{{Short description|Trading card game}} {{Infobox game | title = MetaZoo | logo = MetaZoo Logo 2020-2023.png | image_link = | image_caption = | designer = Michael Waddell (Original)<br><br>Richard Garfield (2025 Relaunch)<br>Skaff Elias<br>Tyler Bielman | publisher = MetaZoo Games LLC<br>(2020–2024)<br><br>MetaTwo Enterprises / GameQbator Labs<br>(2024–present) | date = August 1, 2020 (Original)<br><br>March 28, 2025 (Relaunch) | genre = Collectible | players = 2 | skills = Card playing, Basic arithmetic, Reading | random_chance = Some (mulligan, order of cards drawn, varying card abilities) | website = {{URL|metazootcg.com}} }}
'''''MetaZoo''''' is a tabletop collectible card game currently owned by MetaTwo Enterprises and developed by GameQbator Labs, following the 2024 bankruptcy of its original publisher, MetaZoo Games LLC. The game is based on cryptozoology, folklore, and the paranormal, centering around creatures known as "Beasties", which are inspired by cryptids and other figures from mythology such as Bigfoot, Mothman, and other fearsome critters. Following its $2 million acquisition, ''MetaZoo'' was successfully relaunched in 2025 by a veteran development team featuring ''Magic: The Gathering'' creator Richard Garfield and former ''Pokémon'' executives.<ref name="Cosmic2024">{{cite web |last=McGloin |first=Matt |title=MetaZoo to Return in 2025 Under GameQbator Labs |url=https://cosmicbook.news/metazoo-returns-2025-gameqbator |website=Cosmic Book News |date=October 16, 2024 |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> The card game also previously featured a Hello Kitty-themed crossover with Sanrio.
== History == ===Kickstarter and Original Run (2020–2024)=== After a successful crowdfunding campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic that raised $18,249 through Kickstarter, ''MetaZoo'' was first officially launched with the release of ''MetaZoo: Cryptid Nation'', the first full set of the game.<ref>{{cite web | title = MetaZoo HQ • MetaZoo's Frequently Asked Questions | url = https://metazoohq.com/faqs | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250709071231/https://metazoohq.com/faqs | archive-date = 2025-07-09 | url-status = dead | website = MetaZoo HQ | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-08-30 }}</ref>
In 2021, DJ and music producer Steve Aoki became a full equity partner and a designated cofounder, while Game Kastle and Hobby Games Distribution, Inc. founder Shaw Mead was named COO of the company.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steve Aoki Becomes a Full Equity Partner at MetaZoo Games | url = https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/48951/steve-aoki-becomes-full-equity-partner-metazoo-games | access-date = 2023-08-30 | website = ICv2 | language = en }}</ref> Highly sought-after cards and items that skyrocketed in the secondary market helped ''MetaZoo'' grow quickly during 2021,<ref>{{cite web | last = Forsythe | first = Dana | date = 2022-04-19 | title = A cryptid trading card game is blowing up the resale market | url = https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250731081300/https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-date = 2025-07-31 | url-status = dead | website = Polygon | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-08-30 }}</ref> and, by the end of the year, many of its cards were among the top 10 most submitted items to the Collectors Universe card grader Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) within a two-month period.<ref>{{cite web | title = PSA Set Registry Recognizes Rising TCG MetaZoo with New Set | url = https://www.psacard.com/articles/articleview/10570/psa-set-registry-recognizes-rising-tcg-metazoo-new | access-date = 2023-08-30 | website = Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) | language = en }}</ref>
On January 29, 2024, MetaZoo Games founder Michael Waddell wrote on the company's official Discord server that it was shutting down production effective immediately. Shortly afterward, the company wiped its social media and shut down the Discord server.<ref>{{cite web | date = 2024-01-29 | title = MetaZoo Games Shuts Down | url = https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/metazoo-games-shuts-down-trading-card-game/ | access-date = 2024-01-30 | website = ComicBook.com | language = en }}</ref>
===GameQbator Labs & MetaTwo Relaunch (2025–Present)===
Following the bankruptcy, the ''MetaZoo'' intellectual property was sold in bankruptcy court for $2 million to MetaTwo Enterprises LLC, with the game's direction taken over by GameQbator Labs. GameQbator Labs officially announced the game's return in late 2024, assembling a development team composed of major tabletop industry veterans.<ref name="Cosmic2024" /> The new leadership and design team includes:
