12/17/2008 - Since the initial release, Ground Assault, Order 66, Scum & Villainy, Clone Wars, and Force Unleashed expansion packs have been released, including a massive mega scale version of the Ventor cruiser.

But on November 11th Wizkids announced the following:

The Topps Company announced today that WizKids will immediately cease operations and discontinue its product lines.

Scott Silverstein, CEO of Topps, said “This was an extremely difficult decision. While the company will still actively pursue gaming initiatives, we feel it is necessary to align our efforts more closely with Topps current sports and entertainment offerings which are being developed within our New York office.”

Upon notifying our partners, Topps will immediately pursue strategic alternatives so that viable brands and properties, including HeroClix, can continue without noticeable disruption. To that end, WizKids will continue supporting Buy it By the Brick redemptions for Arkham Asylum, and the December Organized Play events for HeroClix.

 

6/19/2007 - Star Wars PocketModel TCG is now in stores.  It can be purchased in basic packs with rules, dice and up to 8 Pocketmodels with 6 cards plus a special Imperial Power-Up Pack which includes an exclusive Imperial Star Destroyer ship and 7 more ships, 30 game cards (some are exclusive to this pack) plus a strategy guide and 2 normal sized d6s - for $14.99.

Also available online are the rules for the game (in both Low Res, High Res) an FAQ and a Check list.

Remember to print off you coupon for a free sample pack of pocket models here, just enter your zip code and it will let you know what local stores carry this product and give you the coupon to print out.

 

3/29/2007 - Wizkids announces a promotional campaign for their Star Wars PocketModel TCG:

WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps and the creator of runaway hit games such as HeroClix and Pirates of the Spanish Main, in conjunction with Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors announced today that it is launching a sample pack marketing campaign for its upcoming Star Wars PocketModel trading card game (TCG).
The promotion, which will be advertised on top websites such as CartoonNetwork.com, was set up to drive consumers into their local hobby retail outlets by offering them coupons redeemable for free Star Wars PocketModel product samples. Sample packs contain three PocketModels (one X-wing and two TIE Fighters), two playing cards and a marketing insert.

"This Star Wars PocketModel TCG advertising campaign will literally be seen by millions of potential customers and, for the first time ever, we can drive those consumers directly into local core market stores," said WizKids president Lax Chandra. "This kind of promotion never would have been possible without our partnership with Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors. Getting closer to the retailer and providing them with great sales support is one of our primary strategic goals."
In order to redeem for the free Star Wars PocketModels sample pack, participants simply click through the Star Wars PocketModel advertisement found on various websites, including Cartoon Network, to a WizKids page that prompts them to enter their ZIP code in order to get a printable coupon redeemable at their local stores. The coupon gives the names, phone numbers and addresses of several nearby stores where the coupon can be redeemed. Customers then go to the stores with their coupons and pick up the product sample kits.
"We are pleased to be able to provide WizKids with the detailed presale information necessary to run a great program like this," said Steve Geppi, president and CEO of Diamond Comics. "It really demonstrates how this new partnership can benefit core market retailers and their customers."
Retailers must pre-order the Star Wars PocketModel TCG with Diamond Comic Distributors or Alliance Game Distributors by May 8 in order to participate in the program. Diamond and Alliance sales reps have detailed information on how the program works. The advertising will hit in early June to coincide with the retail launch of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG. Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors will distribute the sample packs with their regular product shipments, and will overstock stores so that retailers can provide samples to their regular customers. WizKids encourages retailers to educate their consumers about the product and its organized play opportunities.

 

WIZKIDS ANNOUNCES STAR WARS POCKETMODEL TRADING CARD GAME

February 07, 2007 (SEATTLE) WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps and the creator of runaway hit games such as HeroClix® and Pirates of the Spanish Main, announced today that it will release a new collectable game called the Star Wars PocketModel trading card game (TCG). The agreement is an expansion of Topps' current licensing agreement with Lucas Licensing.

"The Topps Company and Lucas Licensing have enjoyed a successful 30-year licensing partnership and are proud to extend our license to include trading card games," said Ira Friedman, Topps vice president of Publishing and Licensing.

The Star Wars PocketModel TCG combines the best features of classic TCGs with those of constructible strategy games (CSGs), a category that WizKids® pioneered for kids. This TCG innovation allows players to use characters and action scenes from the movies on their cards to help control their fleets of PocketModel ships as they attempt to destroy each other¹s objectives. This exciting, easy-to-learn game derives its content from all six Star Wars movies, making it possible for fans of all generations to enjoy battling for control of the galaxy!

"Topps trading cards were the very first Star Wars­licensed products," said Howard Roffman, president of Lucas Licensing. "We are pleased to expand our longstanding relationship with Topps to include both WizKids and trading card game products. We are excited for Star Wars fans because there has never been a product quite like this before."

Following in the tradition of WizKids' successful Pirates CSG, no Starter is required for game play. Each Game Pack (SRP $4.99) contains four to eight styrene constructible vehicle models, six game cards, two micro dice, assembly instructions and complete rules.

"It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to create trading card games for a property with the history and popularity of Star Wars. Our first directive has been to develop a truly innovative card game that young Star Wars fans can enjoy," said Lax Chandra, WizKids president. "The excitement generated by kids during our testing of the PocketModel TCG has exceeded our expectations on all accounts."

The Star Wars PocketModel TCG is expected to be released at retail in June 2007, with a preview and samples available at Star Wars Celebration IV, May 24­28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.