.
What’s next for “Mindbug” after the digital release?
After the digital release on November 13th, we plan to focus on expanding the game’s community and content. We’ll continue to host tournaments, roll out new expansions, and listen to player feedback to refine and improve the game. Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaging experience that appeals to both casual and competitive players.
Final Thoughts
“Mindbug” looks as a refreshing take on the card game genre, with its shared deck mechanic, reminiscent of games like UNO, and the strategic depth introduced by the mindbug system. The game’s blend of simplicity and complexity makes it accessible to newcomers while offering a rich experience for seasoned players. It’s a prime example of how a unique idea can evolve into a fantastic project, succeeding in both physical and digital forms.
The game perfect for on-the-go play. Its straightforward rules and clear card mechanics make it an excellent choice for trips, whether you’re on a bus or a plane. With the ability to play with friends or even complete strangers, “Mindbug” is poised to become a solid option for card game enthusiasts everywhere. As it prepares for its digital launch, it’s set to make a significant impact in the card game community, bridging the gap between traditional tabletop gaming and modern digital experiences.
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