ICv2 caught up with Jason Masherah, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Upper Deck, who took time out from his busy schedule to discuss Upper Deck’s new Marvel Super Hero Squad Trading Card Game, which will be released to the hobby on April 24th (see “Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG”).  Masherah discussed the demo of the game, Upper Deck's marketing plans, as well as the pace of releases over the next 12 months.

What’s the age target for Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG?   
The target age range for the new Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG is 7-14.
 
The Marvel TCG product you were planning in 2010 seemed to be targeted at an older player than Marvel Super Hero Squad.  Was there a decision at Upper Deck to go younger with its Marvel product?   
It was simply a decision to put out the strongest game possible.  The Super Hero Squad property is surrounded by a MMO, a cartoon and a toy line.  While the property itself skews younger, the TCG will transcend demographic groups based on the multiple levels of game play and the appeal and popularity of Marvel characters.
 
What are the demographics like for the Gazillion online game on which the rules for the Super Hero Squad TCG are based?
The online game is fun enough that it does attract a wide range of demographics.
 
How many players does the Gazillion game have?
Gazillion has over 2 million registered users.
 
Do you regard this as more targeted at a mass audience or a hobby audience?
The focus for this product right now is the hobby.  There is room for the mass audience as well, but that will come in time.
 
Will you have organized play support for this game in the hobby?
Yes, however we are still in the initial planning stages for that program.
 
What kind of marketing support will Upper Deck have for this game?
The marketing concentration for Super Hero Squad will be in the hobby store and through the hobby store.  Our focus is to give hobby stores the tools they need to promote the products on a local basis. In addition to supplying promotional materials and prizing directly to the stores who support the product, we will use the power of the MMO and our social media to drive traffic to their stores.
 
What can you tell us about the game play?
It is actually fast, fun and easy to learn.  However, being designed by former WoTC employees, there is a very deep level of strategy as well.  The game can be played on a variety of levels.
 
What’s the pace of additional releases going to be?
Currently the plan is to have a core set plus two expansions released per year.

Click on the below links to see previews for the following cards:
'Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG'--Deadpool & Blade Card
'Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG'--Nova Card
'Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG'--Silver Surfer Card
'Marvel Super Hero Squad TCG'--Storm Card