Lorcana: Disney's Trading Card Game Expands with Pixar & More

Disney's popular trading card game, Lorcana, is continuing to grow, with recent announcements revealing exciting expansions and a bright future for the game.

At the D23 Expo, Ravensburger, the game's developer, hosted a panel focusing on Lorcana's journey, highlighting its success and future plans. The team revealed that over 1 billion cards have been sold since the game's launch, demonstrating its popularity among players. Furthermore, they shared details about the sixth set, due to launch in November 2024, and announced the exciting addition of characters from The Black Cauldron in 2024 and Pocahontas in 2026.

One of the biggest announcements was the introduction of Pixar characters into the Lorcana universe, with the first Pixar-themed cards expected to arrive in 2026. This expansion signifies the game's commitment to diversifying its roster and offering even more options for players to build their decks.

Following the panel, Game Rant had the opportunity to speak with two of the game's co-designers, Ryan Miller and Steve Warner, to delve deeper into Lorcana's journey and the challenges of creating and maintaining a successful trading card game.

Lorcana's Journey: Past, Present, and Future

Reflecting on the game's launch two years ago, Miller described the feeling as a “homecoming”, remembering their cautious optimism at the initial reception. He recalled their anxiety leading up to the D23 reveal, but the positive response from fans quickly solidified their belief in Lorcana's potential.

Warner, ever the cautiously optimistic co-designer, described the initial response as “nice and calm,” but as word spread, the excitement grew, culminating in a huge crowd at the D23 Expo. This event solidified their confidence in the game's reception, especially considering the audience was composed primarily of Disney fans, not just traditional gamers.

Miller, however, still feels a sense of cautious optimism, acknowledging the high turnover rate in the trading card game industry. He believes that reaching its fourth year will be a significant milestone, proving the game’s staying power.

Making Lorcana

The team has shifted from relying on predictions of what players might like to actively incorporating feedback and data to inform their decisions. This approach has allowed them to better cater to player needs, such as addressing initial shortages by adjusting production to meet demand.

When it comes to character selection and deck design, Warner emphasizes their commitment to creating options for players across all skill levels and playstyles. Whether a player aims to be competitive, build fun themed decks, or simply collect cool cards, Lorcana offers something for everyone.

The concept of “dream killers” was introduced, referring to the process of challenging ideas before they reach players. Miller explained how co-designer Steve Warner acts as a critical voice, identifying potential issues and ensuring that the game remains balanced and playable. This collaborative approach ensures that Lorcana remains engaging for players of all levels, catering to different playstyles and interests.

Miller acknowledged the increasing challenge of adding new cards while maintaining a balanced game environment, with the number of possible interactions between cards exponentially increasing with each expansion.

The team is cautious about introducing new cards that might render older ones obsolete, often creating sleeper cards that become more valuable as the game evolves. This approach fosters a sense of discovery and encourages players to explore the potential of existing cards.

Lorcana, Pixar, and Beyond

The expansion into Pixar is seen as a natural progression for Lorcana, with the shared themes of wonder and whimsy making the franchises a perfect fit for the game’s world. The team is excited to introduce Pixar characters and explore their potential within the Lorcana universe.

While the specific details of the Pixar expansion are still under wraps, the team is eager for players to experience these new additions, comparing the feeling to anticipating the opening of a much-desired gift.

The conversation turned to Lorcana’s Gateway program, a unique introductory system designed to ease new players into the trading card game experience. Miller explained the challenges of teaching the game to Disney fans who are unfamiliar with TCGs, highlighting the importance of Gateway’s structured learning curve.

This system helps players learn gradually, starting with simplified decks and gradually introducing more complex mechanics as they progress.

The Future of Lorcana

The team remains dedicated to the world of Lorcana, acknowledging the importance of creating a cohesive and engaging narrative beyond simply featuring characters from different franchises. They are actively exploring ways to expand the world of Lorcana and are excited to see where the game’s future unfolds.

With its growing popularity, expanding roster, and commitment to inclusivity and player engagement, Lorcana is poised to continue its success as a beloved trading card game for Disney fans and TCG enthusiasts alike.