Designing Flexible Spell Cards for My TCG (Spellpatch #3)

Описание: What if a spell card didn’t have to choose between being a permanent effect or an instant reaction? What if it could do both — on the same card, with the same cost?

In this video, I explore a major trend in modern TCG design: flexible, multi-mode spell cards. Games like Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, and Flesh & Blood are all shifting toward mechanics that give players more choices without adding more complexity.

I break down the design hurdles in creating these flexible effects, and how it influenced the creation of a brand-new card type in my own indie trading card game, Spellpatch.

Today I’m revealing Invocations — a dual-mode spell system that lets players choose between a permanent field effect or an instant-speed Invoke ability. I also show the full design process behind the first Invocation card, Pollenguard, including sketches, 3D modelling, and paintover footage.

If you’re interested in TCG design, indie card game development, or just love seeing how new mechanics come to life, I hope you enjoy this deeper look behind the scenes.


⏱️ Chapters
0:00 - 0:54 - Intro
0:54 - 1:55 - The Problem I Wanted to Solve
1:55 - 2:39 - The Initial Idea Phase
2:39 - 3:15 - How Invocations Work
3:15 - 4:04 - The Design Challenges
4:04 - 5:39 - First Invocation Reveal
5:39 - 6:56 - Art Process and Outro


🔮 What is Spellpatch?

Spellpatch is a cozy, whimsical TCG where players take on the roles of rival witches and wizards cultivating magical gardens using familiars, seasonal magic, and powerful invocations. I’m building the entire game from scratch — art, design, mechanics, worldbuilding — and sharing the journey through these devlogs.


Music:
🎵Fool Parsley & Camel Club – Back and Forth