* '''Richard Arons''' (CEO) – Former Executive Vice President of The Pokémon Company. * '''Emily Arons''' – Former SVP of Licensing and International Business at Pokémon Company International. * '''Charlie Hurlocker''' (Sr. Director of Business / Co-Owner) – Trading card industry veteran and former subject matter expert for CGC and PSA.<ref name="Hurlocker2024">{{cite web |last=McGloin |first=Matt |date=November 19, 2024 |title=MetaZoo Reborn: New Owner Charlie Hurlocker Reveals Bold Plans for the TCG's Future |url=https://cosmicbook.news/metazoo-reborn-charlie-hurlocker-plans |access-date=March 28, 2026 |website=Cosmic Book News}}</ref> * '''Richard Garfield''' (Lead Game Designer) – Creator of ''Magic: The Gathering''. * '''Skaff Elias''' – Former Senior VP of R&D at ''Magic: The Gathering''.<ref name="Cosmic2024" />
The revamped game officially relaunched its first new base set in Q1 2025, introducing redesigned mechanics while maintaining the original theme of cryptids and folklore.<ref name="Cosmic2024" /> As part of the relaunch, GameQbator Labs partnered with Collect-A-Con for organized play and expanded international distribution in an effort to revitalize the game's community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Partners - GameQbator Labs |url=https://www.gameqbatorlabs.com/partners |website=GameQbator Labs |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref>
== Gameplay ==
=== Original rules (2020–2024) === In its original iteration, ''MetaZoo'' was often compared to the ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' due to its cartoon-like artwork, the gameplay resembles more that of games such as ''Magic: The Gathering''.<ref>{{cite web | last = Yoder | first = Jake | date = 2022-04-21 | title = MetaZoo Partners With eBay for Exclusive Launch | url = https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/metazoo-partners-ebay-exclusive-launch/ | access-date = 2023-08-30 | website = Den of Geek | language = en-US }}</ref> Like many trading card games, the goal of this iteration of ''MetaZoo'' was to reduce the Life Points of all opponents from 1000 to 0.<ref>{{cite web | title = MetaZoo HQ • MetaZoo's Frequently Asked Questions | url = https://metazoohq.com/faqs | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250709071231/https://metazoohq.com/faqs | archive-date = 2025-07-09 | url-status = dead | website = MetaZoo HQ | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-08-30 }}</ref> The game featured "fourth-wall effects", which incorporate the real environment of players into gameplay. Examples include avoiding damage by drinking when playing the Cactus Cat card, taking damage if near a radio while using the Metal Man of Alabama card, and reducing damage by screaming while playing the Jersey Devil card.<ref>{{cite web | last = Forsythe | first = Dana | date = 2022-04-19 | title = A cryptid trading card game is blowing up the resale market | url = https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250731081300/https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-date = 2025-07-31 | url-status = dead | website = Polygon | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-08-30 }}</ref>
When the original publisher was still active, experienced players could become "MetaZoologists", or volunteer tournament judges, by taking official tests to prove their knowledge of the game's rules.<ref>{{cite web | last = Forsythe | first = Dana | date = 2022-04-19 | title = A cryptid trading card game is blowing up the resale market | url = https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250731081300/https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-date = 2025-07-31 | url-status = dead | website = Polygon | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-08-30 }}</ref>
=== 2025 Relaunch rules (2025–Present) === Following the 2025 relaunch by GameQbator Labs, Lead Designer Richard Garfield completely overhauled the game's mechanics, shifting away from the original life-point system and fourth-wall gimmicks. The revamped game transitioned into a "lane-battler" format focused on accumulating victory points.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=The Playthrough (9 of 9) - Alpha Demo Version |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ld3yMXbdk |publisher=MetaZoo TCG Learning Lab |website=YouTube |date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> Players now pilot their deck using a central "Caster" leader card located in a dedicated Caster Zone. Instead of attacking opponents directly, players strategically deploy creature cards and "Aura" resources across four distinct lanes to build influence and control the board. Winning lane battles or securing uncontested lanes scores points toward a predetermined victory threshold.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Turn Actions (7 of 9) - Full Game Version |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qlD7j0nL8k |publisher=MetaZoo TCG Learning Lab |website=YouTube |date=April 12, 2025 |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> This updated gameplay style has drawn comparisons to more modern strategic card games like ''Disney Lorcana''.
