Wizards of the Coast imported some of the Japanese Duel Masters CCG and distributed it to the core hobby channel in Q4 of 2003.  Asked why (specifically whether it was to co-opt parallel imports), a WotC spokersperson told us, 'It was meant as a nice gesture to those folks who have supported Wizards of the Coast over the years as well as token thanks for the burgeoning support for Duel Masters that the core hobby stores were clearly showing last fall.' 

 

We also asked whether there were any plans to continue the practice, or if it was a one-time event.  The spokesperson replied, 'Although we have no current plans for doing a similar program in the future, we may decide to do so at a later date.'