Turkish tabletop studio Metis Creative unveils sci-fi RPG on Kickstarter
Astra Arcanum, the first standalone game by Metis Creative, brings tactical combat and deep character creation to a new science fiction universe.
Elena Whitmore 
Metis Creative, the Istanbul-based tabletop game studio known for its narrative-driven role-playing projects, is preparing to launch its first standalone tabletop RPG, Astra Arcanum, on Kickstarter. This new title marks a shift in the studio’s direction, branching into science fiction after gaining industry recognition with alternate history-themed games. The game has already gained traction on Kickstarter, ranking among the platform’s most popular upcoming games. Speaking on the project’s visibility, Sarp Duyar, Founder & CEO of Metis Creative, stated: “We just revealed Astra Arcanum, our first standalone Tabletop RPG. Already in the top row of Kickstarter’s most popular upcoming games, beating a couple of well known IPs!”
A new direction after ENNIE Award success
Metis Creative was founded in 2021 by Sarp Duyar and Doga Can Sayilkan as a creative collaboration among friends in Istanbul, Turkiye. The team has since grown into an international studio with members located across several countries. The company earned a significant milestone with its previous project, Historica Arcanum, which received an ENNIE Award, one of the most recognized honors in the tabletop RPG industry. Notably, George R. R. Martin once referred to the ENNIEs as “the most prestigious honors in role-playing,” reflecting the award’s standing in the community.
Astra Arcanum introduces flexible mechanics and strategic depth
At the core of Astra Arcanum lies the d20 Dice Pool System, a rule set designed to be accessible to both newcomers and experienced tabletop players. The system emphasizes tactical combat and encourages players to engage with the game’s mechanics by making strategic choices throughout encounters. Combat scenarios are built to require adaptability, with players needing to respond to evolving challenges on the field.
Character creation is a major component of the gameplay. Players are given the tools to shape every aspect of their characters, from skills and abilities to backstory and personality. This high level of customization ensures that no two characters are alike, reinforcing the role-playing aspect of the game and offering variety in both cooperative and solo play.
Exploring a wide science fiction universe
Astra Arcanum is set in a rich sci-fi universe populated by a range of planets, cultures, and political factions. The game offers opportunities for exploration, diplomacy, and discovery, as players interact with multiple groups and uncover the layered history developed by the design team. These elements combine to offer more than just a combat experience—it’s a setting built for immersive storytelling and strategic roleplay.
As the Kickstarter campaign approaches, Metis Creative continues to engage with the tabletop gaming community. The studio also provides publishing resources for independent designers, including guides and insights on game development. With Astra Arcanum, the studio aims to expand its creative reach while contributing to the broader ecosystem of tabletop role-playing.
