Axon Arena
2019
Solo Creator / Game Designer / 2D Artist
Student Project
Axon Arena is a dueling card game inspired by traditional games like poker and war, with an added layer of strategy and thematic depth. Players assume the role of Lanistas (Gladiator Managers) who bid for champions and items in the Market Phase, then send their gladiators to battle in the Arena Phase, leveraging strategic bets, item cards, and bluffing mechanics. The game balances simplicity with depth, allowing for unique strategies and exciting moments of triumph or defeat. The project was developed as a solo capstone project during my final quarter at SCAD. Despite a demanding schedule, I delivered a functional prototype that was both engaging and memorable.
As the sole creator, I was responsible for every aspect of the project, from conceptualizing the game mechanics to designing and producing the assets. I balanced the roles of designer, producer, and artist, creating a polished, playable experience within the constraints of a three-month timeline.
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Game Design:
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Designed the core mechanics, blending elements of Texas Hold ‘Em, War, and Trading Card Games (TCGs) into a cohesive and unique system.
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Developed the dual-phase game loop: the Market Phase (bidding for gladiators and items) and the Arena Phase (strategic battles with bluffing and betting mechanics).
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Balanced gameplay to minimize RNG dependency while maintaining accessibility and depth.
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Introduced themed components, such as damage types, item cards, and coin betting, to enhance player immersion and strategic opportunities.
My Contributions
Production and Prototyping:
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Rapidly iterated on mechanics and balance through playtesting with an initial paper prototype.
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Produced a high quality finished product complete with cards, tokens, rulebook, and other necessities for two players.
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Managed tight deadlines while balancing coursework, producing a functional and visually appealing prototype by the end of the quarter.
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Organized playtests with classmates, analyzing feedback to refine mechanics and pacing.
Leadership and Dedication:
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Completed this solo project alongside my responsibilities as Project Lead on Enzo and additional coursework during my final college quarter.
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Maintained strong time management and problem-solving skills to meet aggressive deadlines and deliver a well-rounded prototype.
Art and Asset Creation:
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Designed and created all game assets, including gladiator cards, item cards, rulebook, a custom game board, thematic tokens, and game box ensuring a consistent visual identity.
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Focused on clear visual design to support quick understanding of mechanics and enhance accessibility.
Results:
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Delivered a polished, functional, and engaging game prototype within three months, receiving positive feedback for its innovative mechanics and thematic depth.
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Demonstrated creative leadership, versatility, and the ability to conceptualize and execute a project independently.
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Gained valuable experience balancing gameplay complexity, ensuring player accessibility, and managing production constraints.