PHAGEBORN online card game News

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

Today we’ll introduce one of the core members of the team, our one and only Marko Turkalj! This fearsome warchief spent the last year and a half in the trenches with his fellow soldiers and today he took some time off to share a little insight on himself as well as on the development of Phageborn.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. A: Hey, everyone! My name is Marko Turkalj and as a kid, I have always wanted to create things. If I had to pick a trait for myself, creativity would be the first that comes to mind. I used to do board games for my friends and adjust other board games to make them more interesting, to make it a better experience for us all. If we fast forward to 7th grade, that’s when I got my first PC. My dad said if I help him build a fireplace, he would purchase a PC for me. We finished the fireplace in record time, and that’s how I started. The first game for PC that I got was Heroes of Might and Magic. I loved and adored that game and it basically expanded my views on how games can be played and what games can be about. After that, the genres just kept coming, and yeah… That would be that.

Q: What is your role in the team? A: My primary role is Game Producer and, since we are a smaller team, I also do project management for us. For anybody that doesn’t know, a Game producer coordinates with programmers, art department, sound department, VFX department, well, all departments, and has the last say in what feature will make it to the final version of the game. Depending on the studio size and policy they also do game design and any other areas they are proficient in. Project management is one of these things, coordinating with publishers as well. Being driven by creativity, I really enjoy the role in the new and updated Phageborn.

Q: What’s a typical workday like for you? A: Typical workday? Well, we do a recap on where we’re at and we go from there. Currently, we make sure we have a plan for every department for at least 2 weeks ahead. Longer, monthly plans also exist, but when the time comes we tend to break them down into smaller tasks for a more efficient way of handling them. Our workflow is done on Trello and Slack, so the majority of the tasks are assigned there and most of our workflow is automated. I go from department to department, checking if everything is fine and if there are uncertain things that need to be resolved, and then help them resolve those things, whether they are creative/art related, or general problem-solving.

Q: You said that your work also involves a game design process as well. Can you tell us how you stay creative and where do you draw your inspiration from? A: Well, like I said before, I consider myself a creative person and that is something that I can do indefinitely as long as I’m not limited. I think that is the core thing. Of course, there needs to be limitations within the game, but when you’re brainstorming there are no limitations and that is the process that motivates me the most. That process where you basically come up with anything and just pluck out a few of the juicy fruit ideas and use those as a reference.

Q: How did it feel picking up the project from the old Games Revolted team? A: Well, at first, I was unsure, of course. You are joining an existing team, you basically don’t know anyone and suddenly, there you are. It kinda started as a step-by-step process where the first goal was to meet everyone and to get along. I didn’t know much about the project. All I knew was that it was a card game and I played it only once before joining. It was at Infogamer, I think 2019. Yeah, it was a really pleasurable experience when I saw how good the game was and how different it was from other card games all thanks to Danijel Matić (and his old team), the creator of Phageborn and the person I had to replace. Danijel and I made a blood pact to uphold those standards and to try to make it better, which, you know, we are all trying to do here. From day to day everyone is giving their best to give you guys the game you’ll look forward to, hopefully with a smile on your face.

Q: What was the most difficult part you faced during the development of Phageborn up until now and how did you overcome these challenges? A: Well, there have been a lot of difficult challenges I would say, but the most difficult one is definitely the one we currently have. Since the GameSparks is shutting down and we have a good part of our game on GameSparks we need to migrate it all to the different platform and that involves quite detailed processes to be done correctly. I would say this is the most difficult phase we’ve been in just because we are forced to do such a major rehaul in as little time as possible so that we can continue to normally work on the game development like we did before migration process started.

