If you’re a fan of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece Card Game, Gundam Card Game, or other tabletop trading card games, there’s a brand-new indie TCG that deserves a spot on your radar—and it was created by a Winnipegger.
Backlog TCG is a unique trading card game centered around building model kits and collectible toys instead of battling monsters or casting spells. Created by Winnipeg artist Edreen Cielos, the game combines accessible gameplay, strategic decision-making, and collectible artwork into an experience that feels familiar to TCG fans while offering something completely different.
With its BackerKit crowdfunding campaign launching July 23, Backlog TCG is giving collectors and competitive players alike an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of what could become Canada’s next homegrown trading card game.
From Winnipeg to Creating a Trading Card Game
Edreen Cielos was born and raised in Winnipeg, growing up in the city’s West End. He attended Greenway School, General Wolfe School, and later Kelvin High School before moving to Toronto two years ago.
Like many collectors, his journey into trading card games began with Pokémon.
“I remember watching the first Pokémon movie and getting the free Mewtwo promo card,” Edreen recalls. “We didn’t have much growing up, so even getting a handful of Base Set Pokémon cards felt incredible.”
Later came Yu-Gi-Oh!, although he admits he never owned a competitive deck and mostly learned through friends.
Years later, while participating in a custom Pokémon card artist collaboration at Fan Expo Canada, everything changed. Seeing people excited to collect, trade, and complete artist sets reignited his love of collectible cards.
That experience inspired him to begin collecting Pokémon again while also diving into modern competitive games like Gundam Card Game and One Piece Card Game.
Today, he actively plays Gundam and One Piece while continuing to collect Pokémon and Gundam cards.
Why Create a New TCG?
Initially, Edreen simply wanted to create collectible cards featuring his artwork. But the more he immersed himself in modern trading card games, the more he realized the cards themselves became meaningful because of gameplay.
Players grew attached to characters not just because they looked cool, but because they enabled interesting strategies and memorable moments.
That sparked a much bigger idea.
Rather than simply making collectible art cards, he decided to build an entirely original trading card game. What started as a simple concept quickly evolved into Backlog TCG.
Easy to Learn, Strategic to Master
Creating an original trading card game isn’t easy.
Edreen says the biggest challenge wasn’t the artwork, it was building gameplay mechanics that were approachable for newcomers while still rewarding experienced TCG players.
Without decades of competitive experience himself, extensive playtesting became essential.
Working alongside a close friend with years of TCG experience helped refine the game’s core mechanics before expanding into more advanced strategies.
The result is a game that’s intentionally welcoming for beginners while still offering meaningful decisions every turn.
Built by Real People
One thing that sets Backlog apart isn’t just its gameplay… It’s the people behind it.
Nearly every aspect of the game has been created by one person, supported by friends and family. Rather than relying on AI-generated artwork or massive production teams, Backlog embraces its independent roots.
The first release even includes 20 higher-rarity Artist Cards illustrated by different artist friends, making each collection feel even more personal.
Edreen openly acknowledges that the first print run contains a few small typos and imperfections, but sees them as part of the charm. In an era where so much creative work is becoming automated, Backlog feels refreshingly human.
A Different Kind of Trading Card Game
Unlike Pokémon or Magic, Backlog isn’t about reducing your opponent’s life total.
Instead, players compete by building model kits and toys, managing their available time, and earning points as completed projects move to their display shelf.
The objective is straightforward:
- Build projects
- Manage your resources efficiently
- Reach 20 points before your opponent
Players can also win if their opponent runs out of cards.
According to the official rules, every player uses a 40-card main deck alongside a separate 12-card Time Deck, which represents the time required to complete each project. Players earn points by shelving completed kits, with bonus points awarded for collecting matching grades and series.
Instead of focusing on combat, Backlog creates tension through racing to complete builds while disrupting opponents with Tools and Action cards.
Perhaps one of its most interesting features is its flexibility.
Backlog can be played solo, one-on-one, or with multiple players, making it much more adaptable than many traditional trading card games.
Where to Buy Backlog TCG
The first Starter Decks are already available directly from Edreen at conventions he attends, including Ai-kon.
Beginning July 23, fans will also be able to preorder Starter Decks and Booster Boxes through the official BackerKit campaign at discounted launch pricing.
Those early prices are expected to increase after the crowdfunding campaign concludes.
Looking ahead, Edreen hopes to bring Backlog TCG into local game stores across Canada through wholesale partnerships.
Where to Learn More
Players can follow the game’s development through the official website and Instagram, where future updates will include tutorials, deck information, gameplay videos, and new expansion announcements.
You can also meet Edreen in person at conventions throughout the year, where he’ll be demonstrating the game and selling starter decks.
- Official Website: backlogtcg.com
- Instagram: @backlog.tcg
- BackerKit Campaign: Launching July 23
The Future of Backlog TCG
Like many successful trading card games, Backlog’s long-term vision extends well beyond its first release.
Edreen hopes to grow a passionate community of collectors and players through future expansions, launch events, and eventually organized tournaments.
Whether you’re someone who loves cracking booster packs, building competitive decks, collecting beautiful artwork, or discovering the next great indie TCG before everyone else, Backlog TCG is one Winnipeg success story worth keeping an eye on.
