To be real with you, I didn't expect Dreadline Express to be accepted into the Deckbuilder Fest. After all, it's not your typical deckbuilder; these cards are narrative tools – memories that you can physically use. But here we are, the odd game out.
To celebrate this opportunity, I would like to give you a sneak peek at the card creation process with this behind-the-scenes time-lapse video:
The author of all those pretty illustrations is a talented artist who approached me after one of my talks in a nearby city and asked if I was looking for help with the game (after seeing my horrible placeholder images).
His name is Kryštof Kolář, and it's only fair to link his portfolio here:
Each card usually begins with a brief description from me that is typically blurry and full of contradictions.
Something like this:
Hehe. You know, it's kind of like something a kid would do. Like when a kid won't let you into their room and says, "Say the password." I guess there should be an unbreakable locked door in there.
Kryštof then prepares a few drafts, which we discuss in an attempt to select the most surreal and crazy idea that meets the requirements. This process can sometimes take several iterations.
I think the process works, and that the style fits the game's atmosphere perfectly. What do you think?
My only regret is that I can't show you some of my favourite cards without spoiling the game. But it won't be long before you can try it out!
- David