When a new collectible card game (CCG) emerges, it’s not just about the mechanics or the art it’s about the vision, the passion, and the journey of the people behind it. I had the privilege of interview the team behind Gear Slayer CCG, a free to play multiplayer card game set in the vibrant world of Aurellia. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the creative process, the hurdles they overcame, and the unique features that set Gear Slayer apart.
Meeting the Team: The Faces Behind Gear Slayer
I started by asking the team to introduce themselves and share a bit about their roles. Rocco Scavetta, the CEO and Co-Founder, leads the vision and direction of the project. Guillaume Senou, CTO and Co-Founder, is the technical mastermind. The visual flair comes from “PORKO,” the Lead Artist, and “CHROMNN,” the 3D Asset Artist. The game’s atmosphere is brought to life by Pietro Frigerio, the Music Composer & SFX Engineer, while Xin Tian, the VFX Artist, adds that extra layer of polish. Capturing the game’s moments is Ryan Molina (“Molinium”), the Videographer. It’s a diverse and passionate team, each member bringing their own expertise and love for gaming to the table.
Rocco shared, “I spent a year interviewing and vetting individuals to ensure the right people were brought on board to build something epic. Luckily, I was able to meet incredible individuals through the most unconventional means to form the team we currently have. My CTO and I met on Discord after months of interviewing people, and we had an instant connection. He also had an enormous passion to build a video game as his childhood dream so I knew he was the right person to be my Co-Founder and business partner.”
The Story Behind Gear Slayer: Dreams, Passion, and Pop Culture
The concept of Gear Slayer was born in late 2020, but its roots go much deeper. Rocco explained, “A lot of the early stage was fleshing out the game mechanics, art style direction, and overall essence of what I wanted Gear Slayer to be.” For Rocco, who owns and operates a tech agency, this was his first foray into game development, but his childhood passion for gaming drove him forward.
The team’s vision extends beyond just a card game. “With our vision of building a pop culture IP around Gear Slayer and not just a card game the potential is limitless, and that is what excites us most,” Rocco said. This ambition is evident in every aspect of the project, from the lore rich world of Aurellia to the unique anime inspired aesthetic.
Overcoming Challenges: Mechanics, Art, and World-Building
No creative journey is without its obstacles. The team faced several key challenges, starting with the core gameplay. “How can we make our card game unique from others without creating jarring mechanics that don’t feel good to play and overcomplicate the gameplay?” Rocco explained. The goal was to make Gear Slayer easy to pick up, but with a high skill ceiling for mastery a delicate balance that many CCGs struggle to achieve.
Art direction was another major hurdle. The team wanted an anime card game but didn’t want to simply mimic existing styles. After much deliberation, they settled on a distinctive look that’s uniquely Gear Slayer. World building was perhaps the most complex challenge. “Given how important considering flora, fauna, ecosystems and their relationships to the countries and characters there was so much to consider and map out,” Rocco said. Every card touches on the lore, making the story an integral part of the gameplay.
The user interface also received special attention. Inspired by manga, the UI features panels, containerization, and even booster packs designed as manga books. “Before landing on this, we were really stuck on how to best represent the game without copying another game’s UI design or creating something bland and linear,” Rocco added.
The Game Itself: Welcome to Aurellia
Gear Slayer is set in the world of Aurellia in the year 20XX. Players build decks from a diverse pool of cards, combining unique mechanics and elemental powers to outwit their opponents. The game offers both casual and ranked modes, catering to players who want to test their skills competitively or just enjoy a more relaxed experience.
The gameplay is designed to be accessible yet deep. Whether you’re a seasoned CCG veteran or a newcomer, Gear Slayer invites you to find your play style, master the elements, and devise strategies to keep the flow of battle in your favor. The anime inspired art and immersive lore make every match feel like a step into a living, breathing world.
Bringing Characters to Life: Voice Acting and Community
One of the most exciting aspects of Gear Slayer is the team’s commitment to character and community. As big fans of anime cut in animations, the developers knew that voice acting was essential to bring their characters to life. They collaborated with Jamil Burger from Closing Credits and assembled a talented cast of voice actors who are not only passionate about their roles but also eager to support the game at events.
This dedication to community building extends beyond the game itself. The team’s vision is to create a pop culture phenomenon, and they are actively involving their voice actors and fans in the journey. It’s clear that Gear Slayer is more than just a game it’s a shared passion project.
The Developer’s Perspective: Lessons Learned and the Love of Gaming
Rocco reflected on the journey, “As someone who has worked in tech and never built a game in the past I can definitely say with confidence that building a game requires an enormous amount of dedication, thought, planning, and love for the craft. It makes me appreciate other games I play that much more.” His love for gaming, shaped by years of playing and watching the industry evolve, is the foundation upon which Gear Slayer is built.
My Personal Experience: A Card Game Fan’s Perspective
As someone who grew up surrounded by card games, collecting cards from various series and genres, I knew I had to check out Gear Slayer CCG. From the moment I launched the game, I was drawn in by the energetic and captivating music it made me want to stay and explore more.
While there wasn’t a tutorial in the version I played (something I’m sure will be added at launch), my experience with the genre helped me get started quickly. The game opens by letting you choose to keep or swap four cards from your deck, which is a refreshing mechanic that gives you a chance to optimize your opening hand. This small feature immediately set Gear Slayer apart and put me in a stronger position for my first turn.
I took time to appreciate the character designs, and it’s clear that a lot of effort went into creating unique, non generic art. As someone familiar with the world of card games, I could see the creators’ genuine love for the genre in every detail. As I played, I discovered a wide range of options for enhancing characters through power up cards, and the variety of character types allows for multiple playstyles. This diversity keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
The taste I got from Gear Slayer left me wanting more. I’m eager to play additional stages, and as a collector, I hope to see physical prints of these beautifully designed cards in the future. The experience made me excited for what’s to come and confident in recommending the game to others.
Final Thoughts and How to Support Gear Slayer
Gear Slayer CCG is more than just another card game it’s a labor of love, a testament to teamwork and creativity, and a promising new entry in the world of CCGs. The team’s dedication to world building, unique mechanics, and community engagement shines through in every aspect of the game. If you’re a fan of card games, anime, or simply looking for a fresh multiplayer experience, Gear Slayer is definitely worth your attention.
I wholeheartedly recommend supporting Gear Slayer on Kickstarter. Join me and the growing community as we look forward to the official launch and the next chapter in Aurellia’s story.
Support Gear Slayer CCG on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hybridtheorygames/gear-slayer-tcg