Do you remember trading cards? If you’re like me, you probably had a few hundred (or more) of them as a kid. My friends and I would trade football, basketball, and baseball cards with each other all the time. These days, trading cards are all digital – and they’re becoming a big business. Virtual sports trading cards are becoming increasingly popular, and companies like Topps are making a fortune off of them. So what’s the appeal? Let’s take a look.
What are virtual sports trading cards and how do they work?
Virtual sports trading cards are digital versions of traditional sports trading cards. They can be bought, sold, and traded just like traditional cards – but they exist only in the digital world.
There are a few different ways to collect virtual sports trading cards. Some companies, like Topps, sell physical packs of cards that can be redeemed for digital versions. Other companies, including Dribble and Panini, offer pure digital products that can be purchased and downloaded directly from their websites.
The history of virtual sports trading cards
The first virtual sports trading cards were introduced in the early 2000s. These early cards were simple JPEGs or GIFs of players stored on a website. They could be traded or sold online, but there was no way to physically own them.
In 2006, Topps launched the first physical virtual sports trading card product. These cards could be bought in packs of six or twelve and redeemed for digital versions. The physical cards had a code that could be entered on the Topps website to unlock the digital version.
How the industry has grown in recent years
The virtual sports trading card industry has exploded in recent years. In 2016, Topps generated $75 million in revenue from its digital products – an increase of 30% from the previous year. And it’s not just Topps; other companies like Panini and Dribble are seeing similar growth.
Why is the industry growing so rapidly? There are a few factors.
First, the popularity of digital collectibles is on the rise. A whole generation of consumers has grown up with smartphones and tablets, and they’re comfortable buying and selling digital goods.
Second, the technology behind virtual sports trading cards has gotten better. The early cards were simple JPEGs or GIFs, but today’s cards are far more sophisticated. They often include animations, 3D graphics, and even video clips.
Finally, the market for virtual sports trading cards is still relatively untapped. There are billions of sports fans around the world, and only a small fraction of them have started collecting virtual cards. As more people discover the hobby, the industry is sure to continue growing.
Some of the biggest names in virtual sports trading card collecting
Topps is the biggest name in virtual sports trading cards, but there are a few other companies worth mentioning. Panini is another major player in the industry, and Dribble has carved out a niche with its focus on basketball cards. Topps is an online-only company that offers a unique twist on traditional trading cards.
The future of virtual sports trading cards
The future of virtual sports trading cards is bright. The industry is growing rapidly, and new technologies are making the cards more immersive and collectible than ever before. As more people discover the hobby, the market is sure to continue expanding. In the coming years, we’re sure to see even more innovation in the world of virtual sports trading cards.
Virtual sports trading card events you won’t want to miss
1. Topps Virtual Sports Card Convention – An annual event that brings together Topps collectors from all over the world. The convention features exclusive product previews, special guest appearances, and a wide range of other activities.
2. Panini America Virtual Collector Con – An annual event that brings together Panini collectors from all over the world. The convention features exclusive product previews, special guest appearances, and a wide range of other activities.
3. Dribble Virtual Basketball Card Convention – An annual event that brings together Dribble collectors from all over the world. The convention features exclusive product previews, special guest appearances, and a wide range of other activities.
4. Cardboard Connection Virtual Sports Card Expo – An annual event that brings together collectors from all over the world. The expo features a wide range of exhibitors, presentations, and a wide array of other activities.
5. Beckett Media Virtual Sports Card Summit – An annual event that brings together collectors from all over the world. The summit features a wide range of speakers, panels, and a wide array of other activities.
Tips for building your virtual sports trading card collection
1. Start with your favorite team or player. If you’re a fan of the Yankees, for example, start by collecting Yankee cards.
2. Join a virtual sports trading card community. There are dozens of online communities dedicated to collecting, and you can learn a lot from other collectors.
3. Stay up to date on new releases. Keep an eye on websites like Topps and Panini to see what new products are coming out.
4. Get involved in trading and auctions. Trading is a great way to get the cards you want, and auctions are a great way to find deals on rare and valuable cards.
5. Protect your collection. Store your cards in a safe place, and keep them in good condition.
6. Have fun! Collecting should be enjoyable, so don’t take it too seriously. Relax and enjoy the hobby.