Free Realms, the collaboration between Sony Online Entertainment and the Topps Company (see “Topps Expands Move into TCG Market”), represents perhaps the closest relationship ever between a physical trading card game and an online game.  The Topps Starter Pack ($9.99) includes a virtual reward card redeemable for full membership in the Free Realms online game (worth $4.99), as well as an exclusive virtual Black Labrador dog, an exclusive card player t-shirt for the player’s character, three jumbo health potions, and an exclusive virtual Cardie Racer. 

The Topps Booster Packs ($3.99) include a virtual reward card that can be redeemed for an exclusive in-game item and 50 Station Cash, the Free Realms virtual currency.

The initial Topps set includes over 180 cards, as well as over 50 virtual reward cards, and 16 physical exclusive cards with codes that unlock the equivalent card in the online game. 

The SOE Free Realms online game went live last week, and Topps’ Free Realms TCG streets this week.