The Accidental Birth of Tetra Tactics: A Conversation with Lead Developer Jabari Alii

Tetra Tactics, a deckbuilding strategy game, has finally emerged from its year-and-a-half-long early access period on Steam. Initially known as Card Craft, the game underwent a name change due to trademark issues just before its official release. According to lead developer Jabari Alii, the development process was relatively smooth, partly because the game was never intended to be a large-scale commercial release. Alii began working on Tetra Tactics as a side project, a brief escape from a more complex action-RPG he was developing at the time. His background in music education and his transition into the gaming industry are marked by his involvement in game jams, sound design, and eventually, game development. The concept of Tetra Tactics was inspired by Final Fantasy's Triple Triad, reflecting Alii's love for card games and RPGs. The game's development gained momentum as Alii shared it with his peers, leading to the involvement of other developers, including Adrian Marple and Manadream. The decision to release Tetra Tactics in early access in September 2022 proved beneficial, offering the team valuable feedback from engaged players. Alii advocates for early access as a model for small indie developers, citing its ability to provide financial returns and, more importantly, critical feedback from a dedicated community. Alii's own studio, Hero's Journey, was not initially involved in the project, which was launched as a collaboration between independent developers. However, he plans to release Tetra Tactics under the studio's name in the future. The development process, though not without its challenges, such as refining the early game experience and conveying information to players without overwhelming them, was facilitated by the team's expertise and the use of early access feedback. Alii hopes that Tetra Tactics will appeal to streamers and fans of strategy games, describing it as a 'thinky strategy title.' Success for him would mean seeing the game embraced by its intended audience and continuing to engage with it. Beyond his work in game development, Alii is involved with the Hidden Genius Project, a non-profit organization that mentors young Black boys in technology, leadership, and community development. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, especially for those who have found success in industries they never thought they'd be a part of. The Hidden Genius Project offers a 15-month program that culminates in a capstone project, aiming to guide participants toward success, whether that's starting their own business, securing an internship, or attending college. Alii's advice to newcomers in the gaming industry is to decentralize and create a more inclusive environment. He encourages aspiring developers to start making games, leveraging available resources such as Unity assets and game jams. Building a portfolio, finishing projects, and sharing them with others are key steps toward gaining experience and attracting opportunities. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, especially in times of upheaval, Alii believes in the importance of perseverance, community engagement, and the creation of opportunities for junior developers.