CCG

Collectible card game (CCG) is a type of card game in which players collect a wide variety of cards and use them to build customized decks for competitive play. Cards are typically distributed through randomized booster packs that assign rarity levels (for example common, uncommon, rare, and mythic or similar), encouraging collection, trading, and deck-building strategy. CCGs can be played physically with printed cards or digitally as online games.

Most CCGs involve players taking turns to play cards that summon creatures, cast spells, or provide resources, with the objective of defeating opponents or achieving specific goals. The power of a deck comes from card interactions and the player's choices in constructing a high-synergy lineup within format rules. To expand a collection, players trade with others or purchase new packs.

The modern CCG emerged in the early 1990s with Magic: The Gathering, which introduced booster packs, rarity, and organized tournaments. The model inspired numerous franchises such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, and others. In the digital realm, digital collectible card games have grown, including Hearthstone, Legends of Runeterra, and Shadowverse, which replicate traditional CCG mechanics in online formats.

Common formats include constructed play, where players build decks from their own collections, and limited formats such as booster draft or sealed deck, which use cards from a single set. CCG ecosystems include organized play circuits, official tournaments, and local game stores. The economic aspect of CCGs often relies on secondary markets for rare cards, with values fluctuating based on supply, demand, and tournament relevance.

Terminology varies by region; some sources use trading card game (TCG) as a synonym for CCG, while others reserve TCG for games emphasizing trading, and reserve CCG for collectible aspects. Digital versions are sometimes called digital collectible card games (DCCG).