Version 1.0.1
A few cliff notes on the latest release of UVULITES
- Improved targeting
- Major stat rebalancing
- Architectural code improvements
- Added pregame/rematch flow
- Improved system packaging
An NFC card game
Uvulites is a two player card game you play in person with real NFC cards instead of a controller.
Sit across the screen
Two players sit across a horizontal screen, each equipped with three NFC readers—one for each lane.
Tap a card in
Set a card on a reader for an instant scan, sending a troop down that reader’s lane. No other inputs needed.
Take the king
Once spawned, your troops will fight automatically. Break through a lane and destroy the opposing player's king to win.
It’s a Table?!?
Yes! The custom tabletop hardware means the game is currently an exclusive, in-person experience.
// the table · mid-match
01
The readers
We engineered custom controllers to serve as the NFC lane interfaces. Each player's side is powered by an Arduino Nano integrated with three PN532 NFC modules. When a player places a physical card onto a reader, it instantly communicates with the system to deploy troops into that specific digital lane.
02
The cards
Every physical game card is embedded with a unique NFC tag. When placed on a PN532 module, the hardware decodes the data to instantly spawn that specific unit into the game. All of the art for the cards is hand drawn by our very own personal Rojas.
03
The game
We decided to write this game entirely from stratch in C using the Raylib library. This decision gave us absolute freedom over the game's development. It allowed us to establish direct communication with our custom hardware while keeping the game loop incredibly fast and lightweight.
Project Gallery
We’ve put a lot of effort into making this whole experience as polished as possible. See some of our work below.
What’s built so far.
UVULITES is playable but unfinished. While a full match can be played, a lot of work remains, and there are no online components yet. The only way to play the game right now is locally on the physical table at an event. We are working on improving the game and making this experience more accessible.
We post updates here in the devlog and in our Discord community server. If you like behind the scenes content, follow the development channels in the Discord and follow us on Instagram.
The Devlog
Read the free build notes for public patch details, hardware progress, and design decisions. Members get the juicier details and a voice in the dev threads.
- Patch notes and balance changes
- Hardware table progress
- Public posts on design decisions
Join the community
The UVULITES Discord is where development updates land first and where we talk through what’s next with the community. Get access to exclusive content and become a part of the game.
Join the DiscordFrequently Asked Questions.
If you still have questions, feel free to send us an email at hello@uvulites.com
[01]What is UVULITES?
UVULITES is a local 1v1 strategy card battler played with real NFC cards and physical NFC readers. Two players sit across one horizontal screen, summon units, cast spells, manage resources, and try to kill the other player’s King.
[02]Is it a physical or a digital game?
It is a digital game controlled by physical cards. The screen shows the battlefield, while the real cards and readers handle what each player summons or casts.
[03]How do the NFC cards work?
Each card has an NFC tag with a unique ID. When the card is placed close enough to a PN532 reader, an Arduino reads that ID, sends it to the game over USB, and UVULITES looks it up to trigger the matching unit or spell.
[04]How many people can play?
UVULITES is a two-player game. Both players sit across from each other and share the same horizontal screen. There is no single-player mode right now.
[05]Is there online multiplayer?
There is no online multiplayer at the moment. The current version is focused entirely on local 1v1.
[06]Is there an AI opponent?
Not currently. UVULITES is designed for two human players, and there is no computer opponent in the prototype.
[07]Is the game finished?
UVULITES is still a prototype, but you can already play a full match from start to finish. We are still working on balance, final art, sound, hardware polish, and more unit behavior. If you want to follow along, the devlog tracks new updates.
[08]Is there a community I can join?
Yes — the UVULITES Discord is free and open to everyone — follow development as it happens, hear about playtests first, and talk directly with the team.
[09]Where can I follow development or try it?
We post updates here on the devlog, in our free Discord, and on X/Twitter. Playtests are still early and local to the UCF area.
// contact us
Get in touch.
Questions, press, or playtest interest? Reach out — we read everything.
Made by Cup of Malice.
UVULITES is built by a small student team — founded by Nathan Davis and Sahid Rojas — set on making a strategy game you play with real cards and custom readers, not a controller.
Nathan Davis
Code & Hardware
Sahid Rojas
Art & Animation
// thanksSamuel Bentil · Igor Baranouski · Jared Jenkins