Bandai Namco, a multinational video game developer and publisher, has opened a new One Piece card game shop in Brighton. According to a Bandai Namco representative who spoke with NME, this shop represents an “evolution” of their brand, with plans to offer “multiple experiential products” in addition to card game sales. One Piece, one of the biggest IPs globally, was the natural choice for the expansion, given the 25-year back catalog of anime, manga, and films associated with the franchise. The shop opened on North Street in Brighton on February 23.
The representative further stated that interest in card games, anime, and manga has been on the rise since the COVID-19 lockdowns began. When asked about the appeal of card games, they suggested that there has been a wave of nostalgia for trading card games due to their collectible nature. They added that the One Piece card game has been well received by the community, thanks to its enjoyable card designs and strong IP synergy.
One Piece has been in the news recently due to the announcement of a live-action Netflix adaptation and a new anime retelling the story of the anime through a modern lens. These announcements have raised even more excitement for the franchise, making the opening of this new card game shop a welcome development for fans in the Brighton region.
Finally, in other gaming news, fans of Princess Peach: Showtime can now play a free demo of the game, which includes the first two levels
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