EMBERCAST ARENA

An independent game by Berkeley Malagon

A magic duel
you learn by feel.

Two wizards. One ember between them.
Pull it into a swing, build momentum, and release.

Play the alpha ↗

Free for Windows and Mac · In development

Embercast in motion · Current alpha footage

A note from the developer

What I’m trying to make

I’m making a physics-based magic duel. Two wizards, one ember, and a set of interactions I’m still learning how to use.

I’ve started to realize that I’m bronze at my own game.

That makes tuning it strange. When something feels difficult or awkward, I have to ask whether the controls need work or whether I need practice. I can change the rules whenever I want. Sometimes the right thing to do is leave them alone and keep playing.

Rocket League is a big influence here. I love how your understanding of a game can keep changing as your hands catch up. A movement you barely noticed becomes something you practice. Eventually it becomes part of how you think.

I want to give Embercast room to develop that kind of depth. That means making the game clear enough to learn while being careful about smoothing away difficulties I don’t yet understand.

I don’t know how deep this system goes. I want to find out with people who will get better than me. The possibility that years of play could reveal techniques and strategies I can’t currently imagine is a large part of why I’m making it.

Berkeley

Development notes

Learning what this game can be.

New notes will appear here as the game develops.

Play the current build

Take it to the court.

Start with the tutorial, experiment in free play, or share a room code for a duel. There’s a sparring bot and a set of casting trials, too.

Free alpha for Windows and Mac. Controller recommended. Controls and balance are still changing.

No game account required. Updates are optional. Privacy

After a few rounds, tell me about one moment you wanted to try again.

Find a match or share a clip on Discord ↗

You can also reply to your download email.