Riftbound is taking a fresh approach with its inaugural State of the Game report. This year, we’re sharing insights in text form, and we may switch to video in the future. Our aim is to have open discussions about the game, answer your questions, and share exciting updates.
To kick things off, we chatted with Chengran Chai, the Executive Producer, and Dave Guskin, the Game Director. They shared their vision for Riftbound and how they plan to keep improving it based on your feedback.
Chengran emphasized that the Riftbound team is made up of dedicated card game players. Their goal is to blend both social and strategic experiences into the game. Dave added that they want to appeal to everyone, whether you’re a competitive player or someone who enjoys casual play with friends.
When discussing what’s working well, Dave noted that both sets released—Origins and Spiritforged—have sparked creativity among players in both competitive and casual settings. It’s been heartening to see communities form around local game stores and high-level play events.
But they recognize there’s more to be done. Chengran mentioned they’re working on increasing card availability and enhancing the event registration process. Meanwhile, Dave is looking at this as an opportunity to expand gameplay options, like introducing multiplayer formats and drafting experiences.
Questions from the Community
We received many questions from players on social media, and we’re addressing some of the most common themes.
Set Excitement:
Chengran is thrilled about future sets, especially the upcoming set 3, Unleashed, and set 5, Radiance. There are surprises in store, particularly regarding new content and card designs that will excite the community.
Metagame Balance:
Regarding concerns around the metagame being “solved” quickly, Dave believes it’s normal for players to discover strong decks fast. He hopes players continue to explore and innovate. The recent rise of certain characters, like Draven, will inspire strategies that can counterbalance them.
Banning Cards:
If a deck becomes overwhelmingly dominant, Dave explained they have metrics to consider before making any changes. These include player sentiment, event attendance, and the prevalence of game-breaking combos. Their approach is cautious; they prefer to intervene only when necessary, ensuring a healthy competitive scene.
Simplifying Gameplay:
Dave addressed the complexity of TCGs. To help newcomers, they’re focusing on reusing familiar mechanics and creating approachable starter decks. These strategies aim to make it easier for new players to get into the game.
Language Support:
Chengran shared that they’re excited to add more languages, including Traditional Chinese, to better serve expanding communities. This process requires careful planning to ensure robust distribution and local support.
Art and Aesthetics:
Players can expect more original art in future releases. Chengran assured fans that they’re ramping up new designs, emphasizing Riftbound’s unique artistic identity.
Multiplayer Formats:
Dave expressed excitement about developing products and formats that cater to multiplayer gameplay. They aim to make Riftbound enjoyable for group play.
Event Participation:
Dave responded to concerns about limited spots for Regional Qualifiers. While they understand the desire for uncapped events, they’re also mindful of maintaining a smooth experience with adequate judging staff.
Standing Out as a TCG:
Chengran noted that the TCG landscape is crowded, but Riot’s established brand and dedication to competitive elements help them stand out. They are keen on incorporating feedback to ensure players feel valued.
Future Products:
Plans are in place for reprints of introductory products like Proving Grounds. The goal is to offer engaging learning experiences while avoiding mechanically unique cards that complicate the learning process.
As the Riftbound community grows, the team remains committed to evolving the game and serving its players. They’re excited to see what you’ll discover and create in this ever-expanding universe.
For more updates, you can find more details in recent articles from trusted sources or community discussions online. Your input continues to shape Riftbound into a game that truly resonates with its players.
