Trading Card Game Communities: A Tale of Two Cities
Exploring the Unique Traditions and Growing Passion in Sydney and Jakarta’s TCG Scenes
As I’ve shared before, my recent trip to Sydney was filled with memorable experiences, including attending my very first card show. It was a moment of discovery and connection, giving me a glimpse into the heart of the trading card game (TCG) community in Australia. Little did I know, this would spark a comparison with a similar event I attended back home in Jakarta, highlighting the unique dynamics of TCG communities in both cities.
Sydney: Where Trading is Tradition
The information about the Sydney Card Show didn’t come from ads or posters — it came through word of mouth. While visiting a collectible store in West Ryde, I struck up a conversation with the store owner, who mentioned he would be attending the show as a tenant. This casual chat with other enthusiasts and the owner himself was how I learned about the event. It was a perfect example of how tightly knit the TCG community can be, with information spreading organically through conversations.
The show itself was an incredible experience. The venue was large and bustling with activity, packed with enthusiasts from diverse segments of the hobby — Sports Cards, Pokémon, One Piece, and more. The energy in the room was infectious, and it felt like everyone was there to celebrate a shared passion.
One of the standout traditions I noticed was the focus on trading. Inspired by TCG scenes I had seen on YouTube, especially from the U.S., the Sydney show didn’t just revolve around buying and selling cards. Trading was a major part of the experience. I even traded a few of my valuable cards for a graded card — a thrilling moment that felt like a rite of passage in this vibrant community.
Jakarta: A Growing Community
Back in Indonesia, I came across an advertisement for the Jakarta Card Show on social media. The method of information-sharing was different, more formal and structured compared to the conversational discovery I experienced in Sydney. This contrast hinted at the evolving nature of the TCG community in Jakarta, still finding its rhythm.
The event itself was co-joint with a Car Show, and the card section was tucked away in a smaller area at the very back. The turnout was noticeably smaller, and the atmosphere, while passionate, lacked the intensity of the Sydney show.
One unique feature was the card auction, which added an interesting dynamic to the event. However, the trading tradition so prominent in Sydney was absent here. Most sellers at the Jakarta Card Show were solely focused on sales, and there wasn’t much opportunity or enthusiasm for trading. It became clear that while the hobby is growing in Indonesia, the community still has room to develop its own traditions and culture around TCGs.
A Tale of Two Communities
The comparison between the two cities is striking. Sydney’s TCG community thrives on tradition, camaraderie, and the art of trading, creating a rich and engaging experience for enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Jakarta’s community, though smaller and still finding its footing, shows immense potential for growth. The auction format and social media-driven promotion demonstrate a willingness to innovate and adapt.
Both experiences highlighted the universal appeal of trading card games as a hobby that connects people across cultures and geographies. While the approaches may differ, the passion remains the same — a love for collecting, trading, and sharing stories through these little pieces of art and history.
As someone who has now seen two sides of the TCG world, I’m excited to see how the community in Jakarta will evolve and what new traditions might emerge as more enthusiasts come together. For now, I’ll cherish the unique experiences each city offered and look forward to the next chapter in my TCG journey.
