Hello, sysygy-ga!
I have tried to stay focused on the Pokemon "Playing Card" segment as
opposed to the movies, cartoons and interactive games also connected
to the Pokemon phenomenon. I hope the following information provides
some insights into the once popular, but now waning, Pokemon frenzy!
HISTORY
========
Initially launched in Japan as "Pocket Monsters":
--------------------------------------------------
"Pokemon was first launched in Japan as Pocket Monsters. In the three
years that the Japanese version of the trading card game has been
available, more than 1 billion cards have been sold. Played and
collected by families in Japan, the popularity of the game continues
to rise."
From "Pokemon Trading Card Game a Monster Success; Stores Selling Out
of Product within Hours of Restocking on Shelves." Business Wire.
(2/1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_Feb_3/53696127/print.jhtml
Linking Cards to the Pokemon Gameboy Game - 1998
-------------------------------------------------
"The Pokemon phenomenon in America began in September 1998 with the
release of the original Blue and Red Nintendo Game Boy video games and
debut of the television series. Pokemon has entertained millions of
fans all over the world with a best-selling toy line, a hugely popular
card game, a Warner Bros. motion picture and a multitude of licensed
products."
From "It's a Pokemon World as Nintendo Leads Popular Franchise Into
2000; New Line of Video Games, Toys and Movie Sequel Revealed at Toy
Fair 2000." Business Wire (Feb.2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_Feb_9/59268506/print.jhtml
(1999 statistics)
-----------------
"More than 2.5 million video game units sold in the U.S. since
September 1998, worth $70 million,
* followed by more than 1 million trading card starter sets.
"More than 12 million units of the video game sold in Japan on top of
* more than 1 billion trading cards
and 1 million musical CDs - not bad for a gaggle of cuddly critters
who overcame the relatively crude confines of Nintendo's Game Boy
system and the public relations nightmare of sending thousands of
Japanese children into seizure via their spin-off television series."
"We've dried up the entire card-printing capacity in the United
States," says Paul Verner, Wizards of the Coast's brand manager, of
the company's on-going fight to keep up with demand for product. To
meet it, Wizards' vendors are adding extra production lines and
additional manpower in order to accommodate the demand."
"With that goal in mind, Wizards will release its first expansion set,
Jungle, on July 19. The set will tempt Pokemon players with 47
additional "pocket monsters" than offered in the first card series. A
second expansion set will offer the remaining Pokemon in November. Due
in the fourth quarter will also be a line of Pokemon gaming
accessories, such as play mats, card boxes and card albums."
From "Playthings". Cahners Publishing (June 1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m3196/6_97/55084237/print.jhtml
US Launch of Pokemon Trading Cards - January 1999
--------------------------------------------------
"Wizards of the Coast Inc., the largest publisher of trading card
games in the world, has announced the official North American launch
of the Pokemon(tm) trading card game, the next incarnation of the
extraordinarily popular characters now sweeping North America in the
form of toys, collectibles, electronic games and an animated TV
series."
"Special celebrations are scheduled for January 9 and 10 from noon to
6 P.M. at five Wizards of the Coast(R) retail locations in the Puget
Sound region. Celebrations include an exclusive guest appearance by
Pikachu, one of the most popular Pokemon characters, Pokemon drawing
contests, game demonstrations and giveaways, as well as members of the
Pokemon Patrol -- three Volkswagen Beetles customized to resemble the
popular Pikachu character."
"In the Japanese market (where the characters are known as Pocket
Monsters), the remarkable success of the Game Boy(R) game, which has
sold more than 10 million units to date, gave rise to the
highest-rated kids' television program as well as the sale of more
than 400 million game cards, one million music CDs and an incredible
array of consumer products. Introduced in North America in September
1998, the Pokemon phenomenon shows every sign of a repeat success."
"This is truly an ideal match," said Rick Arons, senior vice president
at Wizards of the Coast. "Wizards of the Coast is the world's leading
trading card game manufacturer, Nintendo is the world's foremost
creator of interactive entertainment, and Pokemon is clearly the
number one kids' entertainment phenomenon in both countries."
