Industry Overview - The card industry is a significant part of the broader entertainment product sector, integrating entertainment, collection, competition, and social interaction [3] - The market for collectible card games in China has surged from 700 million to 12.2 billion yuan from 2017 to 2022, increasing its share of the broader entertainment toy market from 2.3% to 17.7% [3] Market Trends - The introduction of global quality IPs like Pokémon and My Little Pony has energized the domestic card industry, while local companies are also developing original IPs to meet cultural demands [5] - Digital transformation is driving innovation in the card industry, with new formats like online tournaments and virtual card games enhancing consumer experiences [6] - The rise of e-commerce platforms has expanded sales opportunities for card products, while offline stores enhance consumer engagement through events [7] Secondary Market and Investment - The domestic secondary card market is becoming more regulated and mature, with platforms like Kato and Jihuan providing robust support for card circulation and value discovery [8] - As consumer awareness of the investment value of cards grows, the prices of rare cards are increasing, stimulating market demand [8] Policy Support - Government support for the cultural industry is creating a favorable environment for the card industry, with measures to protect intellectual property and regulate market order [9] Reports Overview - The first report analyzes the historical evolution and market drivers of the Chinese card industry, highlighting the growth driven by a large user base and the development of an IP matrix [10] - The second report provides a macro perspective on the card industry, detailing its origins, market comparisons across regions, and a comprehensive breakdown of the industry chain [12]

Core Viewpoint - Chinese cultural and creative enterprises, particularly 卡游动漫 (KAYOU), are emerging as leaders in the global collectible card industry through innovative IP collaboration and content creation, establishing a global sales network across various regions [1][3]. Group 1: IP Strategy - 卡游 has developed a diverse IP matrix consisting of 70 IPs from domestic, Japanese, and European and American regions, enhancing consumer engagement [3]. - The company's IP strategy features a "dual-drive" approach, focusing on both local IP innovation and international IP collaboration [4]. - 卡游 has successfully obtained global licenses for popular domestic IPs, such as 《斗罗大陆》 and 《秦时明月》, and is actively promoting these products in overseas markets [5][9]. Group 2: Product Innovation - 卡游 leverages China's manufacturing advantages to create an intelligent production system, utilizing advanced techniques to transform traditional cultural elements into interactive card products [11]. - The company continuously expands its product range beyond collectible cards to include toys, stationery, and other merchandise, ensuring a rich product experience for consumers [12]. Group 3: Market Adaptation - 卡游 tailors its products to different markets by considering local IP popularity and cultural resonance, effectively bridging cultural gaps [13]. - The design of 卡游's cards emphasizes telling Chinese stories, with products like 《卡游三国》 showcasing historical figures and strategies, fostering cultural exploration among international audiences [14]. Group 4: Cultural Exchange - 卡游's initiatives, such as the collaboration with the National Sports Administration for the 《中国古代体育文化收藏卡》, exemplify the integration of culture and sports, enhancing cultural exchange [5][11]. - The company's approach to cultural export demonstrates that traditional culture can thrive through modern design and innovation, moving beyond mere exhibition to active engagement [15][16].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article emphasizes the transformation of card games into a cultural and economic phenomenon, driven by IP globalization strategies and innovative marketing approaches [1][2][18] - The article discusses the significance of IP as a cultural amplifier and its role in attracting users, highlighting successful collaborations with major franchises like Disney and My Little Pony [1][2] - The concept of cultural reconstruction is illustrated through the example of the "Card Game Three Kingdoms," which combines historical elements with modern aesthetics to appeal to adult collectors [3] Group 2 - The article outlines the synergy between film and card games, showcasing how limited edition cards linked to popular movies can enhance collectible value and drive fan engagement [4] - It highlights the cultural export of Chinese sports through card games, exemplified by the collaboration with the National Sports Administration during the Paris Olympics [5] - The article identifies two main categories of card games: collectible cards and trading card games (TCG), each catering to different consumer needs and experiences [6][11] Group 3 - The operational logic of card games is explored, detailing how scarcity and limited editions create a "luck economy" that drives demand and market success [10] - The article discusses the emotional and social aspects of card collecting, emphasizing its role as a social currency among different age groups [10][12] - It notes the growing trend of TCGs in competitive environments, with significant participation in tournaments and the increasing appeal of female players [11][12] Group 4 - The article discusses the expansion of product categories and the creation of an ecosystem around IP derivatives, including toys and stationery [14][15] - It highlights the global ambitions of card companies, with plans to develop IP in international markets and leverage cultural soft power [17] - The article emphasizes the importance of social responsibility in the industry, detailing initiatives aimed at preventing irrational consumption among minors [19][20] Group 5 - The article concludes by addressing the challenges of balancing IP licensing with original content creation, as well as the need for sustainable industry practices [21] - It presents a user ecosystem model that captures the dual attributes of card consumption as social currency and collectible investment [22] - The article outlines strategies for IP ecosystem management, focusing on transforming traffic into cultural assets [24]

