Is Asmodee really working on a new Algorithm for Keyforge? That is the question I have been pondering.
Only Asmodee themselves are actually qualified to answer this question; while all I can manage to do is plain conjecture. So that’s what I will be doing. Asmodee themselves already stated they are working on rebuilding the Algorithm from scratch. But now that they are switching hands from PAI Partners to Embracer things could change. There are many scenarios of what could happen to the concept an technology due to the ownsership change and as I love to speculate, that is exactly what I will do 🙂
Option 1: Nothing changes
Actually, the least likely option in my opinion, but it could happen that Asmodee will continue working on building a new algorithm and start churning out new Keyforge expansions as soon as possible.
Option 2: It gets scratched
Option 2: It gets scratchedAlso, a highly unlikely scenario if you ask me, but it could just happen that Embracer decides that rebuilding the algorithm for a paper cardgame is just not core-business for them and scratch the project.
Option 3: Go digital
Since digital gaming is actually core-business for Embracer it could be that they will actually convert Keyforge to a digital card-battler game the likes of Magic: Arena and Hearthstone. Online cardgames are still a growing market and why wouldn’t they want to try and get a share of that market? The randomization algorithm can be adapted for online play quite easily I guess and the IP is unique enough to set it apart from the competition. Also many, many players have been begging for an online client for ages now.
Option 4: Go wide
Option 4: Go wideTogether with option 3 this is one of the most likely scenarios to happen to Keyforge, especially since FFG already gave it a go with Discover: Lands Unknow. They will adapt the Unique Deck Algorithm to accommodate other games. Maybe they will use it to launch a new licensed Star Wars game, something based on Legend of the 5 rings, or even Terrinoth based. Who knows. But I wouldn’t be surprised to hear an announcement of a new unique game quite soon after they restored the Keyforge algorithm.
Conclusion
It is my belief they will actually go for Option 4. There’s so much potential in a Unique Deck system that FFG just has not explored yet. Also it is quite a unique concept in itself. Meanwhile new competitors are entering the unique card game market with Sol Forge Fusion leading the way, which had quite a successful Kickstarter launch, also has Richard Garfield involved and is combining the tech with a Smash-Up like mechanic where you mash up 2 decks of randomly created cards together.
I do not believe Keyforge will experience a Martyr’s Death just yet, there’s just too much potential for staying alive here.