From "The Pokemon Phenomenon Continues with National Launch of the
Pokemon Trading Card Game on January 9 & 10; Popular Pokemon Character
Pikachu to Appear at Seattle Kickoff Event." Business Wire (1/7/1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_Jan_7/53529038/print.jhtml
==
"The Pokemon(tm) trading card game, the latest incarnation of the
extraordinarily popular Pokemon phenomenon, is selling out all around
the country, with families and children snatching up nearly 400,000
copies of the game in less than six weeks."
"Wizards of the Coast Inc., the largest publisher of trading card
games in the world, announced today that the new game is selling 10
times better than initial projections. Consumer demand is so great
that the company is gearing up for a fourth print run after only six
weeks on the market in order to keep store shelves stocked."
"Launched nationwide on Jan. 9 (although presold in select stores
immediately prior to the holidays), the Pokemon trading card game is
the most recent addition to the Pokemon craze currently sweeping North
America. Sparked by the remarkable success of Nintendo's Game Boy(R)
game, Pokemon's mass-market appeal includes the highest-rated kids'
television program and an incredible assortment of toy products."
From "Pokemon Trading Card Game a Monster Success; Stores Selling Out
of Product within Hours of Restocking on Shelves." Business Wire.
(2/1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_Feb_3/53696127/print.jhtml
Online Game Tutorial Means Anyone Can Learn to Play Pokemon!
------------------------------------------------------------
"Saltmine(R) Creative, Inc., a software development and design firm
based in Seattle and London, announced today that it is developing an
online demonstration for Wizards of the Coast's Pokemon(TM) trading
card game."
"With Saltmine's interactive Pokemon resource, all of our audience --
which includes many young kids -- can easily learn to play Pokemon!"
said Kevin Kurtz, assistant promotions manager for Pokemon at Wizards
of the Coast. "This is the first online demo for any trading card
game, and we're excited to have Saltmine as our partner as we break
ground in this new area."
From "Saltmine Creative Takes Pokemon Trading Card Game Online." PR
Newswire (March 1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m4PRN/1999_March_5/54028121/print.jhtml
First-Year Anniversary Celebration - Introduction of Base Set 2(tm)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"In celebration of the one-year anniversary of the world's
best-selling trading card game, Wizards of the Coast Inc. has released
Base Set 2(tm), a selection of cards from both the original
Pokemon(tm)* trading card game's Base Set and the popular Jungle(tm)
expansion set. These game cards, including the highly sought-after
Charizard and Blastoise cards, make up this new set of 130 cards
bearing the Base Set 2 symbol."
"The release of Base Set 2 is the perfect way to celebrate the
one-year anniversary and phenomenal success of this game," said Carole
Pucik, brand manager for the Pokemon trading card game. "Not only is
it another opportunity to catch the highly coveted Charizard game
card, but the new instructional CD-ROM, video and new rulebooks will
help Pokemon trainers jump right into game play."
"Pokemon Trading Card Game Phenomenon Celebrates One-year Anniversary
With Release of Base Set 2; Base Set 2 Makes Learning the Game Easier
with Instructional CD-ROM." Business Wire (March 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_March_8/60004920/print.jhtml
Introduction of "Team Rocket" - 2000
-------------------------------------
"Encouraged to dress as their favorite Pokemon characters, tens of
thousands of kids across the nation are expected to line up at their
local Pokemon(TM)(1) Trading Card Game League stores to be the first
to see the newest and largest expansion of the Pokemon trading card
game to date -- the Team Rocket(TM) card set."
"Wizards of the Coast Inc. has issued a "call to arms" to tens of
thousands of Master Trainers from all corners of the nation to come to
the Mall of America in Minneapolis to win back the Pokemon trading
card game cards that were taken by those nasty no-gooders Team Rocket
early last week. And for the trainers who can't make it to
Minneapolis, local league stores will host a variety of activities in
celebration of the launch of the Team Rocket card set. At each store,
every child will receive a new Dark Gyarados card from the Team Rocket
set and will have the opportunity to trade and battle with other
Master Trainers."
