trading card Archives

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Riftbound director hints at its digital future, says it’s “not a matter of if, but when and how” for the League of Legends TCG

Riot Games introduced a Teamfight Tactics tournament at the TFT Paris Open as part of the Riftbound event, generating genuine excitement among players. Game director Dave Guskin discussed the challenges of card availability and the company's strategy to address scarcity issues in physical trading card games (TCGs). He acknowledged that the demand for Riftbound was underestimated and emphasized the importance of supporting in-person social play. Although there is currently no digital version of Riftbound, Guskin indicated that the possibility of a digital adaptation is being considered for the future. Players are currently using alternatives like a mod for Tabletop Simulator to engage with the game digitally.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Calamity Angels: Special Delivery Game’s PC Version Launches in 2026

Idea Factory International plans to release the role-playing game Calamity Angels: Special Delivery on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test will run from December 22 to January 16, with applications now open. The official launch is set for February 17 in North America and Europe, with physical and digital versions available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. A Plus Edition will include a 52-page hardcover artbook, a postcard set, a slipcase, a reversible cover sleeve, and a trading card. The game features voiceovers in English and Japanese and was developed by Kei Nanameda, influenced by interviews with Japan Post. It was originally launched in Japan on June 26 for the Switch, PS5, and PS4.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Google Play 2025 Awards: Focus Friend wins best app, Pokémon TCG Pocket best game

Google Play has announced its selections for the best Android applications and games of 2025. The Best App award went to Focus Friend, developed by Hank Green, recognized for its gamified productivity features. The Best Game award was given to Pokémon TCG Pocket, a mobile adaptation of the trading card game. Luminar won the multi-device Best App award, while Disney Speedstorm was named the multi-device Best Game. Additional winners included: - Best for Fun: Edits - Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend - Best Everyday Essential: Wiser – 15 Minute Audio Books - Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning - Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game - Best for Watches: SleepisolBio - Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes - Best for Cars: SoundCloud - Best for XR Headsets: Calm - Best Multiplayer: Dunk City Dynasty - Best Pick Up and Play: Candy Crush Solitaire - Best Indie: Chants of Sennaar - Best Story: Disco Elysium - Best Ongoing: Wuthering Waves - Best on Play Pass: DREDGE - Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

The League of Legends trading card game is surprisingly good, because it embraces the best trends in card games

Trading Card Games (TCGs) are experiencing a surge in popularity, with titles like Magic: The Gathering achieving success through crossover events. Wizards of the Coast reports financial gains from these initiatives. TCGs face competition from board games, miniatures wargames, roleplaying games, and digital card games. Magic: The Gathering remains dominant, with The Pokémon TCG and Yu-Gi-Oh as its main challengers, though neither poses a significant threat. Riot Games has launched Riftbound: The League of Legends card game, which sold out its first print run and is being resold at inflated prices. Riftbound features a 40-card deck centered around a single Champion and incorporates unique gameplay mechanics. It is designed for both casual and competitive play, with straightforward mechanics and flexible formats. Riot's previous success in tabletop gaming supports their credibility in this venture, and Riftbound may develop a dedicated community even if it doesn't achieve mainstream success.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google Play announces its best Android apps and games of 2025

Google Play has announced its best Android apps and games for 2025. The Best App award goes to Focus Friend, created by Hank Green, which is a gamified focus timer that combines productivity with playful design. The Best Game award is given to Pokémon TCG Pocket, an adaptation of the trading card game featuring new designs and booster packs. The Best Multi-Device App is Luminar, which offers AI-powered photo editing tools for Google Photos and Photoshop users. The Best Multi-Device Game is Disney Speedstorm, a kart racing game featuring Disney characters and settings.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

League of Legends TCG Riftbound is the best thing Riot’s done since Arcane, but I’m not convinced it has MTG’s staying power

Riftbound is a card game set in the League of Legends universe, inspired by traditional trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. Players choose a Champion Legend, a Chosen Champion for buffs, and a Battlefield with unique traits to win by reaching eight points through unit placement and skirmishes called 'Showdowns.' The Proving Grounds set features four decks—Annie, Garen, Lux, and Master Yi—with varying complexity. Decks are designed to reflect the champions' characteristics, such as Lux's burst spells and Garen's tank role. Gameplay can be lengthy, especially with larger player counts, with matches lasting from 30 minutes to nearly two hours. Riftbound Set 1, Origins, is currently sold out online and in most local game stores, with cards available on the second-hand market.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Getting banned in League of Legends or Valorant could block you from Riftbound TCG events, thanks to this one Riot rule

Riot Games has implemented a policy that enforces account-wide penalties for player misconduct across its games, meaning a ban in one game can affect a player's ability to play others, including the newly launched trading card game Riftbound. Players must adhere to conduct guidelines to participate in official events, and those with serious misconduct bans may be barred from these events. This policy was formalized in an update to Riot's Terms of Service, stating that misconduct in one game can lead to penalties in others. Players with a history of misconduct will face challenges in participating in official events for Riftbound, although they can still engage in casual play and purchase game-related products.

BetaBeacon

November 10, 2025

Google and Epic upend Android mobile game monetisation | Week in Mobile Games podcast

The latest episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast discusses Google and Epic's new proposals for developers monetizing on Android, top grossing and most downloaded mobile games in October 2025, PUBG Mobile's decline, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket's revenue milestone, and Nintendo Switch 2's launch sales.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

This retro-inspired JRPG just became the biggest Kickstarter game of the year, and puts a Greek spin on one of my favorite genres

Elestrals Awakened is a creature-collecting game that has raised over 0,000 on Kickstarter from more than 10,000 backers, making it the most-funded video game of the year. The game is a 16-bit retro homage to classic JRPGs and will feature a 2.5D turn-based RPG experience with dynamic over-the-shoulder battles. It is set to introduce creatures like Arcalith, Helialith, and Verdalith, with a full release planned for late 2027. The game includes features such as extra save files, permadeath options, a randomizer mode, and a Clash Tower mode. Alpha and beta testing will continue until summer 2027, and the 'Late Pledges' period is still open for additional support.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

Riot admits its League of Legends TCG Riftbound might have short-changed you on rare cards

The author's enthusiasm for League of Legends has decreased recently, particularly due to the overwhelming pursuit of ranked success and the lack of cinema watch parties for the Worlds tournament in Scotland. However, the introduction of Riftbound, a new physical card game by Riot, has rekindled their interest. The game captures the essence of League of Legends champions, as emphasized by its design manager. There have been concerns regarding rarity distribution in booster packs, with some players receiving fewer rare cards than expected. On October 29, game director Dave Guskin acknowledged these issues and stated that Riot is investigating potential collation problems. He reassured players that overall rarity distribution at the booster box level is functioning as intended and promised to address the concerns. Players experiencing issues are encouraged to report them with specific details. The launch of Riftbound has generally gone smoothly, despite some complaints about regional pricing and pack availability.