Magic 'til Midnight Game Jam Dev Log

Magic 'til Midnight (MtM) was made during Kohdok's first game.

The Story

CinderEmma had a magical evening at the ball, but she only has thirteen minutes to make it home before midnight. Can she avoid her wicked family as time runs out?

Magic ‘Til Midnight is a light set collection strategy game where players take turns balancing between forming matches in their hands and using their card’s effects to further their progress or diminish their opponents. Gameplay is simple, but the game is ever-changing, allowing those who think fast on their feet to come ahead.

Development notes

Day #1 We quickly arrived at the Cinderella theme and fell in love with it, however, mechanically, we were struggling. We tried several attempts. Maybe five different versions. Some involving a card based grid, one with a linier path (both replicating Cinderella needing to move). We also, tried two asymmetrical decks (Cinderella vs the Wicked). None of these were coming together in a way where we enjoyed the gameplay.

Day #2 Unable to work the Cinderella theme into a fun game, we pivoted to a monster casino theme. Mapped out the entire game in a morning, but it was decided it didn't fill the role of "time" well enough. We then pivoted to a battle rhythm monster hunting game using music theory to determine actions. Afterwards, we tried a concept I have been messing with, that uses real time music. We also tried a few other things I don't remember, but then circled back to Cinderella. Ken mentioned forming matches and every players using the "Clocktower" mechanic. He was unable to send more info, so Victoria and I took his sketch notes and made an entirely different game from it than he had planned, but we were all super happy about it. Made playtest copies and it was very fun!

Day #3 Rules revisions a lot of game testing.

Day #4 More rules revisions and a lot of game testing.

Day #5 Art Direction and sketches. Work with Nate to get this version in TTS.

Day #6 Templating, editing, story writing, more playtests, revisions.

Day #7 Final wording edits, final rules / writing for the rulebook / update TTS.

Special Note: Hurricane Helene I'd like to note that I'm super proud of our team, we survived Hurricane Helene and worked in conditions of being out of power and without internet at varying times, in addition to extra burdens of work, but we pulled out a game we're extremely proud of!