Q: Something that often occurs in game development is crunching. What’s the situation here? Do you have a lot of it? A: Okay, regarding crunches I can proudly say that we’ve only crunched, in the time that I’m here, for three weeks, that’s in the one year and six months I have been here. We usually try to avoid it when possible. But it was actually a really enjoyable crunch because we got extra snacks and refreshments and we got to talk a bit more privately. It wasn’t as noisy as it usually is. Just some of us had to crunch, not the whole studio, and thinking back on it, it was a more pleasurable experience than people tend to have or they expect when they hear about crunching. You know, crunching is usually something really bad in the industry and it exhausts people. Of course, we were more exhausted than usual, but we have wonderful people here that really try their best and they give it their all and that's what makes working with those people a much more pleasurable experience than if that wouldn’t been the case.

Q: Why Unity and c#, why not some other engine? A: Like you know, I wasn’t here from the start but from my memory… The programmers who were at the beginning of the project were Unity experts and they didn't know much about Unreal and C++, so it was a natural course to pick Unity and C#. Also, people at the time wanted Phageborn to go out on multiple platforms and at that time it was a common belief that Unity was the best platform to do it on.
Q: What is your favourite part of Phageborn?
A: My favorite part of Phageborn, compared to the other games I played, such as Hearthstone, is that we almost have zero to none randomness. That means that the better player will win 9 out of 10 times since it is a tightly balanced game. Of course, there is randomness in every card game, you know the mulligan and the card draw, sometimes you can just be unlucky if you created a specific deck, but in most cases, the better player will win in Phageborn. Compared to Hearthstone, where there are so many swings and randomness involved that It sometimes feels more like a luck rollercoaster than a skillful F1 ride. Which, if you play any competitive game, is something you don’t want. If you are better and put more hours in the game you don’t want to lose due to some random effect in the last round.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: Well, I would just like to add that this has been, up until now, a very, very wonderful experience and like I said, full of creativity, full of challenges that we tend to overcome to the best of our abilities. It has been a hell of a ride. I know some of you stayed with us through the two years of silence, and that’s really amazing. That is a huge motivator for us to make the best game we can for you and to revive the project we all love so much and believe in. And what is most important, everything you write is being read and everything you suggest, if it makes sense and a lot of it does, we are trying to do it. We can’t say anything yet, but we are doing it. So, yeah, keep up the good work, and thank you for every contribution, it really means a lot. Because I don’t believe a single person can do anything better than the whole community can do together. So stay active and creative! That would be my message for you.



Feel free to join our Discord channel to stay updated with more information about Phageborn and it’s development: Discord.

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

In all of Issilith, The Drakkorith Empire can easily be called the mightiest of them all. Drakkoriths are a race that values physical strength and martial prowess above all else, but they don’t neglect their spiritual side. The Dragon-God Trinity, (Harigazz, Reva, and Versilion) are offered veneration from their worshippers whose innate Drakkorith power and adamant will are strengthened in exchange. However, their culture mostly revolves around substantial and tangible things. That is why they are not too keen on using magic, even though they sometimes dabble with fire magic, Wildflame mostly. They are disciplined, honourable, loyal, and willing to lay their life down when needed to protect the Drakkorith heritage.
These characteristics are also apparent in the way the Drakkorith faction is played. Recognizable mechanics for them are buffing units, synergies with leadership, and special attacks.

General Tyros, Hand of the King
“He is called by many names while folk recount his victories, but seeing him on the field of battle leaves both his allies and his foes mute with awe more often than not.”

The Drakkorith army is notorious for its well-renowned generals. But the most legendary of them all is definitely General Tyros. Many times his superior tactics were the difference between victory and defeat. On one of those occasions, when the enemy was known for its almost impenetrable front lines, Tyros introduced the concept of organized ostodon charges, utilizing the strength and agility of these beasts to trample the enemy’s frontline and turn the tides to his advantage. This strategic mastermind developed a multitude of effective battle tactics, many of which were integrated into military training and are frequently used by the Drakkorith. You won’t find him commanding his army from behind the lines. No, he is always in the front row with his comrades, motivating them and giving them advice on how to best handle certain tricky situations.