Core Viewpoint - The "Guzi Economy" is gaining momentum, and the value derived from IP (Intellectual Property) is being widely recognized in the market [1] Market Overview - Among various categories of Guzi, trading cards are experiencing rapid growth due to their high playability, collectible value, and social attributes. In 2023, China's collectible card market reached 15.89 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 40.5%. CITIC Securities predicts that this sector may exceed 35 billion yuan by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% [2] Company Performance - The performance of leading company KAYOU reflects the heat in the card market. From 2022 to 2024, KAYOU achieved revenues of 4.13 billion yuan, 2.66 billion yuan, and 10.06 billion yuan, with adjusted net profits of 1.62 billion yuan, 930 million yuan, and 4.47 billion yuan respectively [3] Strategic Development - KAYOU is exploring more development possibilities in the rapidly growing market by continuously innovating expression methods, deeply co-creating with copyright holders, and enhancing IP's commercial value through precise market insights and strong operational capabilities [4] IP Activation - The demand for cards surged during the release of the animated film "Nezha: The Devil's Child," leading to a "card shortage" phenomenon. KAYOU's initial release of 4.5 million card packs sold out within a week, prompting quick restocking and the launch of new products [5] Production and Sales Network - KAYOU operates three production bases and one logistics center in Zhejiang and Guangdong, supporting a nationwide sales network. The company has a comprehensive dealer system with 217 dealers covering the market, allowing for rapid product development and distribution [6] Competitive Advantage - KAYOU's competitive edge lies in its understanding and respect for classic IPs, alongside its product design, innovation speed, and channel positioning. The company actively participates in IP operation and co-creation, moving beyond being a passive recipient of traffic [7] Collaboration and Expansion - KAYOU has established a deep collaboration with Hasbro for the "My Little Pony" series, significantly enhancing the commercial value of the IP. The card products have gained immense popularity on social media, expanding the audience from children to young women [9][10] Financial Growth - KAYOU's revenue is projected to exceed 10 billion yuan in 2024, reaching 10.057 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 280%. The adjusted net profit is expected to grow by 380% to 4.466 billion yuan, with an adjusted net profit margin of 44.4% [13] IP Portfolio - KAYOU has developed a diverse IP portfolio, including 70 well-known IPs such as Ultraman, My Little Pony, and Naruto, which enhances brand recognition and attracts a broader fan base [14][15] Market Position - KAYOU ranks first in the collectible card sector within the pan-entertainment toy industry in China, holding a market share of 71.1% [16] Cash Flow and Innovation - In 2024, KAYOU's operating cash flow net inflow reached 5.113 billion yuan, a significant increase of 458%. The company is focusing on product innovation, particularly in contemporary expressions of traditional culture [17] Product Diversification - KAYOU's product structure is evolving from single trading cards to a broader pan-entertainment ecosystem, with rapid growth in creative and stationery products [18][19] Future Outlook - KAYOU's high standards in craftsmanship and product development are expected to further enhance its competitiveness and contribute to the growth of the pan-entertainment product industry [23]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid rise of domestic card games in China, particularly focusing on the success of the "Nezha 2" card series, which has sparked a cultural consumption phenomenon and highlighted the potential for the domestic card market to grow and evolve [1][22]. Group 1: Market Performance and Trends - The "Nezha 2" card series has become a phenomenon, with prices reaching as high as 200,000 yuan, creating a "one card hard to find" situation [1] - The secondary market for card trading has seen significant activity, with some cards listed at exorbitant prices, indicating a speculative bubble [3][11] - The domestic card market is still in its early stages, with a lack of public understanding and acceptance, which poses challenges for its growth [12][20] Group 2: Comparison with Global Markets - The global card market, particularly in the U.S. and Japan, has established a robust ecosystem for trading and investment, with high-value transactions becoming commonplace [7][15] - In Japan, the card market reached 277.4 billion yen (approximately 13.9 billion yuan) in 2023, showing an 18.1% year-on-year growth, highlighting the potential for similar growth in China [14] - The U.S. market has seen cards transition from collectibles to investment tools, with platforms like eBay facilitating a more mature trading environment [15][22] Group 3: Cultural and Historical Context - The article emphasizes the historical roots of card games in China, tracing back to ancient times, which suggests a deep cultural connection that could be leveraged for market growth [16][17] - The rise of domestic card games is seen as a way to promote Chinese culture globally, with successful IPs like "Nezha" and "Black Myth: Wukong" paving the way for international recognition [22] Group 4: Challenges and Opportunities - Domestic brands face challenges in international expansion due to cultural differences and lower brand recognition compared to established foreign brands [20] - The article notes that while the domestic card market is still developing, there is a significant opportunity for growth if companies can shift from a manufacturing mindset to an original IP development approach [21] - Companies like 卡游 are already making strides in creating original IPs and expanding their offerings, indicating a positive trend for the future of the domestic card market [21][22]