Card-based games have become more popular in recent years. From the revival of older tabletop games in digital formats, like Pokemon TCG Online or Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links; to titles with unique spins on the idea, like Slay the Spire mixing rogue-like elements with deck building. Another collectible card game that came about in recent years is Teppen, which uses Capcom franchises to create its own unique stories and gameplay. Almost two years following Teppen's release, developer GungHo Online Entertainment is preparing to shake things up for its players.
Game Rant spoke to Teppen directors Yuki Okano and Satoshi Ogihara about the direction it will take following the "A Dark Agenda" update, including its new card pack rotation and future additions from Capcom's pantheon of characters. They will collectively be referred to as GungHo for this article. Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
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Q: There are a number of card-based battle games on the market, with Hearthstone being the biggest that comes to mind. Where did the idea for Teppen originate?
A: We knew of Hearthstone and other similar games on the market, however, Teppen began as a concept to provide players a new way to play a card game by fusing real-time and turn-based action. The result of adding those game mechanics is the Teppen we have now.
Therefore, as part of the game’s fundamental battle design, there was no strong reference to any existing game.
Q: GungHo has collaborated with Capcom on other ventures, such as Monster Hunter crossovers in Puzzle and Dragons. Did Capcom approach GungHo about creating Teppen or vice versa?
A: The project started from a conversation between the executive producers from GungHo and Capcom. It started as a collaborative idea, rather than one approaching the other.
Q: Teppen is a collection of different Capcom franchises. Can you explain briefly the lore behind this universe, and your thought process on how new characters are incorporated?
A: Teppen's story revolves around various Heroes heading toward the Land of Illusion, each with their own goal in mind. Our goal was to create a world where the various characters can exist on one stage called Teppen, but we didn't simply mix them in. While we did establish each with a unique scenario, we take those into consideration when adding new characters so that all of the stories corroborate. If needed, we arrange them to match more to Teppen, and then add them to the game.
Q: In your most recent expansion, Ada Wong from Resident Evil and Strider characters were headlining additions. What was the reasoning for putting these franchises together?
A: The existence of Strider was vital for a story centered on Ada Wong.
Both Ada Wong and Strider have commonalities of working behind the scenes, and interactions between the two characters will greatly advance the story.
Q: With so many disparate franchises, how does your team design each addition to fit the mechanics of Teppen while also being true to the source materials?
A: We first think about what kind of gameplay we want in Teppen, then we develop skills that reflect the character's unique disposition. These skills are catered to the characters, but they are special to Teppen and are not often seen in other card games.
Q: How much of an influence do fans have on future content? Marketing for Strider describes that addition as "highly requested."
A: We take all of our players' requests into consideration, and they've been great references when developing future content for Teppen. However, we have a direction we want the story to go and will consider characters that best suit that, so we might not be able to include everything fans want.
Q: The official "A Dark Agenda" update page showcases 14 characters, assigned different virtues, and says the game's "true story" will finally begin. What does this mean, both for in-universe lore and gameplay?
A: Up until now, the story was from each Hero's perspective, looking at when they all set out for the Land of Illusion. The direction of the story is now leading toward something, and will be told through updates from future expansions. We also plan to include new gameplay that corresponds to the story.
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Q: Future updates will be incorporating pack rotation, what exactly will this mean for players? Are these packs that are rotated out going to be unavailable for a long time, or what does the rotation schedule look like?
A: The game will change for all players, since certain cards will no longer be playable, so we believe that new types of decks will be created. We also believe that deck environments will change more than ever before. From now on, every time a new expansion is added, one card pack will be rotated out and will no longer be able to be used.
Q: Why was the decision made to rotate out cards, and is there a date set for the next pack update? Which packs will be removed first?
A: The reason for the card rotation is to maintain a healthy battle environment.
When the Unlimited Rule is implemented, “DAY OF NIGHTMARES,” “The Devils Awaken,” and “The Force Seekers” will be unusable in the Standard Rule. Moving on, at the time a new pack is added, the oldest card set will not be usable.
Q: How will the fact that you are rotating out cards change your design philosophy, if at all? Does this give you more room to create specific cards of different power levels or rarities, for example?
A: Not only will we be simply buffing or adding powerful cards, but we will also be adding many card variations for new gameplay.
Q: Deck gifting is a new feature that was recently added. Will cards that have been rotated out be accessible with this, for example so friends can give each other cards based on characters they like but may have missed?
A: This is possible, so please use it with your fellow users!
Q: If there is fan outcry against the idea, would stopping this rotation down the line be considered?
A: As of now, there are no plans for that.
Q: What kind of plans are in place for Teppen beyond the next pack update? Mechanically, or in terms of new cards and characters?
A: We are preparing new gameplay that can excite all users, so please stay tuned for the next announcement!
Q: Are there any Capcom franchises you have yet to utilize that you want to see in Teppen? Any individual characters from a franchise?
A: We think there are some franchises and characters our fans have requested that might appear in the future, so we unfortunately can't answer that.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: With all the Heroes gathered, we are planning a new development moving forward. We will continue to hype up Teppen, in terms of gameplay and scenarios to meet everyone’s expectations, so we hope you look forward to it!
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Teppen is available for Android and iOS mobile devices.
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