Building on the success of their recently launched free-to-play virtual world, Free Realms, Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced a release date for their Trading Card game tie in yesterday.  Produced in conjunction with The Topps Company Inc., and developed at SOE’s Denver studio, the trading card game closely integrates with the online game/world format and features more than 180 collectible game cards.  And now for the kicker – certain card packs contain more than 50 various virtual rewards which can then be redeemed within the online portion of Free Realms.  Not exactly a groundbreaking concept, but the first that we’ve heard of coming from a free-to-play format.

Topps, which has been exploring new ways to reinvent it’s traditional analogue self in a digital world now adds the Free Realms collection to it’s growing online inventory including Topps Town, Topps 3D Live, and BabyBottlePop.com.  All of these properties feature physical world products that link back into virtual world entertainment destinations.  Michael Eisner, whose Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC. acquired The Topps Company, Inc., in October 2007, said, “It’s been exciting working with Sony Online Entertainment on this endeavor, which has resulted in the development of a multiplatform product that is likely to spark the imaginations of trading card game fans everywhere.”

The Free Realms Trading Card Game arrives in stores later this week, and comes in not one, but two tasty flavors.  The ‘Passport to Free Realms’ starter pack for $9.99 which features the entire welcome wagon including a 40 card starter deck, a full color play mat with rules, and a virtual reward card featuring a virtual black Labrador dog, an exclusive card player T-shirt for your character, three jumbo health potions, an exclusive virtual Cardie Racer and a one-month membership with full access to Free Realms (a $4.99 value).   The ‘other’ white meat of the Trading Card Game is a $3.99 booster pack version, featuring 10 game cards, one virtual reward card, and 50 station cash, Free Realm’s virtual currency.

Some highlighted features of the Free Realms Trading Card Game:

• More than 180 Cards – The premier release of the Free Realms Trading Card Game features more than 180 cards, as well as 50 exclusive virtual reward cards not found anywhere else, and 16 physical exclusive cards with codes that unlock the equivalent card in the online game.
• Exciting Gameplay – Developed by SOE’s Denver studio, the minds behind Legends of Norrath(TM), the Free Realms Trading Card Game brings the lively and colorful world of Free Realms to the familiar and fun format of the trading card game.
• Virtual Rewards In Every Pack – Every Free Realms Trading Card Game pack features a virtual reward card redeemable for fantastic items inside the world of Free Realms, such as exclusive pets like the Toyger, the tiger-striped housecat, cool virtual clothing like the Rocker outfit, pet clothing, special character effects, and more.

“Free Realms is poised to be a tremendous success for us,” said John Smedley, president of SOE. “Now, we’re taking the next step and putting the trading card game in stores nationwide. This week, you’ll be able to walk into many of your neighborhood retail stores and pick up one of the best trading card games I’ve ever played.”