17 August 2023 , 08:28
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British gamers are to get their first chance to buy , expected by many to be one of this Christmas’ most popular gifts, as the collectible card game hits shelves in the UK, but only at limited stores to start with. The game made headlines worldwide after American fans slept outside overnight to be first in the queue to get their hands on it and anticipation levels this side of the Pond are similarly high, with some stores opening at one minute past midnight for Friday’s launch.
Lorcana sees the House of the Mouse team up with the UK’s number one jigsaw puzzle brand Ravensburger to make a collectible card game, or TCG, to rival both the game play of and the cute characters of , all with a hefty sprinkling of Disney pixie dust.
is both Disney and ’s first ever TCG and has caused a stir both with collectors keen to see some of the original artwork commissioned for the huge project and gamers looking for something new to play, leading industry insiders to tip it as a big seller this Christmas.
Ravensburger’s North American CEO Filip Francke previously described as a ‘game-changer in the billion-dollar-plus trading card market,’ while a UK spokesperson for the firm speaking exclusively to The Mirror ahead of the launch said early interest in the game had been beyond their expectations, adding: “There’s a real buzz on social media, shops are literally posting pictures of shrink-wrapped palettes and saying they’ve received their stock ahead of Friday. People are so excited. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever seen and I’ve been in the toy industry for fifteen years.”
Three shops in the UK are set to open their doors at 00.01 on Friday (August 18) for the launch, with Fan Boy Three in Manchester, Toys and Games of Worcester and Northern Card Gaming in Newtownards near Belfast allowing eager fans to start playing in store immediately.
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More than 150 more independent games stores will be hosting events through the day, with London’s iconic Disney Store in Oxford Street starting their sale with a special event at 3pm, including a signing by British artist Matthew Robert-Davis who drew artwork used on some of the cards.
is initially only available at independent games and comic shops as well as shops that are part of Toymaster, a British buying group of independently owned toy shops.
The entire range is also available to buy as from a host of retailers including , , and , so shoppers unable to get into store can still join the fun, with larger retailers starting to sell the long-awaited sets from September 1.
The launch of the game ties in neatly with Disney’s 100th anniversary, which has seen them collaborate with everyone from to and beyond. London is also set to play host to this autumn as part of the celebrations.