Wildcard sweeps Steam Next Fest and prepares for launch

From October 13 to 20, 2025, Wildcard took part in the Steam Next Fest, Valve’s global event that allows players to try free demos and discover upcoming releases. For Playful Studios, it was the perfect opportunity to publicly showcase the gameplay of its title ahead of the planned Early Access on October 21.

Throughout the week, thousands of users downloaded the free demo, played 2v2 battles, and experienced the mix of third-person action and card-based strategy that defines this project.

An Event That Boosted Visibility

Wildcard’s presence at the festival did not go unnoticed. Before the event began, the game had already gathered more than 50,000 wishlists on Steam — an impressive figure for a game still in development. With the launch of an official trailer and multiple reminders on social media, the team managed to attract new players and content creators, particularly through its partnered platform Thousands.tv, which promotes interaction between players and streamers.

Live streams and discussions in communities such as Reddit helped maintain ongoing conversation during the event, expanding its reach and generating immediate feedback.

Results and Achievements

The main goal for the team was to test the game’s technical stability and balance before its public release. The demo allowed them to evaluate combat systems, matchmaking performance, and server infrastructure.

Although no official data was released regarding crashes or performance issues, there were no significant reports of incidents, suggesting that the technical phase proceeded smoothly.

Beyond the technical aspect, the event served as a community reception test. Early feedback highlighted the fast-paced combat, variety of Champions, and the ability to customize decks — confirming strong interest in its hybrid action and strategy approach.

The Next Step: Early Access

With the conclusion of Steam Next Fest, Wildcard now prepares for its next stage.
Starting October 21, the title officially enters free-to-play Early Access on Steam, featuring periodic updates, Champion balancing, and improvements based on feedback gathered from the demo period.

The data collected during the event — ranging from network performance to player behavior — will be essential to fine-tune mechanics, optimize multiplayer experience, and strengthen the foundation of its competitive community.

A Key Boost Before Launch

Overall, Wildcard’s participation in Steam Next Fest fulfilled its main objectives: increasing visibility, testing infrastructure, and preparing the ground for its Early Access release.
Even though detailed metrics are yet to be shared, the initial response suggests solid interest and an active community ready to support the game in its next phase.

The real challenge begins now: maintaining momentum and solidifying its identity among action-strategy titles with Web3 components.
Early Access will be the definitive test to determine whether the momentum gained during the festival translates into a sustainable community and long-term success.