From "Tens of Thousands of Costumed Kids Across the Nation Expected to
Line Up for Unveiling of Pokemon: Team Rocket Trading Cards." Business
Wire (April 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_April_22/61610217/print.jhtml
Pokemon: Southern Islands Collection - 2001
--------------------------------------------
"Pokemon trading card game enthusiasts can explore new territory with
the Southern Islands Collection TCG set. Favorite Pokemon characters
are featured on official game cards, which are set in sunny locales on
Rainbow Island and Tropical Island. The unique Southern Islands
Collection set includes a specially designed three-ring binder,
eighteen game cards previously available only in Japanese, six special
postcards, three randomized booster packs from recent expansions and
protective card sleeves designed to fit in the three-ring binder."
From "This Holiday Season, Wizards of the Coast Offers Trading Card
Games for Everyone On Your Shopping List." Business Wire (Nov. 2001)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2001_Nov_15/80101887/print.jhtml
A Move into the Interactive "Card-e Arena" - 2002
---------------------------------------------------
"Scheduled to hit store shelves this week, the first Pokemon-e set,
Pokemon-e: Expedition(TM), will introduce a new generation of cards to
the more than 30 million fans and players of the Pokemon TCG
worldwide. Experienced and beginning players alike will enjoy the
Pokemon-e TCG, which combines the fun of traditional trading card game
play with the handheld technology of Nintendo's Game Boy(R) Advance
and "Dot Code Technology" licensed by Olympus Optical Co., Ltd."
"The global Pokemon phenomenon is continuing, with strong sales for
Pokemon TCG products and a new generation of players and collectors
joining the millions of enfranchised fans," said Loren Greenwood,
chief operating officer for Wizards of the Coast. "Pokemon-e TCG cards
answer the consumer clamor for new ways to enjoy the Pokemon TCG and
enhance the collectibility of Pokemon cards, making Pokemon game play
more varied and fun than ever."
From "Trading Cards Go Interactive -- Pokemon-e: Expedition Cards Lead
the Next Evolution in Must-have Trading Card Games." Business Wire.
(Sept 2002)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2002_Sept_16/91558044/print.jhtml
==================
GOAL OF THE GAME
==================
"The goal of the Pokemon trading card game is to collect, trade, train
and battle various monsters in an effort to become the world's
greatest Pokemon trainer. The trading card game follows the Pokemon
storyline as found in the Pokemon Game Boy game, the animated
television series and the comic books. Some of these Pokemon are more
rare and/or powerful than others. Select ultra rare cards have special
holographic printing."
From "Pokemon Trading Card Game a Monster Success; Stores Selling Out
of Product within Hours of Restocking on Shelves." Business Wire.
(2/1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_Feb_3/53696127/print.jhtml
================================
THE POKEMON PLAYING CARD MARKET
================================
United Sates - Six million players since debut
-----------------------------------------------
"Since the Pokemon TCG debuted in the United States in January 1999,
more than six million children have played the game."
From "Pokemon Trading Card Game Gears Up for New Dimension With Card-e
Releases; Innovative New Development in Game Industry Combines Trading
Card Game Play With Handheld Technology." Business Wire. (February
2002)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2002_Feb_1/82383932/print.jhtml
Worldwide - 30 Million since Debut
-----------------------------------
"More than 30 million kids worldwide have played the trading card game
since it debuted in the U.S. in January 1999."
"First-Ever Pokemon Trading Card Game World Champion Titles Won by
Dylan Austin, 14 of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Mindy Lambkee, 10 of Kent,
Washington." Business Wire (8/2002)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2002_August_5/90091742/print.jhtml
======================
MARKETING STRATEGIES
======================
Pokemon Parties Tour
---------------------
"The Pokemon(TM)phenomenon that has swept the country -- and shows no
sign of abating anytime soon -- is taking its show on the road,
bringing the Pokemon trading card game and the beloved Pokemon
characters right to their young fans' neighborhoods. The national tour
of "Pokemon Parties" focuses on the Pokemon trading card game, the
latest incarnation of the extraordinarily popular Pokemon characters.
Following a gala kick-off in Miami, then a successful stop in Atlanta,
the tour will move up the East Coast, visit New England, cross the
Midwest and then head West.
