Fellow Casters,
Firstly... Welcome to MetaZoo News! With the soon to be released second iteration of MetaZoo on the horizon, we aim to be a hub of information for casters far and wide. Magic is Real ... and Real Magic is Everywhere!
The future of MetaZoo TCG is looking brighter than ever. Several months ago, GameQbator Labs officially announced the relaunch of MetaZoo, with a brand-new base set set to drop in Q1 2025. In a heartfelt letter to the MetaZoo community, Rick Arons, CEO of GameQbator Labs, shared his vision for the game’s next chapter—and it’s clear they’re as passionate about reviving MetaZoo and serving our community well.
Zoo 2.0? Meet Rick Arons, Charlie Hurlocker and GameQbator Labs
Who rescued MetaZoo from bankruptcy? That would be MetaTwo LLC and our new friend Charlie Hurlocker. Mr. Hurlocker previously worked as a Senior Consultant for the Collectables Grading Company (CGC) and now serves as GameQbator Labs Director of Business Development. Charlie has been a passionate member of the TCG community since his childhood and has been an avid collector and seller ever since. Working alongside the industry heavyweights at GameQbator Labs, Charlie is in position to bring MetaZoo into the mainstream of trading card games.
CEO of GameQbator Labs Rick Arons isn’t just another industry name—he’s a legend. From shaping the early days of Magic: The Gathering with Wizards of the Coast to nearly two decades at the helm of the Pokémon TCG’s success, Arons knows what it takes to create games that capture imaginations and build communities. In his letter, Arons emphasized something MetaZoo fans already know: the importance of humanity and connection in gaming. This ethos is now the foundation of GameQbator Labs as they take on their first major project— MetaZoo.
GameQbator Labs is stacked with TCG veterans who’ve had their hands in some of the biggest games in the industry. While their combined efforts might be new to MetaZoo, their expertise and passion make them the perfect stewards for the game’s next chapter. We already know what makes MetaZoo special: its unique fusion of cryptid lore and gameplay that ties into the magic of the real world. Whether it’s the Mothman or Metal Man, these stories resonate with fans because they’re a part of global folklore—and they’re an integral part of the MetaZoo universe. Arons recognizes this too, calling cryptids “the heart of human storytelling.” It’s refreshing to see MetaZoo in the hands of a team that understands the game’s cultural and creative significance, as ultimately that is what will propel it to success.
What’s in Store for the Relaunch?
The relaunch begins with a completely new base set, marking the start of an ambitious plan to expand and develop the MetaZoo universe. This new iteration promises to continue the game’s storytelling legacy while introducing innovative gameplay that will keep us coming back for more. However, GQL has announced that the old MetaZoo product will not be usable in the new game, sending the existing product into a space for collectors only. While some independent tournaments or LGS play may still exist for legacy MetaZoo, GQL only has plans to support their new product moving forward.
GQL has already begun to release spoiler art for their upcoming set, which are featured on our front page. We will continue to update the gallery with new art as it arises. Gameplay has yet to be revealed as of this post, but any and all official updates will come from GQL via the official MetaZoo Discord Server (linked below).
What Lies Ahead
With the Q1 2025 launch just around the corner, this is an exciting time for all of us who’ve believed in MetaZoo’s potential. Whether you’re a collector, a competitive player, or just someone who loves the cryptid stories, there’s so much to look forward to. GameQbator Labs has a big task ahead, but it’s one they seem ready to meet head-on. Their focus on honoring MetaZoo’s roots while pushing the game into a bold new era feels like exactly what we’ve been waiting for. Now all that's left is to see what the gameplay, card design and upcoming product reveals have in store!
To address the elephant in the room, No, no one from the old MetaZoo company is involved in any capacity with the development of the new MetaZoo IP. It's no secret that the old company burned many bridges and left so many in the lurch, and GQL will need to navigate that carefully as there is a lot of trust left to be rebuilt, but they have the team to do it. The future is bright, friends.
Stay tuned here at MetaZoo News as we bring you the latest updates, deep dives, and exclusive content leading up to launch day. Let’s keep the magic of MetaZoo alive and thriving. Want to join the conversation? Check out the official MetaZoo Discord: https://discord.gg/metazoogames