General Tyros is portrayed by a legendary card costing 4 essence. His stats are set at 3 power and 4 health, but this General also has a very special effect. Every time General Tyros changes zone, units adjacent to him gain +2 power and juggernaut mod (juggernaut unit deals excess damage to the enemy Core when attacking). That means you can effectively buff up to 2 units every turn, and this effect can stack (juggernaut mod can only be applied once). Just make sure to position him in between cards you wish to buff.


Ashbringer Templar
“Woe be to those who stand in his way, for ash is always preceded by incineration.”

After the first charge breaks down the enemy’s formation, it is time for the Cinderith legion to shine. Ashbringer Templars are the heavy infantry of this elite squad. Ferociously charging on their enemies, they disrupt their still-standing defenses and thoroughly wipe out enemy forces. Even though their heavy armor makes them somewhat slower than your average light-footed unit, Ashbringer Templar are deadly and can easily shear off any limb. At least the wounds will be instantly cauterized so they don’t need to worry about bloodstains on their armor.


Ashbringer Templar is a 3 power, 6 health unit that gains +3 power at the end of your turn, effectively becoming a 6/6 for 7 essence on the end of turn he is played. You generally want to keep this devoted unit in play for as long as possible for some impressive damage.


Seismic Shock
"What's the matter, whelp? Lost your balance?" - Basson

Even though most of the Drakkoriths aren’t inclined to the use of magic in the traditional sense, you can often see them on the battlefield being fueled and empowered by combat. When using these enhanced abilities, for which some believe are the gift of gods, they amplify their natural skills and use them to put their enemies in an inferior position or simply to deliver the killing blow. One of these skills is Seismic shock. Drakkorith soldiers can slam the ground in such a way they send focused shockwaves to unbalance their enemies, opening their defenses and leaving them vulnerable to attacks.


Seismic shock is a 4 energy cost ability card that is best used on powerful units. For maximum value play it on your turn while having units on your side of the board ready to push into an enemy that can’t hit back.


What is your favourite way to play Drakkoriths? Comment below or join our Discord channel to discuss it with other Residents of Issilith: Discord.
While we will close this year with a Drakkorith art showcase, let’s turn to 2022 with hope for a better tomorrow and more Phageborn related content!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Hear ye, hear ye, denizens of Issilith!

That time of the month has come, when all of Issilith rallies toward Virenas, this time excitedly anticipating the initiation of new members into the mightiest army Issilith has ever seen. While we still haven’t had the opportunity to properly introduce all members of our initial team, today, our festivities are in honor of those who came last into our ranks, but without whose help the advancement of Phageborn’s army would be greatly halted. The Colosseum was throbbing with the energy of the masses, cheering and stomping echoing against the stone walls, the smell of sand, sweat, and ale, mixed with the scorching rays of blazing sun high on the horizon pushing creatures deeper in their delirium. And then, everything fell silent…

Name: Rahela Bargh
Role: 3D artist
When this kind creature drew her first step into the Colosseum, the crowd held their breath in anticipation of the display of her power. Her body covered in the inked mementos of the days past, slowly animated as she moved, portraying the story of this enchanting creature. With timid steps, Rahela strode into the middle of the arena, fell down to her knees, and started to silently chant to the earth beneath her feet until grains of sand started to levitate and cluster. In the blink of an eye, she molded the mighty megadon who uncharacteristically gently took her in the palm of its paw and placed her on its shoulder, ready to defend its mistress if the need arose. It is quite hard to know where you can find Rahela when she’s not on the battlefield. Her baked goods bring so much joy to her friends and a little peace in these troubled times. Sometimes you will find her strolling among the massacred and mutilated bodies of her fallen comrades, observing carnage that happened, other times she will play with forest spirits. Or you can find her strolling through the outskirts of Virenas. She prefers the company of the cats and other cuddly creatures over the company of men.

