Mothership Games officially unveiled its debut trading card game, Cataclysm Arcade, at GAMA Expo 2026 in Louisville, and AIPT can exclusively reveal a first look at select cards from the release.
The game has already generated strong buzz following hands-on demos at the show, where retailers, players, and press were invited to try it ahead of its upcoming Kickstarter campaign and wider retail launch. For Mothership, Cataclysm Arcade marks the first step in a larger vision to merge tabletop gaming with film-driven storytelling, building toward a broader entertainment franchise.
Originally introduced at PAX Unplugged last fall, Cataclysm Arcade is co-created by gaming veteran Brian David Marshall and producer Jay Van Hoy, known for films like The Witch and The Lighthouse. They’ve crafted a world that blends modern narrative design with gritty 1980s VHS-inspired aesthetics, brought to life by artists including Steve Ellis, ChrisCross, Benjamin Dewey, Juan Doe, DAF, and more across both comics and TCG illustration.
Set in an alternate 2026, forty years after a world-ending cataclysmic event, the game follows survivors living in the New York City subway system. Some compete in a brutal, broadcasted bloodsport where fighters face off as “Bosses.” The winner earns passage to the next stop, while the goal remains simple: be the last Boss standing.
The gameplay is designed with accessibility in mind. Each booster pack contains everything needed to play, including dice, allowing for a quick entry point while still supporting deeper formats like limited and constructed play.
“It was very important to me that we create a game that was playable out of a single booster pack,” said Brian David Marshall. “I’ve seen too many people turned off by the cost of entry. We wanted every pack to offer a complete experience while still supporting more advanced play.”
Retailers who demoed the game and joined the Mothership mailing list recieved original sketch cards by card alterist Eric Klug, who will be doing a collaboration with the game for their launch.
With its Kickstarter launch on the horizon, Cataclysm Arcade is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing new entries in the TCG space, and this first look offers a taste of what’s to come.
Check out a select few cards below, with artist credit on the bottom left of each card!
You must be logged in to post a comment.