Spells of Genesis, the pioneering blockchain-based card game, is undergoing a transformative update that promises to redefine player engagement and card utility. The developers have revealed plans to roll out a player evolution system, a comprehensive spell system, and a map-based level progression that replaces the traditional chapter structure. These changes aim to deepen gameplay, enhance strategic variety, and further integrate blockchain technology into the core gaming experience.
Player Evolution: From Collection to On-Chain Assets
In Spells of Genesis, players will no longer simply "level up"—they will evolve. As they spend more time in the game, completing levels and accumulating experience, they earn rewards such as gold (used to purchase additional cards) and elemental crystals (the key resource for evolving cards). Every card obtained in the game starts as a bound account item, but after undergoing three evolution stages, the card becomes a fully-fledged blockchain-based asset that can be traded freely outside the game.
Duplicate cards can be used to forge stronger versions of the same card, boosting its stats and spell potency. Alternatively, weaker cards can be sacrificed to obtain elemental crystals. Game developer Jasper Damman explains: "We included evolving cards in order to give each card value. When the player has duplicates, he can fuse them together to create stronger ones. If the player has weaker cards, he can sacrifice them for element crystals, which are needed for evolving his stronger cards. And the feeling you get when evolving your card and seeing its stats increase is very exciting. Also, in this way the blockchain-based cards will always be valuable, as they are the final evolution."
Players can also purchase random card packs using the premium in-game currency gems, which can be bought with fiat money or the native token Bitcrystals. Gems can also unlock additional features or replenish card health in the current deck.
The Spell System: A Strategic Overhaul
The most significant change is the replacement of the old bonus system with a brand-new spell system. Previously, cards provided a static bonus at the end of a shot; now, each card can cast one usable spell per match, dramatically expanding tactical options. The effects range from destroying the nearest enemy to increasing attack power based on the number of enemies killed during the next shot, or healing the player and allies by three health points.
According to Damman: "We created the new spell-system in order to bring more strategy and diversity into the game. The new spell-system will allow hundreds of deck combinations and strategies, and will be expanded as new cards are released." This flexibility encourages players to experiment with deck building, countering opponents' strategies, and adapting to different level challenges.
Map-Based Progression and Future Outlook
The chapter-based structure will be replaced by an interactive map of Askian, where levels are unlocked linearly. As players progress, new adventures and areas become accessible. The map design is still in progress; a temporary placeholder from the game Moonga is currently used in the test environment.
It is important to note that these features are scheduled for a future update and were not included in the Spells of Genesis patch released on December 10, 2015. The developers continue to demonstrate their commitment to evolving the game while maintaining the integrity of blockchain-based assets. With the evolution system ensuring that only the most dedicated players can create tradeable cards, and the spell system adding meaningful strategic depth, Spells of Genesis is positioning itself as a leader in the blockchain gaming space.