Name: Josip Strnad
Role: QA tester
Charging at full speed through the metal gates, on the back of the armored braav, Josip was eager to show his prowess with the quarterstaff. He drove it into the ground while braav was still at full speed, and swiveled around it, landing effortlessly on his feet. This versatile general rose through the army ranks due to his vast knowledge of how his fellow soldiers operate. He spent a big period of his training in the trenches with others, so he is no stranger to all the different ways his comrades can react when faced with new and unknown situations. In his spare time, Josip often participates in historical reenactment which gives him a unique insight into the strategic mindset of the enemy's generals. His main job is to make sure that no error made before, during, or after combat can affect Phageborn’s army to such a degree that everything crumbles. For this real-life knight really doesn’t like bugs and he has made it his own personal mission to find and exterminate each and every one of them. A hard task indeed. However, he often says that there is no personal satisfaction better than being able to find and destroy all those Nox nests and occasionally send that annoying Zarkk back to the underground, making the surroundings safer for everyone.


Name: Ana Sundji
Role: Frontend developer
With a sashaying step and her head held up high, Ana entered the arena, drinking in the fierce energy of everyone gathered, savoring every moment of it. At first glance, she may look very familiar. If you ever found yourself wandering around the Market district her infectious laughter most likely caught your attention. She spends most of her free time looking for a way to upgrade her armor, trying to combine aesthetic with functionality. Sometimes even Master Dario asks for her advice because of her keen sense of fashion. First impressions of this cheerful and smiling creature might lead you the wrong way. For most, the last thing that would come to your mind is that this charming woman is in reality an extremely talented fixer. Do you remember all those bugs and problems Josip encounters? Oftentimes Ana is the one who accompanies him in the hunt. She is highly regarded among her peers in the Fighters guild. That must be the reason why she was entrusted with a very important task. Soon, Ana is going on a quest to acquire a vital piece of information for everyone willing to participate in the battle for Issilith…

Feel free to join our Discord community and become a Resident of Issilith by clicking on the following link: Discord.

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

It was a rainy night. For the first time, I turned on this game, Phageborn. Such a peculiar name. The next moment, I had something like a vision… I saw a hooded figure levitating in the dark. But I didn’t feel threatened. No, there was a certain benevolence emanating from it. It started to come closer and closer, until our eyes met. At that moment I heard its voice echoing inside my head: ”Do not fear. They call me The Storyteller. I am here to help you navigate this treacherous world of Issilith. Come, my child, take my hand and let me show you all the wonders it has to offer.”

At the very beginning of your journey, you’ll have to choose a faction. Each faction has its own unique mechanics and its own set of Avatars. Before you start the match you have to choose which deck to play and there you can see Avatars in all their beauty, armed with their unique skill and traits you can choose from. But more on that some other time.

Before you are ready to engage in battle, there are some things you should know. Phageborn uses a dual resource system, which consists of Essence and Energy.
Essence is used for playing units, which you can place on any lane. Every unit has its Essence cost and you need to have enough Essence so you can play that card. Since it is such a valuable resource, at the beginning of each of your turns it automatically resets and increases by one, with its starting value being set at one. To simplify, that means that every round your Essence will be the same value as the current round.
Now, with Energy, things get a bit more interesting. You use Energy to play ability cards and to activate Avatar’s special skill. At the beginning of the match, you will always start at one Energy point and every turn your Energy will refresh. However, unlike Essence, Energy won’t automatically increase every turn. If you wish to upgrade it, you can choose to do so at the start of each of your turns.

Once you enter the battlefield you will see that your side is divided into two lanes with the core in the middle, and it is identical to your opponent's side. You can play your units on one of those lanes. There are two terms you will often encounter while playing: local and non-local. Local refers to a lane where said unit or Avatar is placed. Non - local refers to the opposite lane. In that sense, the core is always considered to be a local target since it is placed in the middle. Keep in mind, just because you placed your units or Avatar in one lane doesn’t mean that you can’t switch lanes anymore. Both Avatar and units can change lanes once per turn.

Don’t forget to use your Avatar in battle! Think of them as your extension, the player's incarnation of a general if you will, who leads their army of units to victory. Every turn your Avatars can do up to three actions. You can use their basic attack, their skill (if you have enough Energy to activate it) and you can move them to the other lane. Make sure your Avatar is safe, especially if it has low health. If Avatar’s health drops down to zero it will become subdued. That means it is rendered disabled for two turns (at which time you can’t play ability cards since your Avatar is the one casting abilities), your core suffers five damage and your opponent draws a card. You can try to keep them safe by positioning them in a lane behind your units that can protect them.

