Casters,
MetaZoo Archives has returned under the direction of community member CutthroatZoo. The long-standing fan resource, originally created to document MetaZoo’s early sets and history, has relaunched with a mission to bridge the game’s vintage era and its current revival under GQL. The updated site will feature setlists, product information, visual card galleries, and other reference materials for both new and veteran players.
MetaZoo News spoke with CutthroatZoo about his history with the game, the decision to bring back MetaZoo Archive, and his outlook on the community’s future. Visit the new MetaZoo Archives at https://metazooarchive.org/ or over on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/metazooarchives. Finally make sure to check out CutthroatZoo's content on IG at https://www.instagram.com/cutthroatzoo
MetaZoo News (MZN): Thank you for agreeing to do this interview! We are excited to hear about the relaunch of the MetaZoo Archive! To start, can you introduce yourself to our readers? Tell us a little bit about your background and how long you've been involved with MetaZoo.
CutthroatZoo: I started collecting Pokemon when it came out in the late 90s. My father had collected sports cards in the past and helped me understand the value in card condition and protection. Around the Neo Era I boxed up my cards, until pulling them out once again to continue collecting in 2020. After completing some sets affordably I was itching for a more accessible card game. That’s when I found MetaZoo, in late 2021.
In early 2022 I joined a team of content creators and started contributing to the original MetaZoo Archives. As the other creators broke off to focus on their own channels, I stuck with the site until the closure of MetaZoo in 2024.
Now that the new game is getting established I’m excited to contribute and offer resources to the community once more!
MZN: For fans who may be new to the site, what is MetaZoo Archive and what do you hope it offers the community?
CutthroatZoo: MetaZoo Archives is a site that serves as an information bridge between Vintage and Modern MetaZoo. You’ll find knowledge on past sets, events, products, and gameplay. The site will have information on the current game as well, including setlists and product announcements.
MZN: What inspired you to bring MetaZoo Archive back, and what’s it been like relaunching it during this new chapter of the game?
CutthroatZoo: I was planning for MetaZoo Archives to remain a resource for fans, even after the initial closing, but I did not have ownership of the original site to make that decision. Now that I am actively playing and collecting MetaZoo again I think it is a great time to rebuild what was lost. Much of which was stored by the WayBackMachince.org so now work begins filtering information forward to the new site.
MZN: What kinds of content or resources are you most excited to focus on as the Archive continues to grow?
CutthroatZoo: Having easy to access Vintage and Modern Setlists is a number 1 priority. Building up visual card galleries will aid collectors as well. Beyond basic card and product information, I hope to supply a space where Vintage collectors and players can still go to read about gameplay, niche products, and shared experiences.
MZN: How do you personally engage with MetaZoo - as a player, collector, researcher, lore nerd? What drew you in originally.
I have started playing Modern MetaZoo though I haven’t committed to collecting yet. I am still actively collecting Vintage MetaZoo, and used to be an avid player. I played in many webcam events and eventually ran events with Immortal Workshop. We hope to start Webcam events again once MetaZoo’s Organized play program launches.
MZN: What was your reaction when MetaZoo originally shut down, and how did you feel when you first heard it was coming back under GQL?
CutthroatZoo: I was disappointed in the shutdown though I wasn’t surprised. As excited as I was for the upcoming sets in progress, I knew there wasn’t a viable path forward, without a major change in the company. I was excited to see GQL pick up the IP and develop it so fast. The art direction has taken some time to warm up to, but I enjoy the streamlined gameplay.
CutthroatZoo:I’m looking most forward to the Dark set and competitive play. Once the game is established with a few sets, and players can invest themselves into local events, I think the game can really take off!
MetaZoo Archive’s return adds another valuable resource to the growing ecosystem surrounding the game’s revival. With its focus on both vintage history and modern developments, the site stands to benefit new players, long-time collectors, and anyone interested in preserving MetaZoo’s legacy.
Explore the site at MetaZooArchive.org and follow along on Instagram at @metazooarchives and @cutthroatzoo.
