Date of Award

10-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Game Design

Department

Game Design

First Advisor

Chris Garbett

Second Advisor

Neill Ochiogrosso

Third Advisor

Chris Yi

Abstract

This project investigates how design transparency and player interaction mechanics can enhance emotional connection and strategic depth in competitive digital card game environments. Draft Card Battler transforms traditional sequential turn-based Trading Card Game (TCG) gameplay into a structured round-based system featuring asymmetric card-play patterns (1-2-2-1) and simultaneous combat resolution. Beginning with a physical card game prototype, the project evolved through iterative design and digital implementation, informed by research in social capital theory and player psychology. Through reflective playtesting and technical development, this study explores whether visibility, pacing, and commitment mechanics foster trust, fairness, and cooperation alongside competitive tension. The implementation demonstrates that hybrid mechanical systems—combining turn-based planning with simultaneous action resolution—can increase strategic complexity while maintaining technical feasibility. Findings indicate that open systems encouraging prediction and counter-play can reframe competition as shared discovery rather than pure opposition. This project extends research in digital game design, social interaction in competitive spaces, and ethical game development by demonstrating how mechanical transparency and structured asymmetry serve as tools for empathy and community building in player-versus-player environments.

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Game Design Commons

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