Meet the Community #21 : JessIka

In 2021-2022, I saw an announcement from Equinox about a new TCG in development, for which they were seeking testers. Since I had just started a new course in Game Sciences and was interested in finding work in board games, I thought it would be fascinating to get an "inside look" at what the creation and evolution of a TCG are like. So, I signed up and participated in my first playtest in February 2022! And I kept going!

One of the most memorable moments for me was visiting Equinox’s office, which was decorated with the game’s stunning illustrations. I remember being impressed by the care taken to ensure inclusivity in the character artwork. What instantly attracted me to Altered (beyond the art) was its accessibility and the fun I get from tweaking a deck to make amusing moves. Each faction has its own defined character, so there’s something for everyone.

Now, after a little over two years, I’ve seen Altered evolve and finally reach store shelves. It's quite an amazing feeling!

Apart from getting a few friends hooked, I’m not very active in the community. When you’re a playtester, it’s not always easy to engage in other ways. And I’ll admit, I really enjoy watching what happens behind the scenes: I still love tinkering with decks to see what excites me the most in terms of mechanics, etc.

Early on in the playtests, I was asked to choose a favorite faction, and I naturally gravitated toward Muna. I think it’s a faction that aligns well with the way I most enjoy playing Altered: using boosts and anchors! Plus, from “behind the scenes,” I can regularly see how the game is evolving, and this faction continues to suit me perfectly (also, who can resist the charm of the Sneeze Mushroom?) It’s hard to pick a single favorite card, but I have to say that Mana Harvest has saved me from some catastrophic situations, so it deserves a shout-out just for that. I also really like Yong-Su, Verdant Weaver. I’m not sure why, but it’s a card that left a big impression on me during the playtests: it changed a few times, and each time, I felt compelled to include it in a deck to see what it could do!

I’m incredibly excited to see how Altered continues to evolve and grow in the TCG and board game world. I’m also really looking forward to seeing how the upcoming content will be received by players (and I can’t wait to talk about it!) because it’s going to be awesome! (Can I say that? Is it too biased? It’s very, very objective!)