Xeko Mission: China

Just in time for the Olympic games in Beijing this summer, kids will have the opportunity to learn about China’s ecosystems and meet the endangered species that live in them. XEKO is releasing Mission: China, the fourth collection of their eco-adventure trading card game series, in July.

Mission: China is the newest edition of Xeko, the award-winning trading card game that introduces kids to threatened species and the world’s conservation “hotspots.” This mission includes animals like the beloved Giant Panda, critically-endangered Snow Leopard, and ferocious King Cobra. The Xeko Mission: China starter set will come packaged in a stunning pagoda box decorated with animals from China’s habitats and dragon illustrations that capture the mysteries of ancient Chinese culture. Piquing kids’ interest in endangered animals and environmental conservation, Xeko seeks to inspire the next generation of eco-leaders through enriching and exciting game play.

Like the blockbusters Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, Xeko involves collecting trading cards to create a custom library—or in this case a “Xeko-system”—and using the cards to match wits against opponents in exciting game play. Instead of monsters and fantasy, Xeko takes its cues from nature and science, casting actual animal species as the heroes and basing game play on fragile ecosystem relationships.
Designed for fun and realism, the number and types of cards in each set match real-world species’ populations and bio-region attributes. Eye-popping artwork makes the cards especially fun to play with and collect. Every Xeko game features remarkable plant and animal species from one of Earth's 34 biodiversity hotspots, first identified by Dr. Norman Myers and recognized by Conservation International, Xeko’s non-profit partner and recipient of 4% of net game sales. These hotspots contain 75 percent of the planet's most threatened mammals, birds and amphibians while covering just 2.3 percent of the Earth's surface. An estimated 50 percent of all vascular plants and 42 percent of land vertebrates exist only in these hotspots.

Dedicated to “a bright green future,” Xeko produces the games in an Earth-friendly way. Not only are the cards and packaging made of 100% recycled stock, but all printing is done with eco-friendly inks. While younger children can play and enjoy the game, Xeko is best suited for kids ages 8 years and up. Mission: China’s MSRP is $24.99; 9-card booster packs are $3.99. Consumers can buy the games at specialty toy and game stores nationwide, and Mission: Indonesia and Mission: China will be at Barnes & Noble stores nationally in August.