DEVELOPER INSIGHTS: GIG DICE
So far, we’ve introduced the four card types in the official Cyberpunk Trading Card Game: Legends, Units, Programs, and Gears. Tomorrow, we’ll be playing the full game live on Twitch during CD PROJEKT RED’s Jan. 21st REDstreams.
Today, we reveal the central mechanic of our game: Gig Dice. The world of Cyberpunk runs on the gig economy, whether it’s taking on simple jobs as huscle, pulling off a lucrative heist, or completing discreet tasks for corpos who won’t get their hands dirty directly. It’s only fitting that Cyberpunk TCG’s central focus is securing Gigs to increase your rep as a Night City legend.
We’ll go over the basics of Gig Dice in Cyberpunk TCG, then sit down with our game designers to learn why they chose dice for this game, and what the dice mechanics bring to the gameplay experience.
WHAT ARE GIGS?
Gigs are a primary focus of the Cyberpunk TCG, represented by dice. You win the game by amassing at least six Gigs, and keeping them until the start of your next turn. The values on your Gig Dice also give you Street Cred, which activates bonuses on certain cards; having good rep opens a lot of doors!
At the start of your turn, you receive a new Gig from your fixer. You can also steal Gigs from your rival by attacking them with your units. But watch your back, because your rival can always do the same.
It’s worth noting that each discrete die is a single Gig. For the purposes of scoring, having two low-value dice is closer to winning than one high-value die. But the rolled values on your Gig Dice still affect gameplay; for example, some card effects only activate if you have enough Street Cred.
WHY DICE?
There’s an inherent excitement and tension from rolling dice that matches the unpredictable nature of life in Night City, of accepting Gigs that don’t always go as planned. The Gig system adds just enough randomness to emulate the risks that come with being a cyberpunk, and tests the adaptability of those fighting their way to the top.
Chris Solis, our Lead Game Designer, created the Gig Dice system back in its early stages of development. “Representing gigs through dice is a perfect example of where the mechanics match the lore organically,” Chris explains. “The way cards interact with Gig Dice is genuinely exciting and innovative, and I can't wait to show everyone how this unfolds during gameplay.”
We know too much randomness in a strategy game would undermine player talent. Don’t worry; rolling lucky isn’t a replacement for skill here. The dice mechanics in the Cyberpunk TCG are designed to reward the players who react strategically to Gigs. Plenty of cards manipulate dice values, and playing them right can tip the scales in your favor. Plus, you can always just steal the good dice!
WeirdCo’s Head of Game Design, Richard Zapp, is confident that it’ll only take a few minutes with the game for the dice mechanics to become second nature. “I've seen dozens of playtesters, including Cyberpunk fans and veteran trading card game players alike, almost instantly become fascinated with how we use dice,” he says. “Seeing players adapt their strategy each game based on Gig values leads to skill-intensive, rewarding, and dynamic gameplay. We look forward to seeing your experiences with our game!”
HUSCLE UP
Excited to book some gigs and roll the dice? Any other topics you want our game design team to talk about? Write to us at community@weird-company.com, or share your thoughts with other fans in our official Cyberpunk TCG Discord server: discord.com/invite/cyberpunktcg.
Until next time, happy gaming!
– The Weird Crew
