As we are slowly approaching the 2015 Major League Baseball season, I wanted to write a post about something that has become a favorite past time of mine. Digital Card collecting through the Topps Digital apps is a borderline obsession for me, as it satisfies both my love of card collecting and fantasy sports.

The Topps Bunt 2015 season is quickly approaching, and it is a great time to download the apps as the game ramps up for the new season. I have become so engrossed in the game, that I even started writing another blog that details news, tips and tricks as well.

Now, I get what the normal reaction is going to be – why would I want to collect digital cards that I cant purchase or get in physical form? Most collectors have trouble getting past that part of the game, as they are so used to being able to enjoy the physical aspects of the card. With digital cards, it becomes as much about gameplay as it does about collecting – so much so that the digital cards are bought and sold frequently at high prices on eBay:

2014 Topps Bunt Derek Jeter Signature Card

2014 Topps Bunt Madison Bumgarner World Series MVP Card

They even have legends and autograph cards, just like we see in the regular sets:

2014 Topps Bunt Babe Ruth Signature Card

2014 Topps Bunt Ken Griffey Jr Signature Card

Topps also has a Football app that functions in a very similar fashion, although the offseason is in full swing. Huddle is not NFL licensed yet, but Topps has some great digital producers that make up for it in other ways. You can still get all your favorite players and play along when the season starts back up later this year.

Its very clear that Topps is making a significant investment in their games, including the release of a new app coming soon. They see that fantasy sports and freemium models are lucrative at the moment, especially when you can bring the collecting aspect along with it. They recently hired a new VP, a transplant from sports video game giant EA Sports, who is tasked with taking their digital portfolio to the next level.

After reading some of the doom and gloom I have posted about the industry as of late (and there is a LOT of doom and gloom), this is one part of the industry that I am actually very optimistic about. I have posted previous interviews with Digital Editor in Chief, Chris Vaccaro, as well as the producers behind the apps as well, and its clear they have a plan to make the apps the new frontier of card collecting.

Here is some more reading material if you are interested:

Are Digital Cards the New Frontier of Collecting?

Interview With Topps Digital’s Chris Vaccaro

Interview with Topps Digital’s Mike Salerno

To be able to trade without worring about shipping delays, lost cards, or condition issues, and to have a card shop in your pocket 24/7 is a big deal for people like me. Sure, the cards arent able to be delivered in physical fashion, but the gaming element more than makes up for it. Unlike regular cards, they also reward collectors with fun cards, VIP programs, and there is no delay from big events.

For instance, when the Patriots won the Super Bowl, it wasnt even 24 hours before MVP Tom Brady had a commemorative card in Huddle. Same thing with the recent death of Minnie Minoso, who was immortalized in Bunt after his passing. These things make the game fun, and its only going to get better from here.

As Topps continues to find their way through the digital marketplace, they will be able to create more compelling content. They already use physical card sets as inspiration, and their digital design team is second to none.

I am writing this because I think there are a lot of people who are unfamiliar with how much fun the games can be, and I could always use some competition. There are rumors of friendly leagues being a new feature in 2015, and you can guarantee there will be an SCU league for all the readers to compete.

Check them out on Twitter and in the app stores for both Apple and Android. You will not be sorry.