Steve Jackson Games have announced that they are partnering with Renegade Game Studio to bring out a new form of Munchkin unlike any we have seen previously. Could this classic game of backstabbing your friends and fighting monsters work as a trading card game?

Munchkin is one of those games that has become a firm favourite at gaming nights. Instantly recognisable by its iconic artwork, simple mechanics and potential for cheating your way to victory, Munchkin is a game I often see broken out wen people are looking for something light and fun to play.

Here's what the official announcement on Renegade's site has to say:

San Diego, CA (March 18, 2015) — Renegade Game Studios™, has entered into a licensing partnership with Steve Jackson Games™ to produce Collectible Trading Cards, Dog Tags, and “Treasure Packs” based on the smash hit Munchkin game.

The first release in the line will be Munchkin Trading Cards.  This traditional card set will feature a base set, original hand drawn sketch cards, stickers, autograph cards, and unique playtest cards that you can use in your Munchkin games at home.

"We are really excited to be working with the folks at Steve Jackson games on this,” says Renegade President Scott Gaeta. “Munchkin has a phenomenal fan following and we’re honored to be a part of its community.”

”I’ve got an email from over three years ago that outlines a Munchkin trading card project,” says Phil Reed, CEO of Steve Jackson Games. “So seeing Renegade Game Studios tackle this project makes me very happy.”

Look for the Munchkin Trading Cards to hit stores in fall 2015.  Boxes will consist of 24 random packs and at least one sketch card or autograph card can be found, on average, in every box. Additional content including special inserts, redemptions, guest artist, and more surprises will be announced in the coming months. - Renegade Game Studios

Munchkin is not a game I would have considered for use as a collectible trading card game. It has always been very self contained, with the boxed game containing everything you need, while the various expansions help to keep things fresh. This new version will have to have some close attention to the rules to make sure it keeps the same comic feel of the original.

Having said that, Munchkin is already rather collectible with all its different iterations. I suppose it was only a matter of time before it made the leap and came out with a collectible trading card variant as well.

Whatever the end result, I just hope there will be plenty of opportunities to kill the monsters, steal the treasure and stab your buddy.

Do you think Munchkin could work as a trading card game?