The Wildcard Alliance
The Wildcard Alliance is a Texas-based game studio building Wildcard, a PvP collectible-card MOBA designed for streaming and spectator engagement, along with the Thousands decentralized streaming platform and Wildpass NFT collectibles, serving competitive gamers, content creators, and Web3 enthusiasts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersMckinney, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What The Wildcard Alliance does
The Wildcard Alliance is a privately held game development company headquartered in McKinney, Texas, founded in 2022 by Paul and Katy Bettner as a brand under Playful Studios. The company is building "Wildcard," a PvP collectible-card-based arena action MOBA built on Unreal Engine, in which players select Champions, assemble decks of 40+ Summons drawn from three factions (Chronos, Lubabub, Malus), and compete in real-time matches with scoring goals. The game is distributed through Steam (Early Access as of 2025), Apple App Store, and Google Play, with complementary products including the Wildpass NFT collectible system (migrated from Polygon to Ethereum) and the Wildfile character compendium. The studio is also developing Thousands, a crypto-native decentralized streaming platform co-developed with Thousands.tv that integrates wallet-enabled fan interaction directly into gameplay, including the proprietary Fan Navigator feature that lets streamers seat 100–100,000 fans in-game based on configurable criteria and react to Discord emotes in real time.
The business model combines a one-time game license with in-game virtual goods (Coins, cosmetics, cards), NFT collectible sales on Magic Eden, and a potential future subscription layer. Revenue mechanics are primarily consumer-facing, long-tail, and transaction-based. Customer segments span competitive gamers, streamers and content creators, Web3/crypto enthusiasts (NFT collectors), and esports spectators, addressed through a hybrid go-to-market that pairs product-led Early Access distribution on Steam with event-driven community activation (DreamHack, LVL UP EXPO, Miami Art Basel) and a Creator Program. The founding team brings prior exits and titles including Age of Empires, Words with Friends (sold to Zynga), and Lucky's Tale, lending industry credibility.
The Wildcard Alliance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Wildcard Alliance
- Legal name
- The Wildcard Alliance
- Website
- https://wildcardgame.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Wildcard Alliance is a Texas-based game studio building Wildcard, a PvP collectible-card MOBA designed for streaming and spectator engagement, along with the Thousands decentralized streaming platform and Wildpass NFT collectibles, serving competitive gamers, content creators, and Web3 enthusiasts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Wildcard Alliance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Action MOBA / Competitive Multiplayer Games
- NAICS
- Amusement Arcades (71312)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Guilds, Scholarship & Player Networks (asset renting, delegation, communities) (FSAPAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Gaming NFTs & In-Game Asset Marketplaces (FSADANAF), In-Game Wallets, Stored Value & Virtual Currency Issuance (MPAFAJAB)
Keywords
Where The Wildcard Alliance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mckinney
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Wildcard Alliance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Game Sales: Players purchase the game from Steam (Early Access), App Store, or Google Play through applicable App Providers.
- In-Game Virtual Goods: Sale of virtual goods including 'Coins' (in-game currency), cards, cosmetics, and exclusive skins. Virtual goods are non-refundable with no real cash value.
- Wildpass NFT Collectibles: Genesis Wildpass mint and collectible NFTs available through Magic Eden marketplace on Polygon.
- Subscription (Potential): The Terms of Service mention subscription-based services may be offered in the future with monthly billing until cancelled.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Base Game Purchase |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | In-Game Virtual Goods |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Wildcard Alliance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Wildcard Alliance develops and publishes Wildcard, a PvP collectible-card-based MOBA action game in which players select Champions, build decks of Summon creature cards, and battle in real-time arena matches with scoring objectives. The studio also operates the Wildpass NFT digital collectible system, the Wildfile character compendium, Flair cosmetic items, and the Thousands crypto-native streaming platform that enables real-time streamer-fan interaction. Revenue is generated through game license sales on Steam, iOS, and Android, plus in-game virtual goods and NFT collectibles.
Product overview
The Wildcard Alliance offers Wildcard, a hybrid action-strategy game that blends arena sports combat with MOBA strategy and collectible deck building. Players select Champions and assemble decks of Summons (creature cards) to compete in real-time PvP matches. The core game is complemented by the Wildpass NFT collectible system for digital asset ownership, the Wildfile character compendium, and the Flair cosmetic customization system. The platform includes the Exhibition Series competitive format, Community Rewards Program, and Creator Program. The company is also developing Thousands, a crypto-native streaming platform that enables real-time fan-streamer interaction with in-game reactions and airdrops. The game is built on Unreal Engine and published on Steam in Early Access.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Thousands: A decentralized streaming and community platform that enables fans to interact with streamers, trigger in-game reactions, and receive exclusive airdrop swag. Built as a crypto-native platform for community engagement.
Products and services
- Wildcard (The Game) A PvP collectible-card-based arena action MOBA in which players choose Champions, build decks of Summons, and compete in real-time arena matches to score goals. Built on Unreal Engine and targeted at competitive gamers and spectators, available on Steam, iOS, and Android.
