A new horror game titled Cardsharp, based on blackjack, has appeared on Steam, developed by indie studio Zandbox Studio Games, as reported by iGN.
In Cardsharp, players will sit at a table with two other participants, who can be either controlled by the computer or real people online. Players can either team up or compete individually.
The game introduces a unique health system where the hero's health is represented by five fingers on their hand. For each lost round, the dealer takes one finger, while winning a round earns money. This money can be used to purchase items from a descending crate that appears every third round, which players can use against their opponents.
Details regarding the victory conditions have not yet been disclosed. The game is set to release on October 14, 2026, with a demo already available.
The rules of blackjack have also been modified. A row of open cards lies at the center of the table, from which each participant can take one card per turn. Additionally, players can hide one card up their sleeve to play at the right moment, provided it isn’t burned beforehand.
Players will receive tasks during specific rounds with monetary rewards. For example, one task may require players to take at least two cards without busting for $7 (all amounts are in in-game currency). Available items include a lighter that burns a card from an opponent's sleeve and a cursed ring that can be placed on any participant's finger. If that finger is lost, another player at the table takes damage.
There are also defensive items, such as soap for $7, which gives a 50% chance that the dealer will miss when trying to take the pinky or thumb. Pricing details have not been announced yet. Note that there is no option to place real money bets in the game.