The Shadow Games - Alpha Access

The Shadow Games: A Tale of Crafting, Betrayal, and Survival

The Story

Crafting The Shadow Games

The Shadow Games began as a passion project inspired by my love for dungeon crawlers and collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering. I wanted to merge the immersive exploration of dungeons with the intricate strategy of card games. The result is a dynamic and unpredictable world where you, as a spellcaster, must craft your spellbook, survive in a shifting dungeon, and decide who to trust—and who to betray. This game isn't just about surviving; it's about outsmarting others in a world that constantly adapts, filled with the high-stakes action of dungeon looting and extraction shooters. But the dungeon you enter is not just a maze; it is alive, shifting in response to your every action. With each decision you make, you’ll need to balance power, trust, and cunning in a game that changes every time you play.

After months of development, the core mechanics are in place, including a spellbook crafting system, dynamic dungeon environments, and tense PvP/PvE interactions. However, there's still much to be done to perfect the gameplay, expand the world, and create a fully immersive experience. That’s where your support comes in—help us refine the experience and ensure that The Shadow Games becomes an unforgettable journey through a world where every choice matters.

World Mechanics

The Ever-Changing Dungeon

The dungeon in The Shadow Games is as alive as the players who dare to enter it. Procedurally generated, it’s a constantly shifting entity, reacting to the choices and actions of the spellcasters within. Every 12 hours, the dungeon resets, bringing new challenges and surprises. No two runs are ever the same—one moment, a safe area could turn into a deadly trap, and the next, a place filled with treasures could become a battleground for survival. The dungeon evolves based on your actions, forcing you to adapt, learn, and overcome.

With up to 16 players, you’re not just battling NPCs and monsters; you’re navigating a world full of alliances and betrayals. Trust is fragile, and every choice could mean the difference between life and death. Do you collaborate with other players to defeat a powerful boss, or do you betray them for the loot? Each dungeon run is a gamble, where every decision shapes your survival and ultimate escape.

Spellbook Mechanics

Crafting Your Magical Arsenal

In The Shadow Games, your spellbook is more than just a tool—it is both your greatest ally and your most dangerous adversary. Before each dungeon run, you craft your spellbook by selecting spells that reflect your playstyle—whether offensive, defensive, or utility. Each spell is a key to your survival, but be warned: some spells are soulbound, meaning they stay with you forever, while others are non-soulbound, and can be stolen by other players, turning your own magic against you.

The crafting system allows you to shape your destiny with each spell you choose, and as you progress, the dungeon whispers its secrets, revealing hidden spell combinations that can create even more powerful magic. But be careful—what you craft may not just serve you. The dungeon and your spellbook both have agendas of their own. The deeper you go, the more you’ll learn that this book has a dark history, one that could be leading you into traps, rather than toward salvation.

The Dynamic Spellcasting System 

When you cast a spell in The Shadow Games, it doesn't simply disappear. Instead, it falls to the ground, leaving behind a magical essence that other players can interact with. These fallen spells become a potential game-changer, as players can use or steal them to gain an edge. However, the nature of each spell determines whether it can be used by others or if it’s bound to its original caster. 

• Soulbound Spells: Some spells are soulbound, meaning if you manage to escape the dungeon alive with them in your possession, they’ll be returned to you, allowing you to use them again in future matches. These spells are your trusted companions—powerful, persistent, and reliable. However, they come at a cost. If another player manages to collect and reanimate a soulbound spell, it will transfer with them, becoming part of their arsenal. 
• Non-Soulbound Spells: Other spells are single-use, once cast, they fall to the ground and cannot be retrieved by the original player. These spells can be picked up by anyone, allowing for a more chaotic and strategic environment. Will you risk casting powerful spells, knowing they could be stolen by an opponent? Or will you hoard them, using them only when the time is right? 

Spell Interactions and Reanimation 

The magic in The Shadow Games is full of surprises. Players can interact with the spells dropped by others, especially the soulbound spells. If a soulbound spell is reanimated by another player, it becomes part of their spellbook—potentially giving them access to powerful abilities that they did not originally have. This dynamic creates a tense and ever-shifting battlefield, where every spell cast could lead to a strategic advantage—or a devastating loss if an enemy reanimates your precious soulbound spells.

