How many kids create an innovative card game that gets the attention of a large game maker while on a “mom-ordered” video game detox? Ten-year-old Ethan Erickson, of Irvine, California, did just that, creating a card game that his dad and he could play without electricity. “You know, like when the Zombie Apocalypse comes!” quips Ethan. His creation Magicka Mayhem: The Card Game began as scraps of paper and with the help of family has developed into a game that caught the attention and support of game maker and marketer Paradox Interactive.
Ethan and his dad signed a licensing deal to partner with the company, and launched his Kickstarter campaign on-stage last week at the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) in San Francisco with the CEO of Paradox Interactive, Fredrik Wester. The Kickstarter reached its funding goal with a few hours, and was already over 500% funded within 72 hours. Team Erickson is hoping to inspire other young entrepreneurs to follow in young Ethan’s footsteps.
“We are amazed at the interest and support we’ve received from Paradox Interactive. They are as passionate about making this Kickstarter a success as we are and have been instrumental in helping us turn Ethan’s dream into a happy reality,” said proud father and self-titled ‘Unpaid Intern to Ethan’, Ken Erickson. “This has been quite the learning and bonding experience for our family and we are so proud of what Ethan has already accomplished. We can’t wait to see where this wild ride takes us next.”
Magicka Mayhem: The Card Game is a strategic card game based upon the wildly popular computer game, Magicka, and its various sequels. In Magicka Mayhem 2-4 players strategically combine Elements to create Spells to “destroy your foes, protect your friends and summon powerful creatures to fight at your side.”
Magicka Mayhem offers deep strategic gameplay while ramping up the random craziness that Magicka is famous for. As 10 year-old Ethan puts it: Spells can “blow up in your face, save your butt from disaster or make you pee your pants with laughter.”
The game was designed to be fun for all levels of players – from complete card game beginners to tabletop gaming veterans – and is intended for players aged 7 and up.
When asked about his hopes for the future of the game, Ethan responds, “I hope my game takes off like a meteor!”
You can help support Magicka Mayhem on Kickstarter.
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