An Anime-Infused Tabletop Revival
In the ever-expanding world of tabletop games, Relic Knights stands out—fusing anime aesthetics with strategic, card-based combat. This unique game is being published by William Neill, founder of Ignition Core Games, who has resurrected this fan-favorite title after acquiring the rights from its previous publisher.
William Neill’s journey is anything but ordinary. A New Zealand-born U.S. Marine veteran, William launched Ignition Core Games while still on active duty. Today, he runs his game company full-time alongside being a husband, a father, and a lifelong gamer.
Unlike most miniatures games that rely on dice, Relic Knights takes a fresh approach by using cards to resolve combat. The result? A dynamic gaming experience that captures the energy of anime battles with strategic depth that keeps players coming back.
Why Cards? Why Now?
“It always takes new customers off guard that the game uses cards instead of dice.” William explains, “The reaction is first surprise, then interest.”
Despite the challenges of producing a large volume of high-quality cards in the U.S., William stayed true to his values. He partnered with us here at Shuffled Ink to bring Relic Knights to life without sacrificing quality or turnaround time.
Made in the USA, Inspired by Japan
Every Ignition Core title draws influence from Japanese anime, a niche that’s long been underserved in Western tabletop markets. With Relic Knights, that anime energy takes center stage in every mechanic, visual, and faction.
Although William didn’t design the original game—credit goes to the talented team behind the second edition—he carries the torch with passion and purpose. William’s journey from active-duty Marine to full-time game publisher is a testament to execution over perfection. His advice to new creators? “Execution is always more powerful than ideas. The industry is filled with good ideas that never see the light of day. Do not let perfection become the enemy of execution. Get your idea into the world. Don’t be afraid to launch an imperfect product and learn from it.”
That relentless mindset powers everything at Ignition Core Games, where their motto—“Let’s see how dangerous we can be”—is more than a slogan. It’s a daily challenge to stay bold, scrappy, and impactful.
Where to Get Relic Knights
Interested in experiencing Relic Knights for yourself? You can purchase the decks as part of the Radiant vs. Void Starter Set or Relic Knights Battle Boxes at www.ignitioncoregames.com. Orders ship out same-day or next-day, with U.S. delivery in just 3–5 business days.
Big Plans for 2025
Looking ahead, Relic Knights has three new faction launches in the works, with a possible fourth if production stays ahead of schedule. Fans of anime-inspired tactical gameplay have a lot to look forward to from this fast-growing brand.
Follow Ignition Core Games
- Website: ignitioncoregames.com
- Instagram: @ignition_core_games
- Facebook: facebook.com/ignitioncoregames
- X (Twitter): @IgnitionCoreLLC
About Shuffled Ink
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