From "Pokemon Parties Hit the Road; Pokemon Trading Card Game Embarks
on First National Tour." Business Wire (March 1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_March_17/54129818/print.jhtml
Burger King Distributes Pokeman Toys and Cards
-----------------------------------------------
"In an effort to satisfy the demand for Pokemon(TM) premiums, Burger
King Corporation (BKC) today announced that it will be distributing to
its restaurants full-size sheets of Pokemon(TM) trading cards to
address temporary spot shortages of toys. The "Master Trainer
Collector Set" of cards come on 20 different sheets, with nine cards
to a sheet and will begin appearing this week at participating U.S.
and Canadian BURGER KING(R) restaurants. While company officials
stressed that toys are being delivered ahead of schedule to
restaurants, the overwhelming demand for the property is straining
supply. One Trading Card sheet will be included in each Kids Club
meal, at participating restaurants that are awaiting their next
Pokemon toy shipment."
From "Burger King Corporation Provides Collector Sheets of Pokemon(TM)
Trading Cards to Restaurants for Temporary Shortages." PR Newswire
(Dec. 1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m4PRN/1999_Dec_6/58043264/print.jhtml
Free Cards at Pokemon Movie Launch
-------------------------------------------------
"A coast-to-coast deluge of moviegoers made Warner Bros.' "Pokemon The
First Movie" into an overnight box-office sensation when it opened to
record-breaking business in theaters on Wednesday."
"In response to Pokemon fans who were unable to obtain Pokemon Trading
Card Game cards offered with the purchase of each movie ticket, Warner
Bros. has announced the creation of an 800 number and ticket stub
mail-in program to help remedy the situation. The announcement was
made by Brad A. Ball, president of Domestic Marketing at Warner Bros.
Pictures."
"Acknowledged Ball: "It's great to have a movie that appeals so
strongly to audiences, and we're proud of the marketing campaign we've
put together. It includes Wizards of the Coast and other valued
partners such as Burger King, who are also experiencing a stampede of
customers wanting Pokemon toys and cards. However, we want to do
everything we can to satisfy the desire we've helped create, and we
are making every effort to do so as quickly as possible."
From "Warner Bros. Creates 800 Number and Ticket Stub Mail-in Plan to
Help Pokemon Movie Fans Obtain Pokemon Trading Card Game Cards."
Business Wire (Nov 1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_Nov_12/57527858/print.jhtml
Pokemon Trading Game Tour
---------------------------
"The all-new Pokemon(TM)(1) Trading Card Game tour hits the road this
month and will bring a wide variety of Pokemon activities to cities
around the country. The Pokemon Trading Card Game Tour will travel to
shopping malls around the country, giving fans the opportunity to
learn new skills from Pokemon Master Trainers. The Pokemon Trading
Card Game Tour will have something for everyone. The wide variety of
activities include a Fun Zone for trainers-to-be (ages 3 to 6), the
new and exclusive Pokemon trading card game Three-Stage Training
Arena, and a qualifier tournament for the Pokemon Trading Card Game
League Super Trainer Showdown."
From "Pokemon Activities Abound On Pokemon Trading Card Game Tour."
Business Wire. (April 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_April_25/61658665/print.jhtml
Accessories
------------
Play mats, card boxes and card albums
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m3196/6_97/55084237/print.jhtml
Pokemon Character Toys
-----------------------
"By year's end, (1999) 71 of the 150 Pokemon characters will be
available as Hasbro toys in one format or another."
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m3196/6_97/55084237/print.jhtml
Free Trading Cards and Coin in Pokemon Videos
----------------------------------------------
Get a "free exclusive game card and collectable coin" inside each
specially-marked video and DVD."
From "Pokemon The Movie 2000," the smash follow-up to the worldwide
phenomenon "Pokemon: The First Movie," arrives in stores from Warner
Home Video (WHV) on Nov. 14, 2000. Business Wire Oct 9, 2000
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_Oct_9/65835833/print.jhtml
Team Rocket Showdown
---------------------
"The hot new Pokemon(TM)(1) trading card game cards that were stolen
from the Wizards of the Coast(R) warehouse in Seattle on Tuesday were
spotted at Lake Erie early this morning in the possession of none
other than the members of the nasty no-gooders, Team Rocket. This is
the final stop Team Rocket will make before landing at the Mall of
America in Minneapolis tomorrow, where they have challenged every
Master Trainer in the United States to a gigantic showdown."
