Wildcard Joins Steam Next Fest Ahead of Early Access Launch on October 21

Wildcard will be available to play for free during Steam Next Fest from October 13 to October 20, ahead of its official Early Access release on October 21. This one-week demo allows players to experience the fast-paced arena card battler directly through the game's Steam page. A new gameplay trailer has also been released to showcase the action.

About Wildcard

Developed by the creators of Words With Friends, Wildcard blends third-person action combat with strategic deck-building in intense 2v2 battles. Players control Champions and summon cards to fight in real-time, combining skillful gameplay and collectible card game elements. The game is approved for full release on Steam and continues to grow through community feedback and regular updates.

Steam Preview and Live Event

An official livestream preview hosted by lead designer Brad Weir is scheduled for October 10 at 6 PM EST. The stream will highlight the Steam Next Fest build and may feature a look at Wildcard’s new Champion, Lily, as well as details on a free Battle Pass. The Wildcard team has teased these features on their Discord but has yet to confirm final content.

Key Features of Wildcard

• Collectible Card Action Game (CCAG) with real-time 2v2 battles

• 3rd-person perspective blending skill-based combat and card strategy

• Unique Champions with distinct abilities and customizable decks

• Summon creatures to control the battlefield and destroy enemy bases

• Dynamic gameplay emphasizing timing, positioning, and resource management

While Wildcard’s core gameplay is traditional web2, it is supported by Thousands.tv—a separate web3 platform powering creator monetization and streaming rewards without affecting gameplay.

Introducing Lily: The New Champion

Lily is the latest Champion joining Wildcard’s roster. Known as Lubabub’s mischievous guardian, she can switch between ranged healing and melee poison stances, offering flexible roles as both support and damage dealer. More details on her abilities will be revealed during the upcoming livestream.

Community Growth and Funding

Wildcard has steadily expanded since early 2025, including a $9 million funding round led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm, adding to their $46 million Series A for a total of over $50 million. The game features a Community Rewards Program that offers cosmetics and bonuses through quests and challenges. Players can join before Early Access to earn rewards delivered at launch.

Competitive Play and DreamHack Event

Wildcard is preparing for its esports debut at the DreamHack tournament in Atlanta, featuring a $5,000 prize pool with 12 competing teams. Qualifiers began in August, with the final rounds scheduled for late October and early November, overlapping with the Early Access launch. Top players receive exclusive in-game skins and other rewards.

Streaming Platform and Web3 Integration

Through Thousands.tv, Wildcard supports a creator economy allowing fans and streamers to earn rewards from live interactions, item claims, and referrals. The platform recently introduced Meta Oracle, a prediction tool where users can stake credits and win prizes powered by the upcoming $WC token. Streaming revenues for Wildcard have reached significant figures, showcasing strong viewer engagement.

What’s Next for Wildcard in October

The free Steam Next Fest demo launches October 13, offering players a taste of Wildcard’s unique card battler experience. Early Access starts October 21, just one day after the demo ends. Players are encouraged to wishlist Wildcard on Steam to receive updates and notifications. Further details on the Battle Pass and exclusive content will be shared during the October 10 livestream.