Skyrift, an asymmetric card duel from the creator of Magic: The Gathering, to be released in Russia

In 2027, publisher Crowd Games plans to open pre-orders in Russia for the tabletop card game Skyrift by renowned game designer Richard Garfield. Players will be able to get two standalone boxes — Edges of Darkness and Tides of Fate.

Publisher Crowd Games announced that it will release Skyrift in Russian — a two-player tabletop card game by Origames and Richard Garfield, known to many players for Magic: The Gathering, King of Tokyo, and Crazy Runners.

In this dueling game, each participant will take on the role of captain of one of the unique factions and attempt to collect six crystals before their opponent.

The game’s concept is quite simple: players take turns playing creature and action cards, trying to overpower their opponent. As soon as the opponent decides to retreat, the crystal is yours.

The hallmark of Skyrift, besides asymmetry, is its element of bluffing. Using the effects of certain cards, you can challenge your opponent to raise the stakes for the round. If they accept the challenge, another crystal is added to the pool; if they decline, they retreat immediately, thus conceding a crystal to the other player.

There are other interesting mechanics as well: for instance, the ability to play certain cards is limited to specific phases of the day. And sometimes, it is advantageous to deliberately concede a round to seize the initiative.

Crowd Games will publish both Skyrift boxes — each is standalone and contains three unique factions. For example, in Edges of Darkness, one faction builds its strategy around stealing other players’ cards, while Tides of Fate features a faction that casts curses on the opponent.

Pre-orders for Skyrift will most likely open in the first quarter of 2027.