This part of our web guide focuses on manufacturers, retailers, and products associated with card games, which use playing cards as the primary device for playing.
Card games may be of a traditional playing card design or proprietary. These may include classic games like Poker, Blackjack, and Bridge, as well as proprietary games like Uno and Magic: The Gathering
Several manufacturers are involved in the production of card games, including well-known brands like Bee, Bicycle, and Hoyle. Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, produces Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons accessories. They pioneered the collectible card game genre with Magic: The Gathering, a game that combines strategic gameplay, fantasy role-playing, and the hobby of collecting.
Mattel, a major toy and game manufacturer, produces family card games such as Phase 10, Skip-Bo, and Uno.
While many card game manufacturers sell and distribute their products directly to consumers, retailers play a significant role in the distribution and promotion of card games.
The rise of independent game designers has led to innovative, niche titles, many of them based on popular contemporary books or movies. The rise of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter has enabled indie designers to bring their ideas to market.
Retailers like Card Kingdom, CoolStuffInc, and CardShark offer a wide selection of card decks, expansions, and accessories. These retailers often host events, tournaments, and workshops, encouraging community among card game enthusiasts.
Larger retailers, like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, carry a selection of card games along with a much more extensive product catalog.
Besides the cards themselves, other products complement the games or the gaming experience. These may include card sleeves, deck boxes, card organizers, playmats, card shufflers, cutters, and scorers. Artistic and collectible decks featuring unique designs and illustrations are also popular.
Manufacturers of playing cards of all kinds, as well as retailers of card games or accessories, are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
Bicycle Playing Cards is a popular brand of playing cards known for their high-quality feel and unique designs. They have been around for more than 130 years and are widely used in casinos, homes, and for magic tricks. Bicycle produces standard decks in classic designs like Rider Back and No. 63, special editions like Disney, Tim Burton, and Hello Kitty, jumbo index decks for easier reading, and low-vision cards designed for the visually impaired. They are available online.
https://bicyclecards.com/
Headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, EPCC is an online custom playing card producer. The site provides a gallery of past projects and a description of the special features it can provide, such as hot-stamped foil to playing card backs or cold foil, spot UV coating, custom tucks, die cutting, and any number of cards in a deck. Brands, designers, and inks are featured, and custom quotes are available. An informational blog and an email address are also featured on the site.
https://expertplayingcard.com/
Launched in 2017, PCD offers more than a thousand different playing card decks and related items. Shoppers may browse newly added playing cards, Bicycle playing cards, Cherry Casino cards, Piatnik cards, Tally-Ho, Theory11, and PCD original decks, themed decks, and sale items. PCD also offers a Pip Box Club, which includes a monthly selection of premium playing cards and extras; prices and benefits are discussed on the website. Other products include playing card boxes, card cases, and sleeves.
https://playingcarddecks.com/
TM Playing Card Manufacturer, The
Specializing in the production of custom playing cards, TM offers personalized playing cards for various occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and promotional purposes. In business since 1969, custom playing cards may be designed online, including packaging options. A quote request form is available. Its brands, a gallery of photographs, telephone number, email address, and an online contact form are included. An overview of its manufacturing process is provided.
https://www.playingcardmanufacturer.com/
Offering a wide selection of card products, Troll and Toad is an online retailer specializing in collectible card games and miniatures, including Magic: The Gathering, YuGiOh, Pokemon, HeroClix, and collectible miniatures and gaming accessories. Visitors to the website can sign up for weekly special offers and exclusive products. Free shipping is available on card singles, and shoppers may sign up for pre-sale offers. Available games and selling guides may be viewed on the catalog.
https://www.trollandtoad.com/
United States Playing Card Company
Founded in 1867, the USPCC is a large American producer and distributor of playing cards. Its brands include Aristocrat, Aviator, Bee, Bicycle, Champion, Congress, Fournier, Hoyle, KEM, Maverick, Mohawk, and Tally-Ho. It also produces novelty cards, custom playing card options, and card accessories like poker chips. In 2019, the company became a subsidiary of Catamundi. An online shopping area, custom card programs, casino cards, and career opportunities are posted.
https://usplayingcard.com/
