The Card Changing the Game: Inside the Art and Story of Packs’ Uncommon Cards
We sit down with Marta Khomiakova, the 2D artist behind the virtual game Packs to learn more about the art that inspired the game
What makes an Uncommon card stand out in Packs, our latest virtual game based on collectible cards?
Is it the artwork, the story, or the details hidden within the design?
In Packs, every card is part of a larger world, and the Uncommon tier introduces players to that universe in a way that encourages curiosity. While higher tiers such as Rare, Epic and Legendary feature increasingly elaborate scenes, Uncommon cards play a crucial role in shaping the game’s visual identity and storytelling.
To learn more about the creative process behind these cards, we spoke with Marta Khomiakova, the 2D artist responsible for bringing the Uncommon collection to life.
Finding Inspiration for Uncommon Cards
According to Marta, the inspiration behind the Uncommon cards actually came from the variety and beauty found in everyday life.
“The first inspiration came from the diversity of our world and the beauty hidden in everyday details. I wanted to explore different video games, familiar objects and little things from everyday life that can make us happy or improve our lives.”
Rather than creating purely fantastical environments, Marta blended familiar elements with imagination, transforming ordinary objects and moments into something unexpected. The result is a collection that feels both relatable and magical.
This approach helps define what makes the Uncommon cards in Packs unique, since they invite players to pause, look closer and discover the stories hidden within each illustration.
A Hidden Story Connecting Every Card
One of the more interesting aspects of the Packs is that the cards are not standalone pieces of artwork.
“All the cards are connected by a shared story,” Marta added.
Small visual references, recurring details and subtle call-backs connect multiple cards across the collection. These links form a longer narrative that players may only notice after spending time exploring the artwork. These links form a larger narrative.
At the heart of this connected universe is a memorable character: an evil wizard whose ambitions never quite go according to plan.
“He dreams of becoming the most evil wizard in the world, but somehow, everything he does ends up bringing about something good,” Marta explained.
His journey takes players through different worlds, each with its own atmosphere, characters and surprises, creating a sense that every card is part of a much larger adventure.
What Makes an Uncommon Card Unique?
For Marta, rarity is communicated through visual storytelling.
“The rarity is reflected through several visual elements: the complexity of the story, the number of objects and details in the scene, the composition and the characters involved”.
As rarity levels increase, scenes become more detailed, complex and ambitious. Additional characters, environmental storytelling and intricate compositions all contribute to a richer visual experience.
The Uncommon tier is the bridge that connects the simplest message of the game and the spectacle of the cards’ art. They are important as they introduce players to the creative world of Packs while hinting at even bigger stories.
The Most Challenging Card to Create?
The most challenging card was not a card at all. The most challenging part of creating the game was communicating its goal effectively.
Marta’s goal was to inspire curiosity in the everyday scenes of our world.
“I wanted to inspire curiosity, show how fascinating our world can be, how many different things, stories and beautiful details surround us”.
That philosophy is visible across every card. Whether players are noticing hidden references the adventures of the wizard, or discovering small visual details for the first time, there is always something new to uncover.
Available Now
The Uncommon Cards are available now in Packs, bringing together imaginative artwork, hidden storytelling, and a cast of memorable characters. The is just the beginning of the journey, with Rare, Epic and Legendary collections expanding the world even further.