I did a follow-up interview with Ward TCG, here are their answers to my questions!
Q: What’s new with Ward TCG since our previous interview?
A: A lot has happened in the year since our last interview. Ward has hosted a dozen tournaments with great turnouts, lots of action, and many new players.
We have attended several conventions with the most recent being the HUGE Midwest gaming Classic in Milwaukee WI. The original actors from resident Evil 1 video game hung out at our booth for a while and were enamored with Ward.
We are in about 2 dozen stores, including a partnership with a Midwest convenience store chain “Luckey Seven”. They fell in love with Ward and have begun to spread it in their 37 stores across the Midwest.
We were invited to be on several interviews with ABC News. They also loved Ward and wanted to help promote an upcoming tournament we had in Minneapolis MN at that time. Being on Live TV was very nerve racking. We were also hosted by PBS for a short segment called “The Slice”. This was smaller that ABC but very fun.
We also area regular guest on the “Rise of the Podcast” on twitch. This has been a very great way to spread Ward news.
Our sales are through the roof as we have sold both in stores and online across the USA. At the time of this interview, we have shipped to 49/50 states. Still waiting on Hawaii.
Q: When will the next set release and what can fans expect to see?
A: Great question and one we are eager to answer. At the time of this interview the UNDEAD INVASION EXPANSION is slated for a mid-July release date. This all depends on our manufacture “Shuffled Ink” and their product time. We can assure you that we are working 24/7 to bring the expansion to our great fans and the rest of the USA.
The Undead Invasion has a focus on the Undead King and the Empire of the Damned returning to Ward. Fans can expect the gameplay to stay the exact same, however, we put a harder emphasis on bringing Ward matches more to the battlefield and just a little less of deck trickery. Deck tricks still exist, but we felt the game was becoming too meta during tournament play and wanted to ensure Ward Gen 2 was closer to what our original goal of the game.
As for those who are interested in the Lore of Ward, we will have several new chapters added to the story. This will include some of the fan base and how they have affected the game world. However, the story in its simplest terms is A LOT of pop culture all put into a cohesive story. If you like world of warcraft, you’re going to like this story. If you like Resident Evil, you’re going to like this story. If you like Terminator, you’re going to LOVE this story. If you like Dark Souls, you are going to find snippets in the story all over the place. It’s a great story, and we work on it just as hard as the cards to make everything fit.
Q: How can someone enter a Ward tournament?
A: Entering a Ward tournament is very easy. Just show up and pay the entrance fee. The only trick is being able to make it to the location the tournaments are being held. Most have been in the Midwest at this time. However, we allow official Ward tournaments to take place anywhere the fans like. They simply have to contact us about the tournament and its location. They must then provide the brackets to staff, and have a minimum of 8 attendants.
All official Ward tournaments are recorded on the Ward official rankings. The rankings are numbered 1st-10th. There are 10 more that are on the “War and Honor” category. This category is for players who have great records, but are just outside of being ranked.
Q: When is your next convention?
A: At the time of this interview our next convention is FANCON in Virginia MN. We are very excited to return to a convention closer to home. We have a very large and loyal fan base across the USA, however we like to attend events where ward began, even if small.
Q: What does the second half of 2024 hold for Ward TCG?
A: The Biggest part of the year is our Expansion release in July. We also have another tournament in Minneapolis, TEEBCON in Duluth MN, and Comicon Minneapolis. After those, we are also venturing outside MN to many other conventions.
We also have a planned release of Generation 1, 2nd Edition. These will be the original cards but with new art, and on a new card layout.
Q: What is something you’ve learned from creating your own TCG?
A: THIS IS NOT EASY!!! That is the biggest takeaway. For those of you who may see making a TCG as fun and easy, prepare yourself. The work our staff puts into Ward everyday is beyond what I do for a full-time job, and I used to work 12-hour shift work, 48-80 hours a week some times. Ward takes more time than that. The rewards are there, but be ready to work hard.
When we first started the Ward Trading card Company LLC, part of us believed most of this would be fun and just playing a game with people. However, in reality, very little of my time is spent playing Ward. Most is advertising, taxes, and shipping. This is why we enjoy conventions and tournaments. It’s really the only time we get to play Ward. A game we all love so much.
Having said all that, I wouldn’t trade any other job for what I’m doing now. The feeling of seeing your hard work paying off is something to behold.
I can’t thank my wife enough for all the time she has put into Ward, and my kids for helping where they can. My wife comes to as many events as she can, and runs portions of the company with the skills she has. Love that woman more than anything. Without her, Ward would not exist.
Last, we made Ward out of a cold little cabin on a -30-degree weekend, in the middle of the woods. We made it to just have fun with friends. To see this game bringing people across the United States, and parts of the world, so much fun and joy, really makes us feel like this is all worth it. Our #1 goal at Ward is, and ALWAYS will be, FUN!
You can find Ward in select stores and on our official website Home | Ward (ward-cardgame.com) or on Amazon.com.
Get out there and prepare yourself to TURN THE TIDES OF WARD!
For more, follow @wardcardgame on Instagram
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