From "Team Rocket of Pokemon Fame Gets That Sinking Feeling Over Lake
Erie; Team Rocket's Tour of Trouble Coming to a Close." Business Wire
(April 21, 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_April_21/61597168/print.jhtml
Regional, State and World Championships
----------------------------------------
"With their own strategically designed Pokemon(R) trading card game
(TCG) decks in hand, visions of Pikachu and Bulbasaur dancing in their
heads, and the dream of winning a World Title in their hearts, they
came. And, after two days of heated head-to-head, card-to-card
competition with more than 100 Pokemon-playing prodigies from 13
different countries, two emerged victorious to win the first-ever
Pokemon World Champion titles: Dylan Austin, 14 of Ann Arbor, Michigan
in the 11 to 14 division; and Mindy Lambkee, 10 of Kent, Washington in
the 10 and under age bracket."
"The inaugural event brought together champions from national and
regional tournaments that attract nearly 100,000 players each year in
40 countries throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and
Asia."
"With Pokemon TCG tournament play continuing to grow in popularity
worldwide, the time was right to launch the Pokemon World Championship
event," said Chris Galvin, director of organized play for Wizards of
the Coast. "We are thrilled to have crowned our first World Champions
and are pleased that we can give kids from all over the world the
opportunity to come together for fun competition and the chance to
communicate through the universal language of Pokemon."
"First-Ever Pokemon Trading Card Game World Champion Titles Won by
Dylan Austin, 14 of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Mindy Lambkee, 10 of Kent,
Washington." Business Wire (8/2002)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2002_August_5/90091742/print.jhtml
Announcing the Parents "SEAL OF APPROVAL"
-------------------------------------------
"The Pokemon(TM) trading card game, a favorite with kids across North
America, is soon to become a favorite with parents as well, with the
National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval award. The National
Parenting Center's testing division, which is run by independent
testers including parents, educators and panels of the National
Parenting Center, has determined that the Pokemon trading card game
two-player Starter Set "is of superb design and quality." As stated in
their Product Testing Report, "Pokemon (Trading Card Game) is a
compelling game that involves strategy, creative thinking and a dash
of luck. We haven't seen young boys in particular, so excited about a
game of this nature in a long time."
"Pokemon Trading Card Game Awarded National Parenting Center's Seal of
Approval." Business Wire (Sept 1999)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/1999_Sept_15/55755746/print.jhtml
======================
SOME POKEMON SPINOFFS
======================
While some of the following may not be direct "spinoffs", the Pokemon
Card phenomenon certainly paved the way for a new breed of playing
cards.
X-Men
-----
"The heroes and villains from the number-one selling X-Men comic are
starring in a new trading card game from hobby games leader Wizards of
the Coast Inc., to be released in conjunction with this summer's
anticipated blockbuster X-Men The Movie. The popular comic book
characters, which have been around for more than 25 years, come alive
in the new trading card game that includes heroes such as Wolverine,
Storm, Cyclops and Professor X, as well as the villains Magneto, Toad
and Mystique. With the X-Men(R) trading card game, players can take an
active role in controlling their favorite character's exploits."
From "Popular Comic Book Heroes and Villains Come Alive in New Wizards
of the Coast Trading Card Game; New X-Men Trading Card Game Inspired
by Upcoming Major Motion Picture." Business Wire (May 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_May_15/62092703/print.jhtml
NBA Trading Card Game
----------------------
"When the 2001 NBA season opens next fall, you'll be able to play
along without breaking a sweat. The new NBA trading card game will
simulate an actual basketball game with game players acting as owners
and head coaches of their own all-star teams. The game combines the
strategy of basketball with the collectability of sports cards and the
competition of fantasy basketball. Game players will be able to call
their own plays, shoot three pointers, hit jump shots and drive in for
slam dunks."
