The popular trading card game (TCG) MetaZoo is making a comeback! After an abrupt shutdown in January, it has been confirmed that MetaZoo will return in 2025, now under the direction of GameQbator Labs and Charlie Hurlocker.
MetaZoo’s Bankruptcy Sale and New Ownership
Earlier this year, MetaZoo was sold in bankruptcy court for $2 million, with MetaTwo Enterprises LLC listed as the buyer. However, the recent involvement of big names from the Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering worlds has sparked excitement across the TCG community.
GameQbator Labs Announces MetaZoo’s Return
An official announcement from GameQbator Labs, titled “GameQbator Labs & MetaTwo Partnership Announcement,” confirmed the partnership. Rick Arons, who previously worked at Wizards of the Coast and served as Executive Vice President of The Pokémon Company for nearly two decades, shared the exciting news.
A New Era for MetaZoo
Rick Arons stated, “MetaZoo TCG will be our first product to come to market.” He emphasized their commitment to building on the stories of cryptids, which have captivated people worldwide.
“We are looking forward to taking everything we’ve learned and putting it behind a property that we believe in: MetaZoo,” Arons said. “Cryptids are a global presence with deep regional ties. Billions of people have heard the stories, and some purport to have experienced them firsthand. The power of their stories is at the heart of human story-telling.”
What to Expect from the New MetaZoo
The announcement also revealed that GameQbator Labs plans to release the first MetaZoo product, an original base set trading card game, in Q1 2025. This will be the first of several expansions that will build out the MetaZoo universe.
“We are happy to announce that our first MetaZoo product will be a new, original trading card game available in Q1 2025. This base set will be the first of several planned expansions that begin to develop the world of MetaZoo,” said Arons.
Industry Heavyweights Lead MetaZoo’s Revival
The team behind GameQbator Labs consists of notable figures, including:
- Rick Arons – Former Executive VP at The Pokémon Company
- Emily Arons – Former SVP Licensing and International Business of Pokémon Company International
- Richard Garfield – Lead Game Designer and creator of Magic: The Gathering
- Skaff Elias – Former Senior VP of R&D at Magic: The Gathering
What is MetaZoo?
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it raised $18,249 on Kickstarter, MetaZoo officially launched with its first full set, MetaZoo: Cryptid Nation. This set marked the beginning of the game’s journey, introducing players to the unique world of cryptids and folklore through collectible cards.
MetaZoo is a unique tabletop collectible card game, first published by MetaZoo Games LLC in 2020. It draws inspiration from cryptozoology, folklore, and the paranormal. The game revolves around creatures called Beasties, based on legendary cryptids and mythical figures like Bigfoot, Mothman, Piasa Bird, and the Chupacabra, among other fearsome creatures. One of MetaZoo‘s standout features is its innovative fourth-wall mechanic, where real-world elements—such as the player’s location—can directly influence gameplay and outcomes, adding a dynamic twist to the experience.
