Lorcana offers players multiple gift sets to choose from which make it a perfect entry point into … [+]
In 1993, a small game studio called Wizards of the Coast released a game that changed the lasndscape of tabletop gaming forever. That game was called Magic The Gathering and introduced an entirely new genre of game. They called it a collectible card game but it’s also known as a trading card game, expandable card game and many other version of the same concept.
Outside of Magic, trading card games tend to burn bright and live short, intense lifetimes. The concept faded away for many years in the 2010s but there’s been a recent surge back the other way over the past couple of years. Stalwarts like Magic and Pokemon have seen recent surges in popularity and profitability, thanks to not just new fans but ones who played these games as kids returning to the fold with more disposable income.
There are also many new trading card games on the market hoping to capitalize on the renewed interest in this style of game. The games discussed here share a few elements, such as a pool of discarded cards that function as the game’s main resource and streamlined play that encourage multiple games in a single sitting. These choices feel like designers looking to break away from some long standing challenges with how Magic plays.
I played three titles in this new style of trading card games. Two of them are attached to massively popular IP, while the third looks to innovate in the space by embracing technology. I recieved game materials from these companies as part of the background for this article.
Lorcana
If there’s one fanbase that shares Magic’s love of art and collection, it’s Disney fans. The release of Lorcana at Gen Con 2023 caused quite the stir as collectors and players clashed over a small print run for the initial set. Even now, the promo cards released at the D23 convention before Lorcana’s release are valued in thousands of dollars.
The game puts players in the roles of Imagineers who test their knowledge of Disney lore and imagination against each other. Cards are made up of Disney characters, iconic equipment and songs. Depending on the deck colors and style, different aspects of characters and their abilities in the game come to the forefront.
Lorcana is simple enough that parents and kids can play together but also engaging to adult fans that want to throw down at the friendly local gaming store. The game boasts seven expansions at this point with new mechanics slowly being introduced into the game. Each expansion also included a beginner friendly entry point to allow fans to pick the Disney characters they love as the basis for their deck.
Altered
Another family friendly trading card game option comes in the form of Altered. This game makes the unusual choice of centering not on a clash between players but a race between them. The world of Altered was changed by all of our stories and legends suddenly becoming real and the players are trying to explore everything first.
Altered came about through a Kickstarter which offered an exciting glimpse of the future of the trading card game. Players can register with an app to find places to play the game and catalogue their collections to help build decks. Future features include being able to print out new cards or card variations like foils or full bleed artwork cards.
Right now, players can get premium accessories from Gamegenic to enhance their experience. These updrages include plastic tokens, a premium adventure track, themed card sleeves and more. While fans can play these games with the included tokens, upgrading now can make games run more smoothly.
Star Wars Unlimited
The Star Wars franchise is no Padawan when it comes to tie-in games. Fans of the IP have been taught to collect from an early age. A trading card game seems like a natural fit.
Star Wars Unlimited released last year with a fast paced play style that feels like the films. Players play cards in two arenas; space and ground. The game alternates between players as they must choose between attacking their opponent’s units to protect their own and whittling down the enemy base to win the game.
This style of play can make games often feel like the climax of a Star Wars movie where the action of the film cuts between clashes between starships and heroes on the ground. The game already has dozens of leader characters that can be used as the basis of a deck. Making one can be as simple as deciding on a player’s favorite character in the franchise and building from there.
Magic The Gathering remainds the quintessential trading card game. Each of these newer entries take lessons learned from their rich history to try and carve out a new space in the tabletop games industry. No matter what one might prefer it’s an exciting time for gamers that love to flip cardboard.
