Agenda

People always ask, "How do you power balance thousands of cards in a Trading Card Game?" It seems like an impossibly daunting task. In this session, you will learn how the best in the business do it, and why your game is actually easier to balance the more cards it has. Learn why algorithmic balance, the most common thing people try first, fails. Instead try comparative power sorting; a fairly simple but powerful technique that leverages some cards in your game to help balance others. Moreso, this technique works for any game that has lots of game objects with complex abilities that need balance, but can't achieve it algorithmically.

Takeaway

Learn how to use comparative power sorting to power balance trading card games. Learn about how to create a vanilla curve to get you started. Learn why algorithmic balancing always breaks. Learn some techniques around avoiding dangerous card designs. Learn how to manage and avoid power creep. Plus, get some guided practice costing cards within the session.

Intended Audience

This is for individuals with some trading card game knowledge. This is probably best suited for those who are working on a TCG or aspire to one day. Also, if you have made a TCG and found it had balance issues, this talk will give you the tools to avoid those pitfalls next time.