== Artwork and Card Layout == === Original Style (2020–2024) === The original artwork of ''MetaZoo'' was heavily inspired by the style of late 1990s card games, particularly the ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' and the artwork of Ken Sugimori.
The Artists in particular played a significant role in the game's early popularity. frequently attending tournaments and conventions to meet fans, sign cards, and engage with the community. Prominent artists from the game's original run included Poncho, Sebastian Botello, Kelsey Jachino, JoJo Seams, Pepper Deluca, Michael Peckham, Kris Kampmann, Isaac Lee, Jett Yates, and Lillie McKay.<ref>{{cite web | last = Forsythe | first = Dana | date = 2022-04-19 | title = A cryptid trading card game is blowing up the resale market | url = https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250731081300/https://www.polygon.com/23015692/metazoo-cryptid-trading-card-game-pokemon | archive-date = 2025-07-31 | url-status = dead | website = Polygon | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-08-30 }}</ref>
=== 2025 Relaunch (2025–Present) === With the 2025 relaunch under GameQbator Labs, ''MetaZoo'' maintained its thematic focus on cryptids and folklore but introduced a completely redesigned card layout to accommodate the new lane-battler mechanics. The updated card templates were restructured to improve readability and clearly display new gameplay elements, such as specific Aura costs and lane positioning. Additionally, the relaunch introduced modernized rarity icons, improved print quality, and featured contributions from over 70 artists to expand the game's visual storytelling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Partners - GameQbator Labs |url=https://www.gameqbatorlabs.com/partners |website=GameQbator Labs |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref>
== Releases == === Original Run (2020–2024) === In addition to the main set releases, MetaZoo released special sets in collaboration with other intellectual properties and external companies. The trading card company Topps also released a special set of collector cards inspired by and depicting art from ''MetaZoo: Cryptid Nation'' in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web | date = 2021-10-04 | title = Topps x MetaZoo Sell 50,000 Packs of Cryptid Nation "Series 0" in Record Time | url = https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/topps-metazoo-cryptid-nation-series-0-release | access-date = 2023-08-30 | website = Hypebeast }}</ref>
Announced during the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con, MetaZoo released their promotional crossover with Sanrio titled ''Kuromi's Cryptid Carnival'' on November 17, 2023. It features Hello Kitty and other related characters.<ref>{{cite web | last = Gibbs | first = Jay | date = 2023-10-20 | title = Sanrio and MetaZoo Games Are Partnering to Make Trading Cards | url = https://animecorner.me/sanrio-and-metazoo-games-are-partnering-to-make-trading-cards/ | access-date = 2025-02-18 | website = Anime Corner | language = en-US }}</ref>
==== ''Hiroquest: Genesis'' ==== {{Main|Hiroquest: Genesis}} ''Hiroquest: Genesis'' (stylized as ''HiROQUEST: Genesis'') is a promotional crossover set released together with the concept album of the same name by Steve Aoki on September 16, 2022.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steve Aoki Connects Music & The Card-Game Metaverse On 'Hiroquest': "It's About Telling The Story Of The Future Cryptid World" | url = https://www.grammy.com/news/steve-aoki-interview-hiroquest-genesis-card-game-metaverse-edm-interview | access-date = 2023-08-30 | website = Grammy.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Steve Aoki releases new album 'Hiroquest: Genesis' {{!}} New Day | date = 2022-09-25 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMy02AdR-6E | access-date = 2023-08-30 | language = en }}</ref> Although the set takes place in the same ''MetaZoo'' universe, the story features different characters, such as Hiro, the protagonist of the story, who is on a journey to find the magical rings mentioned in the ''Black Pullet'', an 18th-century French grimoire. The cards of this set feature Hiro and other characters belonging to five factions called Melodias, which correspond to the five musical interludes into which the album is divided.<ref>{{cite web | last = Shore Fire Media | title = Steve Aoki Releases New Album HIROQUEST: Genesis | url = https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/steve-aoki-releases-new-album-hiroquest-genesis | access-date = 2023-08-30 | website = Shore Fire Media | language = en }}</ref>
=== 2025 Relaunch (2025–Present)=== Under the direction of GameQbator Labs, ''MetaZoo'' transitioned into a structured release schedule featuring full expansion sets, pre-constructed "Flex Decks" for beginners, and randomized "Dynamic Decks" for limited-format play.
