Valve’s newest game Artifact is releasing not too far off, this November 28th on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux. The card game will not be a free-to-play title and instead cost $20. We also learn that Artifact will have an appearance at gaming convention PAX West during August 31st – September 3rd 2018.
Artifact – Releasing November 28, 2018 on PC / Mac / Linux priced at $20 USD will be up for its first hands on showing at PAX West between Aug 31 – Sep 3, 2018.
Be there, play the game, win Artifact merchandise & two keys for a free copy of the game upon release. #Artifact pic.twitter.com/j3ftaGiiBy
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) August 1, 2018
Artifact was first unveiled in August last year’s Dota 2 The International 7 tournament. The self-titled Dota Card Game had a less than welcoming reception at its announcement to say the least. Even among hardcore fans of the hugely popular Dota 2 MOBA, Artifact somehow managed to draw a loud and clear sigh of disappointment from the crowd. A rough start for the social game which Valve is undoubtedly having great expectations of.
After all, Artifact doesn’t exist in a bubble and many see the game’s existence as a sign of Valve pulling all their weight in the PC gaming scene to challenge the uncontested Hearthstone. Blizzard’s wildly successful free-to-play card game.
As such, today’s news that Artifact is not going to be a free-to-play title but instead be available to purchase for $20 might come as a surprise. After all, as a challenger some expected Valve to release Artifact with a similar business model as Hearthstone. In a previous interview with PC Gamer, Valve already stated that they are going a unique way with Artifact, and try to steer away from pay-to-win as much as possible.
The focus on buying or trading exactly those cards a player wants, does indeed sound nice. Especially compared to luck-based card packs which become untradable like in Hearthstone. A smart decision Valve is taking, since they are already very experienced in doing digital trading of in-game items on their Steam platform.
Interested folks should look out for the upcoming PAX West gaming convention at the end of August where Artifact will be present and playable.
