Game companies that grew around online and mobile titles are expanding into physical trading card games, aiming to extend use of their intellectual property beyond screen time and attract collectors and offline users. Krafton is preparing a PUBG: Battlegrounds card game with Cardmonster, while Riot Games will launch its LoL-themed Riftbound in South Korea in September. The article also outlines standalone and IP-alliance models and says long-term success depends on building a player ecosystem.

Pokemon cards are being traded like investment assets, with money that has profited from cryptocurrencies also flowing into the market. CNBC reported that rare cards trade for millions of dollars, while even regular products repeatedly sell out after release and are resold. Data cited by Collectors, which owns grading firm PSA, show prices rose 282% from 2004 to 2020 and jumped 1,350% since 2020, drawing short-term traders and ultra-wealthy demand.