Game Pillars

Game pillars are a short and quick way to communicate big ideas about what we want from the game. They get across the big ideas of what the game is and isn’t quickly and easily. We actively use these while working on the game itself, and we think that sharing them with you can give you a good idea of what Music Mania is.

Before you play: Groovy Pop Art

We’re going for a vibrant game that uses music as a thematic backdrop for the core trading card game. a colorful, very stylized version of the real world that evokes images of old comic books, modern pop art, and retro vibes all at the same time. Everything should feel like it brings to life that colorful style, that really pops with life.

While you play: Quick & Snappy

The game is a trading card game at its core, and should be familiar. But those of you know the space, don’t expect 30+ minute long games with hundreds of decisions to make. We want a quick and snappy experience. Single games won’t take over 10 minutes, with an average of 5 minutes. Hitting the ‘next match’ button feels like a privilege rather than a chore.

While you play: Simple, Meaningful Choice

Just because there are fewer decisions to make doesn’t every battle is a solved problem. Every choice in a given band battle will have a much larger impact on the overall outcome. We’re carefully balancing individual skill cards, stats, and the game overall to make each choice feel like it has the appropriate weight.

After you play: Experimentation & Improvement

When we say after you play we are thinking both after you exit out of the game, as well as when you just finish a battle and are considering if you want to hit play again or not. We want our game to be where you can theory craft, deck build, and steadily level up as much as you want. That drive to try out a different combination, or make improvements to a formula that’s working for you is the kind of experience we want to create.