The deal will mark Konami of Europe's first moves into the trading card game sector, and follows the publisher's recent announcement that it is to market a series of video games based on Yu-Gi-Oh! and its many scenarios and characters for all leading home systems. Konami of Europe will initially launch English language version of the trading card game in the UK, with localised sets to follow.

Yu-Gi-Oh! has been an incredible success since its launch in Japan. Over 3.5 billion cards have been sold in Japan alone, while the US is also embracing the game. Yu-Gi-Oh! and its many characters originated in leading Japanese Manga comic Shonen Jump, and was created by Kazuki Takahashi. The comic book is already published in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain. Also, Yu-Gi-Oh! started to run in the magazine called "BANZAI" for Japanese "Weekly Shonen Jump" in Germany in September.

In addition to the greatly successful comics and TV series and the popular trading card game, Yu-Gi-Oh! has also spawned board games and action figures, while Konami of Europe will also be releasing its first Yu-Gi-Oh! video games in November, with further titles to follow throughout 2003.

Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME is an enthralling card-based game wherein users use special game cards bearing images of monsters and heroes in 'battles' against each other. Three main cards are used in play - Monster Cards, Magic Cards and Trap Cards - with players using monster's attack and the effect of Magic and Trap to defeat the opponent.

As an introduction to Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, Konami of Europe will offer players two Starter Decks - Yugi Deck and Kaiba Deck. Both Starter Decks contain 46 game cards, including Monster Cards, Magic Cards, Trap Cards and 3 special Foil Cards, and will also be released with an Official Rule Book and a Game Mat.

Further cards can also be purchased, with players able to add more powerful cards of Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME to build up a strong deck for forthcoming duels by buying booster packs.

"We are delighted to announce that Konami of Europe is to be the official distributor of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME," commented Kunio Neo, President for Konami of Europe. "It is, without doubt, an incredibly exciting property and we are very excited to be involved with what will be one of the biggest launches within the TCG sector in a very, very long time."

Konami of Europe will launch the first Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Starter Decks and Booster within 2002; price TBC.