From "Wizards of the Coast Scores a Deal with the NBA; Deal to Result
in New NBA Trading Card Game." Business Wire (Dec 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_Dec_1/67490759/print.jhtml
World Championship Wresting Game
---------------------------------
"Fans of the larger-than-life wrestlers of World Championship
Wrestling (WCW) will be able to become a part of the action with the
new WCW(TM) Nitro(TM) trading card game, which releases this week from
Wizards of the Coast, based on a licensing agreement with 4 Kids
Entertainment, Inc."
"The overwhelming popularity of professional wrestling and growing
awareness of trading card games will make the WCW Nitro trading card
game a sure hit," says Luke Peterschmidt, Wizards of the Coast(R)
brand manager. "Our game captures the essence of wrestling, with
intense action, flashy personalities and high-flying moves."
From "Get in the Ring' With WCW Wrestlers; WCW Nitro Trading Card Game
from Wizards of the Coast Allows Players to Be a Part of WCW Action."
Business Wire (June 2000)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_June_6/62520182/print.jhtml
Mage Knight
-------------
"In the past decade, power brands like Pokemon have helped spawn a new
world of trading cards, proving simple photos matched with heavy stats
is not enough to hold the short attention spans of young gainers."
"WizKids, founded and led by Microsoft's creative director of
entertainment Jordan Weisman, has taken trading card gaming to a new
level by marrying traditional cards with fantasy collectibles for a
fastpaced strategic game, Mage Knight Rebellion. The game found a home
in mom-and-pop stores in late 2000, racking in $50 million in retail
sales in a year.
From "Mage knight". DSN Retailing Today. (Feb 2002)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0FNP/3_41/82801903/print.jhtml
The Simpsons
-------------
"Wizards of the Coast, a developer and publisher of game-based
entertainment products, and a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS),
today announced they have reached an agreement with Twentieth Century
Fox Licensing and Merchandising (Fox L&M) to produce and distribute a
trading card game based on THE SIMPSONS, the longest running comedy
currently in primetime.THE SIMPSONS TCG, designed for 2 to 6 players,
will feature 156 cards and will be available at retail stores
nationwide in late 2002."
From "Bart, Homer, Lisa and Marge Get Decked Out in New Trading Card
Game From Wizards of the Coast." Business Wire (July 2002)
NeoPets
--------
"The NeoPets trading card game will take the game world by storm
creating an engaging offline experience based on the incredibly
exciting and immersive NeoPets website," says Chuck Huebner, President
and CEO of Wizards of the Coast. "By building a large, loyal offline
community around NeoPets, Wizards of the Coast will help take this
exciting youth franchise to the next level."
From "Wizards of the Coast to Bring One of the Web's Hottest
Properties -- NeoPets -- into Offline Realm with NeoPets Trading Card
Game." Business Wire (Feb 2003)
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2003_Feb_4/97228907/print.jhtml
Yy-Gi-Oh Cards
----------------
"Yu-Gi-Oh comics debuted in Japan in 1996 and gave rise to a popular
cartoon in 2000. The English version of the cartoon reached the United
States in September 2001, and the trading cards were released in May
by Upper Deck, a private firm."
"The toy industry's proof that Yugi is now a pop icon in America? This
fall, "Yu-Gi-Oh" -- Yugi's superhero name -- became one of the most
widely searched terms on the eBay auction site, second only to "Gucci"
and ahead of "BMW."
From "EBay Plays Toy Industry Barometer." BizReport (Nov. 2002)
http://www.bizreport.com/article.php?art_id=3887
==
"Some think Yu-Gi-Oh collectible cards will make kids forget Pokemon."
From "Hope for the holidays," by Mark albright. St. Petersburg Times. (Oct 2002)
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/10/20/Business/Hope_for_the_holidays.shtml
==============================
POKEMON CARDS SPARK BATTLES
==============================
Wizards of the Coast Drops Pokemon Trading Card Line
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I want to let you know that Wizards of the Coast® has learned that
our proposal to the Pokémon Company to manufacture and distribute the
Ruby & Sapphire releases was not accepted. We felt our proposal was
fair and appropriate based on what we knew the property to be worth
through our first hand experiences."
