Magic: The Gathering takes its place in fun and games history as the collectible card game gets inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Wizards of the Coast first published Magic: The Gathering in 1993, and the uniquely collectible card game became such a success that the WotC initially had trouble keeping up with demand. The game — which draws on popular fantasy themes — requires both chance and skill to defeat opponents in one-on-one or group play, encouraging players to collect new cards and to refine their deck and strategies. It continues to evolve and produce new sets of cards and storylines.

“Magic: The Gathering changed the landscape of collectible card gaming with its introduction more than 25 years ago, and it’s become a part of pop culture — leading to book series, electronic games, and even a series on Netflix," says curator Shannon Symonds. "The fact that it continues to maintain popularity is a testament to its revolutionary gameplay and constant evolution, making it engaging for beginners and experts alike.”

Joining Magic: The Gathering in the National Toy Hall of Fame's 2019 induction class are Matchbox toy cars and coloring books. The honorees were chosen from a field of 12 finalists that also included Care Bears, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Jenga, Masters of the Universe, My Little Pony, Nerf Blaster, Risk, smartphone, and top.

The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong, established in 1998, recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period.