Ultraman Trading Game to be Released Globallly
Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd is bringing fans into the Ultraman universe like never before with the first trading card game based on the popular Japanese hero, the ULTRAMAN CARD GAME. Announced today in celebration of Ultraman Day, the trading card game will debut at retail on Friday, October 25, 2024, with a historic industry-first release in four languages and 15 countries and regions. With cards printed in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese, this marks the first time a trading card game will launch on a global scale in four languages simultaneously. The announcement comes on the heels of a successful debut for Ultraman: Rising, which premiered in June to acclaim from fans and critics alike, reaching the #2 spot on the Netflix Global Top 10 Films. Designs from the popular film will be featured within the game.
The ULTRAMAN CARD GAME is a new trading card game inspired by the world of Ultraman featuring playability appealing to both adults and kids, as well as collectability with future releases featuring specially designed cards by creators from around the globe. The game will also offer several rare cards to collect from designers such as Ultraman Tiga illustrator Hiroshi Maruyama and Ultraman production designer Masayuki Goto.
Masayuki Nagatake, President & COO, Tsuburaya Productions, said, “I am proud of the upcoming simultaneous release of the ULTRAMAN CARD GAME in 15 countries and regions. Since its streaming release on Netflix on June 14th, Ultraman: Rising was in the Top 10 for 69 countries and regions in the second week since the launch, showing the global appeal of the Ultraman Series. The ULTRAMAN CARD GAME also aims to be enjoyed by many fans around the world.”
Danny Simon, President of Tsuburaya Fields Media, said, “The release of the ULTRAMAN CARD GAME by Tsuburaya Productions in the US market is well timed, as the Ultraman fan base in the US continues to grow due in part to the tremendous success of Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising, the announcement of the Ultraman x Avengers crossover Marvel Comics series, and the English simuldub release on July 6 of the next live-action Ultraman series, Ultraman Arc.”
The initial release will offer two starter decks – Heroes of Hyper Space and The Bonds of Zero – each featuring 50 cards, a playsheet, and one booster pack to provide players with everything they need to start playing the game. Beginning in early November, players can also separately purchase Guardians of the Earth booster packs with 12 randomized cards per pack in either single packs or 24-pack boxes, allowing players to build their own original decks, collect their favorite characters, and enjoy the game in their own way. Each Guardians of the Earth booster box includes a “triple-rare” (RRR) Ancient Monster Gomora card.
ULTRAMAN CARD GAME playtest events will be held beginning this July in Japan, with test decks gifted to participants. Ultraman fans in the US will have their first chance to playtest the Ultraman Card Game at San Diego Comic-Con at Booth #3729. Details on future playtest events will be shared on the Ultraman Card Game’s official website, on social media pages, and on Ultraman Connection.
Global ULTRAMAN CARD GAME tournaments are planned for 2025 for players to begin competing in earnest. Players who win qualifying events will have the opportunity to participate in a World Championship planned for Spring 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.
The Ultraman universe first debuted in 1966 in the television series Ultra Q, and over the last 58+ years, the Ultraman franchise has spawned a record number of television series, films, video games, and more. The announcement of the ULTRAMAN CARD GAME comes at a time of major growth and increased brand awareness of the Ultraman franchise worldwide, sparked by the recent hit-maker Ultraman: Rising, which landed on Netflix in June and has become a fan-favorite and critical darling.