The Dark Lore

A Dangerous Dungeon and a Distrustful Spellbook 

The Shadow Games is not just a dungeon crawl—it’s a test of trust, power, and survival. The deeper you venture, the more you realize that your spellbook, though an essential tool, may not be on your side. Once a powerful tome created by an ancient order of wizards, it has since become cursed, developing a sentience that manipulates its wielders. Whispers from its pages lead you deeper into danger, and you begin to wonder: is the book guiding you toward escape, or is it pulling you into the dungeon's dark embrace?

Adding to the intrigue is the Wizard Hat, an ancient magical relic that amplifies your powers but comes at a price. Once an ally of the spellbook, the hat now serves as a constant reminder of a bitter rivalry between the two. With the hat on your head, you gain greater abilities, but you also draw the attention of the dungeon’s most dangerous forces. Will you embrace this power, or will it be your undoing?

Matchmaking

A Game of Betrayal and Strategy

The matchmaking system in The Shadow Games creates a dynamic, ever-shifting environment where alliances and rivalries are constantly in flux. With 12-16 players in each dungeon, you must navigate a landscape filled with both NPC threats and other players, each with their own goals and motives. Trust is fleeting, and every encounter is a gamble. Will you join forces with others to take down a boss, or will you turn on them for their loot? The choice is yours, but one bad decision could cost you everything.

What Makes The Shadow Games Unique? 

At the heart of The Shadow Games is the tension between trust and betrayal. You’ll need to carefully craft your spellbook before every run, balancing offense, defense, and utility spells to maximize your chances of survival. But the deeper you go, the more you’ll realize: can you trust the magic you wield, or is it leading you into a trap? 

Unlike other dungeon crawlers, The Shadow Games focuses on the extraction shooter experience—survive, loot, and escape, all while dealing with other players and the unpredictable dangers of the dungeon. The dynamic PvP and PvE elements keep you on edge, and the loot you acquire can make or break your next run. The tension is real, and one bad decision could cost you everything.

Enter the World of Magic and Strategy in this exciting online PvP game, every page of your spellbook opens new possibilities. As a spellcaster, you'll face off against rival mages in strategic duels, take on powerful bosses, and level up your character as you collect powerful spells and loot.

Inspired by the strategic depth of classic card games, this fast-paced multiplayer game combines tactical spellcasting with intense PvP action. Will you outsmart your opponents, survive epic boss encounters, and claim the title of ultimate spellcaster?

Features:

• Online PvP Battles: Prove your magical prowess in strategic player-versus-player duels.
• Epic Boss Fights: Team up or go solo to challenge powerful bosses guarding valuable treasures.
• Loot and Leveling: Unlock new spells, gear, and upgrades as you progress through levels and challenges.
• Customizable Spellbook: Build and optimize your spell arsenal to suit your preferred playstyle.
• Dynamic Gameplay: Seamlessly blend strategy, skill, and timing in every encounter.

Prepare your spellbook and step into a world of magical competition—every page turned brings you closer to victory!

Under Development—Expect Changes! Our game is currently in active development, and a lot of what you see is subject to change as we continue to refine and perfect the experience. We're dedicated to creating the best possible game and greatly value the feedback of our community.

We invite you to join the discussion on itch.io and share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas. Your feedback is a vital part of our process, and we can’t wait to hear how you think we can make this magical adventure even better!

Join Our Team of Magic Makers! Are you a talented 3D artist, sound designer, or promotional genius? We’re looking for passionate creators to help bring this spellbinding world to life.

• 3D Artists: Help craft the vibrant, magical environments and spell effects that make our game visually stunning.
• Sound Designers: Enchant players with immersive audio—from epic spell soundscapes to unforgettable music.
• Promotional Geniuses: Help spread the word and build excitement for the game’s launch.

This is your chance to work on an innovative, online PvP game inspired by the strategy and creativity of legendary card games. Join us in creating a magical experience players will never forget!

Interested? Contact us to learn more about how you can be part of our team!