### Embracing the Change: My PAX East 2026 Journey with Trading Card Games
Usually, my PAX East experience involves a few constants: I get very little sleep, eat badly, walk extensively, and play a lot of video games. In 2026, much of this still held true; I again found myself sleeping minimally in my cramped room and mainly living on junk food, which was largely offset by the tens of thousands of steps I accumulated that weekend. However, one significant difference occurred: I played very few video games this year, opting instead to participate in trading card games (TCGs) with both friends and strangers, which provided a refreshing change in pace.
#### The Attraction of Video Games
Despite a wide array of impressive video games on display, including notable titles highlighted by Kotaku’s Kenneth Shepard, I felt less inclined to visit these booths than I usually do. Although I got to try games like *Poly Fighter* and *Canvas City*, it was the opportunity to dive into a TCG based on *Cyberpunk 2077* that genuinely captivated my interest.
#### Uncovering the Cyberpunk TCG
News of the *Cyberpunk* TCG’s presence on the floor reached me while I was trying to navigate another game. Curious, I quickly sought out the booth to sign up for an introductory session. This was noteworthy, as PAX East represented the *Cyberpunk* TCG’s first significant introduction, and the attendees’ excitement was tangible, with fans either captivated by the cards or engaged in fierce matches at crowded tables.
The excitement surrounding the game didn’t come as a surprise. Shortly after my visit, the *Cyberpunk* TCG initiated a Kickstarter campaign that swiftly became the most-backed game campaign on the platform. TCG content creator Amy “Amazonian” Demicco credited this success to its connection with a major intellectual property, assuring potential backers that the project was more likely to yield actual products compared to other Kickstarter initiatives that had stumbled.
#### My Gaming Experience
Eventually, I was able to register for a game and brought along Ken, who generally doesn’t engage with TCGs but was excited to delve into the *Cyberpunk* universe. Although we didn’t complete our 30-minute session, I gained a solid understanding of the TCG’s mechanics and appreciated how it integrated the *Cyberpunk* terminology—such as programs, gigs, and legends—into a compact tabletop format.
Before the event officially began, I joined friends for a game of Commander—an exhilarating multiplayer format of *Magic: The Gathering*. Over the weekend, I participated in and observed events featuring various TCGs, including the newly released *TMNT* set and the upcoming *Secrets of Strixhaven* expansion.
#### The Ascendancy of TCGs at PAX East
The increasing popularity of TCGs was evident not only in their structured events but also in the vibrant secondary markets catering to collectors and enthusiasts, all amid rising resale prices. When I spoke with Demicco about the TCG scene, she pointed out that the current buzz originated from the diverse array of games available while also noting the impact of scalpers in the market.
In discussions, the *One Piece* TCG came up frequently, gaining a level of excitement that was hard to overlook. Of particular interest to me was *Riftbound*, a new TCG from Riot Games set in the *League of Legends* realm. I took part in several Sealed events for this game, relishing the friendly environment as newcomers and veterans alike learned the rules and mechanics.
#### New Players and Community Involvement
Highlights of my experience included interacting with fellow participants like Nala Wu, a developer with no prior TCG experience who had jumped in due to their affection for a *League of Legends* character. Wu’s enthusiasm for their new deck and involvement in *Riftbound* demos embodied the welcoming nature of the TCG community at PAX.
Despite this growing wave of TCGs, no game is likely to displace the long-standing champion, *Magic: The Gathering*. Demicco emphasized that the game continues to flourish through its IP crossovers, attracting new players drawn by their favorite franchises.
#### The TCG Horizon Ahead
The influx of new players is fostering a revival within the TCG landscape, especially noticeable at PAX East, which showcased fewer major gaming corporations than in earlier years. This transition enabled card game developers like those behind *Riftbound* to capture attention and excitement.
As I navigated the show floor, it was impossible to overlook the enthusiasm surrounding TCGs—whether through players demonstrating the forthcoming *Cyberpunk* game, collectors hunting for rare cards, or groups gathered in hotel lobbies for casual matches.
For better or worse, TCGs are basking in their moment of attention. I’m eager to witness how this dynamic landscape unfolds in the years to come.