"I would like to take this opportunity to let our loyal community of
fans know we will continue to fully support the Pokémon trading card
game community throughout the rest of our existing agreements. In
fact, we will release another Pokémon-e expansion named Skyridge
(April), and a Legendary Collection II set (late Spring), as well as a
Jamboree expansion later this year. These releases will be as exciting
and as fun to collect, trade and play as the Pokémon releases we have
provided you over the past 15 releases with nearly 10 billion cards
sold globally over the past 5 years."
"You should also know that Wizards of the Coast is finalizing the
plans for a Pokémon Fan appreciation tournament to take place Saturday
July 26th at the GenCon Gaming Convention in Indianapolis. Wizards
will also be supporting Pokémon organized play through BattleZone, the
upcoming Skyridge Super BattleZone, the Professor Championship at
Origins, and the Team Multiplay Championship at GenCon."
"It is important to note that while we will not be manufacturing and
distributing the Pokémon trading card game after the above releases,
the large worldwide player base that has evolved can carry on the fun
and enjoyment of playing, trading, collecting. I would encourage all
of you to contact the Pokémon Company for details regarding its plans
for tournaments and organize play events. While Wizards of the Coast
won?t be working on the Pokémon trading card game, we have a long list
of other lifestyle games that will appeal to many of you like Magic:
The Gathering®, Star Wars®, and MLB® Showdown trading card games."
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has purchased
our products, participated in the many events that we have hosted such
as the Super Trainer Showdowns, mall tours, Pokémon Leagues, and last
year?s World Championship in Seattle."
From "Wizards of the Coast Loses Pokemon." GamingReport.com (Posted
2003-03-12) http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=7598
===
Lawsuit Brews Between Wizards of the Coast and Nintendo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Renton-based game developer Wizards of the Coast Inc. has sued
Redmond-based Nintendo of America Inc. and several affiliates for
breach of contract and patent infringement over the hit Pokemon
trading-card game.
"The suit provides a glimpse of a bitter behind-the-scenes dispute
over the Pokemon trading-card games, which became hugely popular in
the late 1990s and sold millions of copies nationwide."
Read on...
From "A suit of cards: Wizards of the Coast sues Nintendo over Pokemon
game," by Eric Engleman. Pudget Sound Business Journal. (Week of Oct
13, 2003)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2003/10/13/story2.html
=============================
THE FUTURE OF POKEMON CARDS
=============================
"Once the hottest trading card game on U.S. playgrounds, the Pokemon
phenomena has run out of steam in recent years. Cards that once traded
for hundreds of dollars are now sold for pennies. In late 2000,
Wizards of the Coast laid off 100 employees owing in part to the
weakening demand for the game."
From "It's Wizards vs. Pokemon as ex-partners square off," by John
Cook. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. (Oct 11, 2003)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/143467_pokemon11.html
==
And What About the "Poor" Kids left in the Wake of the Crash?
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"A year ago, Pokémon cards were the most popular plaything on the
planet. Elementary schools were forced to ban the cards as schoolyard
speculators ignored their math homework and frenetically bought and
sold rare holographic foil cards on the playground. Dealers marked up
$3 packets of cards to $12 or more. The rarest cards sold for as much
as $375."
"Now the card market has virtually collapsed and Pokémon
"thousand-aires" have watched their net worth be wiped out."
Is comeback in the cards?
"Everything old is new again," said Jimmy, who has traveled to Los
Angeles and Minnesota to compete in Pokémon tournaments. "Lava lamps
went out and came back, so this might, too."
"But there are other former Pokémon players who say the game is over."
From "Pokemon trading market collapses; kids get a lesson in
high-fliers, by Julian E. Barnes. New York Times. (Originally printed
January 20, 2001)
http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/1089.shtml
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Pokeman cards appear to have gone the way of most fads. If only those
card saavy kids had sold their valuable Pokemon cards at the height of
the market?? their parents might have had a bit of help paying for
college!!!!
Umiat-ga
Google Search
pokemon cards "annual sales"
"pokemon trading cards" AND annual sales"
pokemon "spinoffs"
Wizards of the coast
www.findarticles.com
pokemon +card industry
pokemon trading card game |
