The physical trading card game complements the digital trading card game playable within Free Realms, allowing players to enjoy the game in front of their computer and around the world.

“Our online trading card games have been hugely successful, and the chance to take our digital trading cards into the physical world with an industry leader like Topps is a fantastic opportunity for us as a company,” said John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment.

“As Topps continues to evolve into an entertainment media company, building bridges between offline and online experiences, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Sony Online Entertainment on Free Realms, a company that understands the relevance of cross-platform entertainment and is always on the cutting edge of online and digital media development,” said Michael Eisner.

The digital version of the Free Realms Trading Card Game launches simultaneously with the launch of the Free Realms online game, while the Topps products will be available in Spring 2009. Topps will offer an exclusive Passport to Free Realms Starter Pack jam-packed with Free Realms physical and digital loot (price TBD), as well as 11-card booster packs ($3.99 SRP each), featuring a loot card in every pack, wherever Topps entertainment products are sold.

Developed at Sony Online Entertainment’s Denver studio, the Free Realms Trading Card Game integrates the trading card game format with the exciting world of the Free Realms online game. Players can buy cards, build decks, collect, trade and battle with friends and even quest through Free Realms virtual matches in the online game or by purchasing physical packs of game cards!

The Free Realms Trading Card Game features:

• Exciting Gameplay: The Free Realms Trading Card Game brings the rich and exciting world of Free Realms to the familiar trading card game format.
• Physical and Digital Cards: Explore the world of Free Realms with beautifully-illustrated cards that add a whole new level of wonder! Over 200 cards are expected to be available by the time the physical game launches in the spring, with more planned in successive releases.
• Online or Offline Gameplay: With both a digital and physical version of the Free Realms Trading Card Game, players may participate in whatever way suits them, making it possible to adventure and enjoy Free Realms anywhere, anytime!
• Loot In Every Pack: Every Free Realms Trading Card Game pack features a loot card that is redeemable for fantastic Free Realms virtual items like exclusive pets, clothing, race car enhancements, wands, house items, special character effects, and more!

Join thousands of other players and make your home in Free Realms! Do what you want to do, when you want to do it, in a lush, living, 3D world filled with lush landscapes and fun wildlife.

Free Realms gameplay is as varied as the people who play. Looking for adventure? Unlock jobs like Ninja, Explorer and Wizard to battle enemies and disarm traps as you search for lost treasure, or duel other players. Battling not for you? Take time to teach your pet a new trick, decorate your house, or grow vegetables and flowers. When you're ready for a different kind of challenge, play a wide variety of completely integrated mini-games to craft useable items or get your high score onto the leaderboards.

There's always something new to see and do in the world of Free Realms, with weekly and monthly content updates, regular and special events, and even player-created parties and celebrations.

No need to go to the store, spend money on the box, or take hours installing and patching the game. Get in the game quickly and easily from your web browser, create your character, and be playing in a full 3D game world client within minutes!

Be one of the first to get a sneak peek at Sony Online Entertainment's free MMORPG Free Realms, currently in development and is close to giving players an early look at what it has to offer. The adventure packed, family-friendly game is filled with an art style and humor and contains enough to do to keep everyone in the family entertained.

For the opportunity to participate in the North America beta program, sign up now!

Features:

• Experience a vibrant new world that's an exciting mix of real-world and fantasy.
• Be a wizard one day, and a warrior the next, without having to make a new character.
• Join your friends in the game and adventure with them, wherever they are, no matter how long they have been playing.
• When you’re ready for some excitement, head out to the wilderness and battle challenging enemies like giant spiders and forest trolls in fast-paced, strategic battlegrounds.
• Cooperate with or compete against other players in battle!
• Explore, quest, and collect items that you can wear, use or display.
• Play a wide variety of mini-games to craft armor, weapons, potions, clothes, furniture, and many other items.
• Grab a root beer at the inn and hang out with your friends while a rock band plays on the stage.
• Interact with humorous, unique characters, become their friends and receive emails from them!
• Raise a dog or cat and teach it to be the kind of pet you want--shy, brave, or funny.
• Decorate your own house and grow a variety of plants and flowers.
• Send links, share images and videos, and chat with friends from your own, personal, customizable social networking page!