If you manage to master these basic mechanics, a whole world of endless possibilities, synergies and strategies will open up before you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes even if you lose a match you are one step closer to victory.

“Now rest, my child. There are more mysteries to unravel, but you need your strength. For the journey ahead of you is filled with dangers…
However, if you need me just ask your question here or join other Residents of Issilith on Discord: Discord. They are always here to help.”

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

While our dear developers are busy working hard on the game, let’s take delight in those cards that everyone can have in their deck no matter what faction they chose to play. Of course, we are talking about Neutral cards.
Unlike other factions whose mechanics and gameplay style are predetermined to a degree (e.g. acid mechanic for the Vestige), Neutral faction brings together creatures and races which are usually a minority in Issilith. As a result, you can find a plethora of card mods and different effects each card has to offer, giving you the opportunity to really play with your deck and make a perfect combination for your playstyle.

Maiden of Pain
“You can't help but feel her pain.”

Formerly part of the Order of Oracles, this once lovely Maiden decided to leave the Temple in which she spent decades in service. She thought she was safe, that the tales of the curses which befall those who leave the Order are only fairytales. After all, there is no rule which would suggest that leaving the Order is forbidden. But soon after she left the Temple the pain started to creep in on her, lighting every fiber of her body, flickering every nerve ending, until it became unbearable. The curse of pain ultimately consumed her and her screams filled out the air. In the end, her sanity was the price for her freedom.



Maiden of Pain is a neutral card costing only 2 essence. Her attack and health are also set at 2 and she has a special effect which triggers every time she is damaged: She deals 1 damage to a random local enemy unit. So make sure you take that into account while planning your next move!


Gomu, Thundergod's Newborn
“In many ways, it is still an infant, learning the ways of the Thundergod. In this particular case, whole continents are liable to tremble under the weight of its baby steps.”

Gomu is the Thunderlord’s only child, and it is just that, a child. It’s favourite pastime is exploring the world and seeing new things. Oftentimes this jovial, playful force of nature unintentionally causes heavy rains and thunderstorms in the areas it explores, for it is still unaware of its growing powers.
The world looked through the child’s eyes is full of wonder and this curious child wants to see every corner of the Issilith. So if you stumble across Gomu on your travels do not be alarmed for it is not evil or bad. Just keep in mind that things can get hectic when it gets excited so an encounter with it could become a shocking affair.



Gomu is portrayed by a legendary card, costing 4 essence with attack being set at 0 and health at 4. While it’s stats doesn’t seem like playing it can be worthwhile, it’s the card effect that makes this card legendary. Every time this card is damaged the player obtains a Zap. Zap is a 1 damage, 1 energy ability card that at first doesn’t seem to do much, but there are so many scenarios where you can bring down that giant unit to one health and you’re lacking resources to finish it off. That’s where Zap comes in to save the day.


Celotlan, The Horrormare
“You could try to use it as a mount, but only once.”

Celotlan, the Horrormare. Such an appropriate name for such a magnificent yet terrifying creature. Celotlan is an anomaly that became a sentient elemental due to the reactions caused by the Divide. The Divide gave it the blue flame elements that emerged from the cracks of its body and left a permanent trail that is often a way to track down the Horromare.



In a gameplay environment, this is a 5/5 legendary card that costs 9 essence, BUT there is a catch! If you’re playing an energy heavy deck and you just happen to be lacking units to maintain board equilibrium, in that case, you can play 4 energy cards in the same turn, and whether in your hand or deck this mighty horrormare will march onto the battlefield turning your opponent's casual stride into a nightmare.


What are your favourite Neutral cards? Comment below or join our Discord channel to discuss it with other Residents of Issilith: Discord.

Yours truly,
Games Revolted