A new patent filed byBandai Namcosuggests the developer is working on an improved UI for a potential digital trading card game. Whilethe prolificTekkendeveloperis most known for its various video game franchises, the studio also develops several trading card games based on some of its series. Bandai Namco currently produces trading card game adaptations for bothDigimonandDragon Ball Z, with neither having an official online client. Now, Bandai Namco may be looking at bringing its iconic card games to an online space.
The patent fromBandai Namcofeatures a redesigned interface for an online card game presented as a “game system, information processing device, and server device.” The patent shows a mock-up of the new UI, displaying two players facing off against each other and including separate diagrams to show card designs. A counter on the left side of the diagram may suggest Bandai Namco’s initial patent is related to an onlineDigimon TCGclient, with the game operating on an energy system.
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Bandai Namco’s new interface for online card games comes as the developer’s foray into the card game market has been picking up steam in recent years. TheDigimon Card Gamecelebrated its 2nd anniversary earlier this year with the game’s second World Championships set to run early next year. TheDragon Ball Collectible Card Gamehas seen similar success since its debut in 2017. Both franchises previously received trading card games in the early 2000s during thetrading card boom that saw franchises likePokemonandYu-Gi-Oh!achieve massive popularity.
A new online trading card game from Bandai Namco would see significant competition with many of its competitors already making the jump to digital formats. ThePokemon Trading Card Gamehas featured an official online client since 2012 with The Pokemon Company recently announcing a newrevampedPokemon Trading Card Gameclient. Konami recently launchedYu-Gi-Oh! Master Duelas an online version of the card game, seeing massive success across multiple platforms. Online-only games likeShadowverseandLegends of Runeterraalso control large spaces in the digital card game market.
While no official announcement has been made by Bandai Namco about a digital card game, both of the developer’s represented franchises have seen major releases this year.The long-awaitedDigimon Survivedebuted in July after being delayed for several years following its 2018 announcement.Dragon Ballalso recently received the newest entry to its massive game library withDragon Ball: The Breakerslaunching last month. A new digital card game forDigimonorDragon Ballwould look to see another high-profile trading card game stepping into the online space.
