TCGs in Pop Culture: Pokemon, YuGiOh, and Magic The Gathering!
Trading card games (TCGs) have become a significant part of pop culture, captivating millions with their blend of strategy, luck, and collectible allure. Among the vast array of TCGs, Pokemon, YuGiOh, and Magic The Gathering (MTG) stand out as the top three, each with a rich history and dedicated fan base. These games have not only dominated the world of tabletop gaming but have also made their mark in movies, TV shows, and music. Let's explore how these iconic TCGs have influenced pop culture.
Pokemon: More Than Just a Game
Pokemon in Film and TV
The Pokemon TCG, launched in 1996, quickly became a global phenomenon. Its success is closely tied to the whole Pokemon franchise, which includes an animated TV series, movies, and video games. The TV show, starting in 1997, follows Ash Ketchum and his quest to become a Pokemon Master. The series has showcased numerous battles featuring the Pokemon from the TCG cards, helping to solidify the game's presence in popular culture.
The Pokemon movies have also played a significant role. For example, "Pokemon: The First Movie" (1998) introduced many to the TCG by highlighting the powerful Pokemon Mewtwo. These films often depict intense card battles, bringing the excitement of the TCG to the big screen and enticing new players to join the fun. The franchise is constantly referenced through other TV shows and films, the list is too long to mention given it's 25 year lifespan but some highlights are Rick and Morty, The Simpsons, South Park, Doctor Who and 30 Rock.
Pokemon in Music
Pokemon's influence extends to music as well. The original Pokemon theme song, "Gotta Catch 'Em All," became an anthem for fans worldwide. Artists like Post Malone, Katy Perry and Lil Yachty have paid tribute to the franchise, as seen in "Pokemon 25: The Album". This was to celebrate 25 years of the franchise and Post Malone also got his own virtual concert to perform "Only Wanna Be With You". Such events highlight the TCG's cultural impact, connecting generations of fans through music.
YuGiOh: The Heart of the Cards
YuGiOh in Film and TV
YuGiOh began as a manga series in 1996 and evolved into a multimedia franchise, including an anime in 1998 and the TCG in 1999 (Japanese version). The anime series, starting in 2000 in the US/UK, centres around Yugi Mutou and his alter ego, the Pharaoh Atem. The show kickstarted the TCG, with characters duelling using the same cards fans could eventually get a hold of. Iconic episodes featuring battles with Exodia, Blue Eye's White Dragon, Dark Magician or the Egyptian God Cards have cemented YuGiOh's place in pop culture.
The YuGiOh movies, such as "Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions" (2016), continue to captivate audiences. These films blend the excitement of card duelling with rich storytelling, drawing both old and new fans into the world of YuGiOh.
Yugioh has been referenced several times through other films and TV shows, The Simpsons episode "Margical History Tour", in the empty library there are only two remaining items, one of which is a "YuGiOh! Price Guide". It was also referenced in Adventure Time in the episode "Card Wars", Finn and Jake play a TCG with similarities to the YuGiOh and MTG. The episode "Daddy-Daughter Card Wars" features a five card set that seems to be based on the five pieces of "Exodia the Forbidden One".
YuGiOh in Music
YuGiOh has also left its mark on music. The original theme song, with its catchy "It's time to d-d-d-d-duel!" line, is instantly recognizable to fans. The soundtrack of the series, filled with intense and dramatic tunes, makes the show even better to watch.
Magic The Gathering: A Legacy of Strategy
Magic The Gathering in Film and TV
Magic The Gathering (MTG), created in 1993, is the oldest of the top three TCGs and has a profound impact on gaming and pop culture. Although it hasn't had an animated series like Pokemon or YuGiOh, MTG's complex lore and strategic depth have inspired various media references. The upcoming Netflix series, set in the MTG universe, is highly anticipated by fans and is expected to bring the rich stories and intricate gameplay of MTG to a broader audience.
MTG's influence is also seen in shows like "Stranger Things," where characters play Dungeons & Dragons, another game by MTG's creator, Wizards of the Coast. This highlights the interconnectedness of the fantasy gaming world and MTG's role within it.
There's also a scene in "Zombieland: Double Tap" where Columbus, Wichita and Flagstaff are playing MTG around a table in a bar. You can see the backs of the magic cards but not the actual cards themselves, possibly one of the only direct MTG references in Film.
Magic The Gathering in Music
MTG's cultural influence extends to the music scene as well. Bands like "The Mountain Goats" have referenced MTG in their lyrics, demonstrating the game's reach beyond just gaming circles. The game's deep lore and unique terminology provide a rich source of inspiration for musicians looking to tap into the imaginative world of MTG.
Furthering his obvious love of TCGs, Post Malone owns two incredibly rare MTG cards. The only serialised "The One Ring" card from the Universes Beyond: Lord Of The Rings set, which he paid USD $2,000,000 for, and he also owns a Black Lotus card signed by Christopher Rush (the original artist of Black Lotus) which he paid USD $800,000. He also goes on several MTG streams and YouTube channels to play Magic with other MTG influencers, it's great to see such representation of TCGs from such a popular and influential music artist.
The influence of Pokemon, YuGiOh, and Magic The Gathering on pop culture is undeniable. These TCGs have transcended the realm of gaming, impacting film, TV, and music in profound ways. From the iconic Pokemon theme song to the dramatic duels of YuGiOh, and the strategic depth of Magic The Gathering, these games continue to inspire and entertain millions worldwide. As they evolve and expand, their cultural footprint is sure to grow even larger, cementing their status as pillars of pop culture.
Whether you're a long-time player or new to the world of TCGs, there's no denying the excitement and creativity these games bring to our lives. So, pick up a deck, shuffle those cards, and dive into the thrilling worlds of Pokemon, YuGiOh, and Magic The Gathering.
