Fanatics TCG

Studio Overview

Fanatics TCG is an internal game development studio established in early 2026 as a specialized unit within the Fanatics Collectibles division. Based in Seattle, Washington, the studio is dedicated to the creation of original intellectual properties, tabletop trading card game (TCG) franchises, and digital gaming ecosystems. Unlike the licensed sports card products produced under the Topps brand, Fanatics TCG focuses on building proprietary game worlds, lore, and competitive play structures from the ground up.

Core Capabilities

Operating as a vertically integrated creative hub, the studio manages the end-to-end lifecycle of its gaming franchises. Key areas of expertise include:

• Game Design & Systems: Engineering card economies, competitive archetypes, and balanced rules mechanics.
• Creative Production: Developing original universe lore, character design, and environmental factions.
• Visual Identity: Crafting card-frame architecture, typography, iconography, and high-tolerance print production specifications.
• Organized Play: Designing tournament circuits, judge certification frameworks, and premier championship ecosystems.

Studio Operations

The Seattle studio functions as a collaborative, on-site creative facility. It integrates closely with Fanatics Collectibles’ manufacturing infrastructure to ensure high-quality print production, foil applications, and material standards. The studio is led by industry veteran Ken Troop, who previously served as Senior Vice President and Global Play Leader for Magic: The Gathering at Wizards of the Coast. As an expanding unit, the studio is actively scaling its team across design, art, rules, and operations to support its upcoming original TCG portfolio.