"Why make a TCG first before an anime? There's no sentimental value to the cards without an anime!" Imo, as collectibles become a bigger part of mainstream culture, new IPs can absolutely start with collectibles to build emotional attachment first before expanding into longer form story. In a way, Azuki did this with NFTs. Labubu did this with blind box toys. Even Pokemon started with a game and TCG, and the anime amplified it after fans were already invested. Collectibles can be the first touchpoint. You get drawn in by the look, the characters, the overall brand aesthetic. And then from there, the world starts to take shape. The world is more connected than ever before through social media. Collectibles is a way to not just be more connected with an IP you love, but also a way to meet likeminded people across the world. It happened with NFTs, it's happening with trading cards. Combined with the gacha-fication of everything, I don't see this trend slowing down any time soon. The anime will come. But having a fan base that already cares makes that moment far more powerful.