* '''Base Set (2025)''' – The inaugural set of the relaunch, officially introducing the overhauled lane-battler mechanics and establishing the new core roster of cryptids. * '''Flex Decks (June 2025)''' – Pre-constructed 80-card products, including the ''Crushing Gust'' and ''Blazing Charge'' decks. These were uniquely designed to be played as a single large deck or split into two half-decks for head-to-head two-player games.<ref>{{cite web |title=MetaZoo TCG Flex Decks |url=https://metazootcg.com/en/metazoo-tcg-flex-decks |website=metazootcg.com |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> * '''Torrential Tides (August 2025)''' – The first major expansion of the relaunch. This set introduced Water Aura creatures to the field, featuring cryptids such as the Loch Ness Monster and the Loveland Frogman.<ref>{{cite web |title=MetaZoo: Torrential Tides — GameQbator Labs |url=https://www.phdgames.com/2025/05/29/metazoo-torrential-tides-gameqbator-labs/ |website=PHD Games |date=May 29, 2025 |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> * '''Secret Shadows (November 2025)''' – The second full expansion, which introduced Dark Aura cryptids like Mothman and Anubis, alongside new terra tactics and strategies.<ref>{{cite web |title=MetaZoo TCG: Secret Shadows — GameQbator Labs |url=https://www.phdgames.com/2025/10/28/metazoo-tcg-secret-shadows-gameqbator-labs/ |website=PHD Games |date=October 28, 2025 |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> * '''Dynamic Decks: Series 1 (February 2026)''' – A randomized, color-themed deck kit containing 50 functionally unique cards drawn from the Base Set, ''Torrential Tides'', and ''Secret Shadows''. This product was specifically designed to support the game's official Organized Play dynamic deck tournaments.<ref>{{cite web |title=DYNAMIC DECKS: SERIES 1 |url=https://metazootcg.com/en/dynamic-decks-series-1 |website=metazootcg.com |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref> * '''Yokai Reserve''' – Announced as the first "Reserve Collection" mini-set, anticipated to be released in 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=MetaZoo Reveals Yokai Rising as First Reserve Collection Mini-Set |url=https://metazoonews.com/ |website=MetaZoo News |access-date=March 28, 2026}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == ===Original Publisher (2020–2024)=== * [https://metazoogames.com/ MetaZoo Games (official site)] * [https://www.youtube.com/@MetaZooGamesYT MetaZoo Games (YouTube)]
=== 2025 Relaunch (2025–Present)=== * [https://metazootcg.com/ Official MetaZoo Website] * [https://www.youtube.com/@MetaZooTCG Official MetaZoo TCG YouTube (Gameplay & Tutorials)] * [https://www.instagram.com/metazoo_games Official MetaZoo TCG Instagram] * [https://www.gameqbatorlabs.com/ GameQbator Labs Official Website]
Category:American card games Category:Collectible card games Category:Fiction about cryptids Category:Fiction about tarot Category:Games about extraterrestrial life Category:Games based on myths and legends Category:Games of mental skill Category:Fiction about parallel universes Category:Card games introduced in 2020 Category:Card games introduced in 2025