In the quiet and cosy corners of Brunei Darussalam, a special kind of magic is taking shape – not through mystical chants or wands, but through the rhythmic shuffling of trading card decks within tight-knit communities.
These cards, often referred to as trading card games (TCG), share a uniform shape yet boast a diverse range of art styles and finishes.
Governed by a set of rules that vary depending on the game and franchise, this hobby blurs the line between casual pastime and competitive pursuit.
While collectors hunt for the most majestic and elusive cards, some fetching prices in the thousands, strategists within the group meticulously assemble decks with the aim of defeating any challengers they encounter.
THE RISING SHUFFLE
The TCG subculture is widespread globally, with content and competitions becoming increasingly prominent online.
Activities range from card opening and deck building to exploring card lore and participating in championships. These events are characterised by enthusiastic commentary and engaged audiences who gather to watch competitors in tabletop matches.
This burgeoning subculture has also established a strong presence along the shores of the Sultanate. While TCGs may not dominate mainstream media in Brunei, their influence is undeniable.
Through various events local enthusiasts and fans are committed to nurturing the community and they are making significant strides in the TCG arena by participating in both local and regional tournaments.
Haji Muhammad Abdul Nabawi bin Haji Zainal, has been immersed in the hobby for nearly a decade, embarking on his card and collectibles journey at the age of 18.
A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA Today, he’s a co-owner of a hobby shop specialising in TCGs, providing local enthusiasts with access to distributor-sanctioned booster packs as well as offering a space for them to hone their talents in competitive TCG.
“Our primary game is Shadowverse: Evolve, but currently, the most popular card game is the One Piece TCG, thanks to its association with a popular anime, attracting numerous collectors.
“And, of course, there’s Pokemon, one of the largest and longest-running TCGs globally.”
According to the 28-year-old co-owner of Labyrinth Games and Collectibles, the appeal of TCGs in Brunei isn’t just about strategic gameplay or collecting rare cards; it’s also deeply rooted in nostalgia.
“Games like Pokemon and One Piece bring back so many memories. It’s more than a game – it’s a part of childhood for many of us,” he continued, adding that this nostalgia is evidently reflected in their customer demographics.
“You would be surprised at the working adult demographic, which includes individuals from various sectors, many of whom are married with children.
“For them, playing TCGs is mostly a way to relieve stress or bond with their family.
“Some play TCGs with their kids because they want to be involved in their children’s lives, so they take it up as well.”
ALL HANDS ON DECK
Through his small TCG shop, Nabawi dreams of becoming a pillar for the community, ensuring that this niche in Brunei thrives.
He believed that strengthening the competitive TCG scene, which is gaining traction in Brunei, is crucial for this purpose.
Fortunately, he is not alone in this endeavour.
Peers such as Awangku Yura Dupa Imamul Bahar bin Pengiran Haji Yura Dupa Khoadadad, co-partner of Wild Magic, another local hobby store specialising in TCGs and other tabletop hobbies like Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer, shares his vision. Awangku Yura noted how the competition scene has been slowly rising post-COVID due to the increased availability of physical play spaces and events.
As pandemic restrictions in the Sultanate began to ease, he noticed a strong desire for physical TCG events as people were eager to fully experience the hobby they had taken up online during the pandemic.
Furthermore, with the rise of TCG sellers and entrepreneurs like Nabawi and Awangku Yura, local players finally have a platform to indulge in their hobbies and find their communities, without fear of it being just a passing fad.
During the latest Brunei MSME Festival held at the Bridex Hall in Kampong Jerudong in early March, both Nabawi and Awangku Yura hosted competitions for their TCG games.
These multi-day competitions attracted more than 40 participants.
This number however only reflected the market for competitive TCG players, because when it comes to market in terms of collectors, Awangku Yura said that “it’s probably a bigger margin, there are probably around hundreds of them (in Brunei).”
“It’s just a niche community, and TCG can be an on-and-off hobby. Its longevity depends on the players or events.
“If you have a certain circle or group you play with, it can last a long time. However, when you meet new players, the dynamics can change,” added the 28- year-old.
With a strong desire to nurture the local TCG community, Nabawi and Awangku Yura operate their TCG shop with the perspective of being by the community and for the community.
THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT WITH
They shared the challenges of running their businesses, especially considering they both have separate day jobs.
Operating a TCG shop is no small feat, particularly when balancing it with their other responsibilities.
However, both Nabawi and Awangku Yura see it as a labour of love. Their shops are often open late into the night, providing a sanctuary for those seeking a break from their daily routines.
“It’s for the community. We don’t make a huge profit, but it’s worth it,” added Nabawi.
Looking ahead, the prospects of TCGs in Brunei are as unpredictable as a shuffle of the deck. Yet, the enthusiasm of the community suggests a bright future.
With each tournament, release, and gathering, the scene grows stronger, driven by a shared passion for the games and the friendships they forge.
As the community looks to expand, both Nabawi and Awangku Yura remain committed to nurturing this niche yet spirited group.
“It’s very unpredictable; the hobby goes up and down because everyone has their own time for it, and commitments in life can change situations.
“However, at the end of the day, it’s a hobby that you can always come back to, anytime.” – Wardi Wasil
