This is the TCG to play during GW! Report from Akihabara on the release day of "Shadowverse EVOLVE," a major TCG title that was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a signing session by Tadato Kimura, P! There is also an interview with Chairman Kiya!

On Thursday, April 28, 2022, six starter decks of the trading card game "Shadowverse EVOLVE" and the first booster pack "Dawn of Genesis" were released simultaneously. We report on the excitement in Akihabara on the day of the release of this major new TCG.

Shadowverse EVOLVE" is a trading card game (TCG) created by Bushiroad and Cygames. Based on Cygames' "Shadowverse," the top-runner in smartphone card battle applications, "Shadowverse EVOLVE" is a remarkable title that has been reborn with a system unique to analog TCGs. The high name recognition of the game was evident in the comments of ordinary passersby who saw the decorations and crowds in front of the store, saying, "It's Shadowverse, I've seen it before.

A product launch ceremony was held at 10:00 a.m. at the Gamers Akihabara store in front of Akihabara Station, with Cygames producer Tadato Kimura, Bushiroad Chairman Takaaki Kitani, and Hiroshi Kawazu, the company's "Shadowverse EVOLVE" director, in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

From left: Mr. Kawazu, Producer Kimura, Chairman Kitani

Mr. Kawazu said, "We have been doing our best to create new attractions for Shadowverse. We are planning to do things that have never been done before, so please look forward to them." He concluded by saying that he hopes that everyone will first open a pack and enjoy it.

Producer Tadato Kimura, who has worked on a number of big titles at Cygames, including "Shadowverse," said, "I myself was a card gamer, so I'm excited to be here today. I've been creating games in a different context from analog, but I think "Shadowverse EVOLVE" will offer a new experience that only analog can offer, even though it is "Shadowverse"". Producer Kimura also expressed his expectations for the unique analog play style, such as multiplayer play, and called for TCG stores to cooperate in creating an environment where new players, who have only played digital card games, can easily play.

Bushiroad Chairman KITANI was asked, "What do you think about a "paper TCG" for "Shadowverse" when he had dinner with Producer KIMURA? He told an episode in which he was asked "What do you think about a 'paper TCG' for 'Shadowverse'? Chairman Kitani said that he had been insisting on the release of the game at the end of April based on the idea that "the game played by users during Golden Week will be played during the same year. We hope to increase the number of players who play "EVOLVE" and help create a relationship where players who have played the game in analog form will also play it in app form.

Fans lined up to get Kimura's autograph.

On the day of the event, the 6th floor of Gamers Akihabara was open to the public for the sale of "Shadowverse EVOLVE", opening of the package, and competitive play, but after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Producer Tadato Kimura started signing autographs on the same floor. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the crowd that had been watching the ribbon-cutting turned into a line waiting for the autograph session.

At the autograph session, signatures were written not only on cards, but also on shirts, play sheets, and various other items.

At the same time as the ribbon-cutting ceremony, stores in the area began selling "Shadowverse EVOLVE" packs and starter decks. Around 40 people were waiting for the opening at Radio Kaikan, which houses many card game stores, and around 20 people at the adjacent "Trekka no Doukutsu" (Cave of Trekkers).

In front of Radio Kaikan

In front of the Trekka Cave

At the Trekka Cave, 90% of the customers at the opening were there for "Shadowverse EVOLVE. According to Trekka Cave staff member T, "We sold about 1,000 packs in the first hour of opening, and singles seem to be doing well due to the good design of UR and other high rarity cards. The Trekker's Cave gave the impression of being very focused on "Shadowverse EVOLVE," with the fifth floor open as a "Shadowverse EVOLVE" priority play space.

The 5th floor of the Trekker's Cave play space

We conducted a quick interview with Chairman Kitani about "Shadowverse EVOLVE" during his visit!

While checking out the stores, we were also able to speak with Bushiroad Chairman Kitani, who was in the process of inspecting the site.

─ How do you feel about the release of "Shadowverse EVOLVE"?

KITANI: We had been working on the game at a very rapid pace, including development, so I am very happy that we were able to successfully release the game before the Golden Week holiday, which was our goal. I am very happy that we were able to successfully release the game before the Golden Week holidays, which was our goal.

──Did the recent situation with the Corona disaster affect your development?

Kitani: Since we are producing domestically, there was not much of an impact on the production of "Shadowverse EVOLVE". It was unfortunate that we had to limit the number of participants in the trial sessions and workshops to a certain extent.

─ ─ I heard that you were asked by Cygames producer Tadato Kimura about the possibility of an analog TCG for "Shadowverse EVOLVE" and that you decided to do an analog version together. Is this a common occurrence?

KITANI: This was the first time we were approached by a big title like "Shadowverse," which has already been successful, and it was also unusual for us to go from digital to analog. I think we were able to develop the game with a sense of speed because we had the original app version, which was the prototype for the game.

─ Do you have any ideas for the future development of "Shadowverse EVOLVE" or do you have any ideas for competitions?

KITANI: Shadowverse e-sports tournaments are getting popular, so I'm thinking about creating a place where people can enjoy the analog version of "Shadowverse EVOLVE" at such events.

KITANI─When I see the popularity of e-sports tournaments with high prize money, I remember that there have been several attempts to hold prize money tournaments for analog TCGs as well.

Kitani: If you have a prize system or something like that, the light users will flee (because the game becomes more competitive and attracts professional players). We now recognize that 90% of card games are played by light users.

───What would you like to say to the fans who are looking forward to "Shadowverse EVOLVE"?

Kitani: We were able to successfully launch the game today. Thanks to our customers and stores, the situation is about to get exciting. We would like to turn this enthusiasm into a big flame, so please continue to support us.

Shadowverse Tower appeared at Card Labo AKIHABARA Gamers B1 store!

We checked out the storefront right after the launch, and at the CardLabo AKIHABARA Gamers B1 store, a "Shadowverse EVOLVE" tower had appeared, and the play space was Shadowverse-specific.

The play space is all Shadowverse!

BIG MAGIC Akihabara store also welcomed visitors with a "Shadowverse EVOLVE" stand pop-up at the entrance, and gamers were seen playing the just-released "Shadowverse EVOLVE" in the play area.

As mentioned above, the Trekker's Cave Tower Store has completely remodeled its 5th floor play space to "Shadowverse EVOLVE" specifications. They will continue to focus on "Shadowverse EVOLVE" by providing a large sales area in a prime location at the 3rd floor entrance for single cards.

With a great deal of excitement, "Shadowverse EVOLVE" has finally launched, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.

(Reporting, writing, and photography by Kiri Nakazato)