Valve’s new Card Game Artifact releases this November, Playable at PAX West

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 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.