About Pre-Release
Pre-release weekend is an occasion for players to come together at selected local game stores to celebrate the upcoming release of a new product in a fun and friendly way.
Pre-release events are played using the Sealed Deck format, where each player receives
8 booster packs to make a 30-card deck.
Pre-Release Dates
What is the event window?
From 3.00pm local time Friday January 24, 2025 – Sunday February 2, 2025. Yep, that’s a 10-day window!
Events can be sanctioned now.
Can I start earlier than 3.00pm Friday?
No.
How will I know if my store has been selected to host a Pre-release event?
Selected stores will receive an email inviting them to sanction their Pre-release event in GEM.
There will be two waves of invitations for The Hunted Pre-release:
- Wave 1 invitations will be sent November 1, with stores having until 5pm, November 15 (Local time) to sanction their events in GEM.
- Wave 2 invitations will be sent shortly after wave 1 sanctioning closes.
If your store is not selected as part of wave 1 and you would like to express interest in hosting an event, you can complete this form. Please note that completing the form does not guarantee you receiving a wave 2 invitation.
What should I do if I am unable to run my pre-release event?
Please contact op@fabtcg.com
Event Structure
How many pre-release bundles will I receive?
We will let you know in the invitation email. The quantity is based on your Organized Play activity.
How many players does a pre-release bundle support?
12.
Can I run multiple events?
No. If you receive multiple bundles, the intention is that you run one large event. For example, if you receive 2 bundles, run a single event with up to 24 players.
I believe my bundle allocation is too low. What can I do?
Please email op@fabtcg.com. We will consider your situation but can’t guarantee additional bundles.
Is there a minimum and maximum number of players?
Yes, 4 players minimum. The maximum is relative to how many Bundles you have. (1 bundle = 12 players)
How long should I budget for a pre-release event?
The standard round time for Sealed Deck is 30 minutes + 5 minutes for start of game set-up. Players are often unfamiliar with new cards and mechanics at pre-release. Based on how experienced your players are, you may consider extending the round time.
Can I run a top 8 draft?
Yes.
| Pre-release bundles needed | Players | Suggested Number of Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 - 12 | 3 |
| 2 | 13 - 24 | 4 |
| 3 | 25 - 36 | 4 |
| 4 | 37 - 48 | 5 |
| 5 | 49 - 60 | 5 |
Product, Prizes, and Entry Fee
Can I charge an entry fee?
Yes. The entry fee amount is at your discretion.
What does a pre-release bundle include?
- 12 promo packs (1 per player)
- 2 cases of boosters (8 displays)
- 1 case is required for event operations. (1 case = 12 players)
- 1 case can be used for event prizes or sold.
Can players play with the cards included in the promo pack?
Yes.
How do I distribute Booster Pack prizes?
Distribution of booster pack prizes is at the discretion of individual stores.
Can I order less than 2 cases of boosters per bundle?
No.
How are pre-release bundles going to be supplied?
From your distributor. Please contact your sales rep to order them.
When should I receive my pre-release bundle and product?
Distributors aim to have this arrive with you on Monday or Tuesday the week of your pre-release. If they have not arrived by Wednesday morning, please contact your distributor.
Can I sell leftover prize cards?
No. They may be used to support on-demand and casual events and must not be used as a sales incentive or sold.
Can I sell leftover boosters?
Yes.
Can I sell leftover boosters by running draft pods?
Yes. Please sanction them in GEM as On-demand events.
What is the release date of The Hunted Blitz Deck Collection?
Friday January 24, 2025. We encourage you to sell these to fans during pre-release weekend.
Judges and Rules
Are Judges required for Pre-release events?
No. We do not provide Judge support for pre-release events.
What happens if there’s a rule’s question I can’t answer?
Release notes for The Hunted will be published on the Rules and Policy page before pre-release weekend. If you are unable to answer a question after referring to the release notes, just try your best to make a ruling that is fair to both players.
Ultimately, pre-release is intended to be a casual and fun event, so a positive player experience should be your main goal when resolving a rules question.
Marketing
Are there marketing assets available?
The Hunted Marketing Assets are available here:
Get featured on fabtcg.com!
We love showcasing fans having fun at their local game store! If you’d like your store and players featured on our official website, please fill out the The Hunted Pre-release Coverage Form.
Ideally, you’ll provide a photo of the winner, one or two general event photos, and share any interesting stories from the day.
We do our best to showcase as many stores as possible, but we ask for your understanding that it may not always be possible to feature every event that is submitted.
If you have any questions or would like to submit additional information, please email coverage@fabtcg.com.