- Wildpass NFT Collectibles A blockchain-based digital collectible passport system, originally on Polygon and migrated to Ethereum, that grants fans ownership of digital assets, exclusive in-game content, and community membership benefits. Distributed via the Magic Eden marketplace.
- Thousands Streaming Platform A decentralized, crypto-native streaming platform integrated with Wildcard that allows spectators to interact with live streams, trigger in-game reactions, receive airdrops, and change game elements in real time. Every user is wallet-enabled from day one.
Companies that use The Wildcard Alliance
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Wildcard Alliance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
The Wildcard Alliance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Thousands.tvcoreThousands.tv is a decentralized, crypto-native streaming platform co-developed by Wildcard/Playful Studios. It enables native integration between games and streaming experiences, allowing fans to trigger in-game reactions, receive airdrops, and interact with streamers in real-time. The platform is wallet-enabled from day one and represents the core platform strategy for community engagement.
- Magic EdenminorNFT marketplace listing for Wildpass collectibles on Polygon (originally) with migration to Ethereum. Distributes Wildpass NFTs to collectors.
Scale indicators3 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Wildcard Alliance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Riot Games: Developer of League of Legends and Valorant, the dominant MOBA/competitive shooters. Most relevant as the entrenched incumbent Wildcard must displace in the PvP arena category.
- Valve (Dota 2): Developer of Dota 2, the second major MOBA franchise and a long-time Steam partner. Comparable as the legacy MOBA category leader also distributed via Steam.
- Axie Infinity (Sky Mavis): Pioneer Web3 play-and-earn game with NFT collectible creatures. Comparable as a category-defining Web3 gaming franchise that established the player-owned economy model Wildcard is building on.
Direct peers
- Psyonix (Rocket League): Developer of Rocket League, the closest analogue as a PvP arena sports title with goal-based gameplay and a thriving esports scene. Wildcard explicitly positions itself in the same arena-sports-combat lane.
- Mythical Games: Web3 gaming studio behind NFL Rivals and Blankos Block Party with player-owned economies. Comparable as a Web3-native game studio building collectible-driven competitive titles.
- Dapper Labs: Creator of NBA Top Shot and Flow blockchain; operates one of the most successful gaming/sports NFT marketplaces. Comparable in NFT collectible distribution mechanics and Web3 infrastructure.
- Gods Unchained (Immutable): Web3-native competitive trading card game on Immutable. Directly comparable as a blockchain-based PvP card game with collectible NFT assets and competitive ladder.
- Splinterlands: Web3-native collectible card PvP game. Comparable as a long-running blockchain competitive card game with NFT-based decks and skill-based ladder play.
Emerging players
- Immutable: Web3 gaming infrastructure provider (Immutable zkEVM, Immutable X). Comparable as enabling-layer peer for blockchain-based gaming assets and marketplaces.
- Sorare: NFT-based fantasy sports platform with collectible digital cards. Comparable as a sports-flavored NFT collectible game with secondary-market economics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Wildcard Alliance social profiles
Digital presenceThe Wildcard Alliance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Wildcard Alliance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
The Wildcard Alliance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Wildcard Alliance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Wildcard Alliance
What does The Wildcard Alliance do?
The Wildcard Alliance develops and publishes Wildcard, a PvP collectible-card-based MOBA action game in which players select Champions, build decks of Summon creature cards, and battle in real-time arena matches with scoring objectives. The studio also operates the Wildpass NFT digital collectible system, the Wildfile character compendium, Flair cosmetic items, and the Thousands crypto-native streaming platform that enables real-time streamer-fan interaction. Revenue is generated through game license sales on Steam, iOS, and Android, plus in-game virtual goods and NFT collectibles.
Is The Wildcard Alliance a public or private company?
The Wildcard Alliance is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was The Wildcard Alliance founded?
The Wildcard Alliance was founded in 2022. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Wildcard Alliance based?
The Wildcard Alliance is headquartered in Mckinney, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Wildcard Alliance make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Game Sales are the primary driver. The others are in-Game Virtual Goods, wildpass NFT Collectibles and subscription (Potential).
Who are The Wildcard Alliance's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Riot Games, Valve (Dota 2) and Axie Infinity (Sky Mavis). Direct peers are Psyonix (Rocket League), Mythical Games, Dapper Labs, Gods Unchained (Immutable) and Splinterlands. Emerging players are Immutable and Sorare.
Does The Wildcard Alliance have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Wildcard Alliance.
What industry is The Wildcard Alliance in?
The Wildcard Alliance's product category is Action MOBA / Competitive Multiplayer Games. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPAGAI, Guilds, Scholarship & Player Networks (asset renting, delegation, communities), with a secondary code of FSADANAF, Gaming NFTs & In-Game Asset Marketplaces. Its NAICS code is 71312 and its SIC code is 7990.