For the second year in a row, Upper Deck has been recognized by Diamond Comics in its 2008 Diamond Gem awards. For those who don't know, Diamond is the world's largest distributor of English-language comics and related merchandise. Upper Deck was named sports card manufacturer of the year and earned the non-sports card product of the year for Marvel Masterpieces. But the most noteworthy news to us at Allakhazam is that Upper Deck's World of Warcraft Miniatures Game was named game product of the year.

“We worked hard to ensure that the miniatures and gameplay were true to the online experience. It is always Upper Deck’s goal to set a new standard of quality when entering a market, and we have done it again with the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game,” said Margeaux Sullivan, Brand Manager for the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game.

More information on WoW Minis can be found on the game's official Web site. The full press release can be found after the jump.

North Las Vegas, NV. (February 3, 2009) – Upper Deck announced today that it has been recognized for the second consecutive year by Diamond Comics in its Diamond Gem awards. The 2008 honors awarded to Upper Deck are Game Product of the Year for the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game, Non-Sports Card Product of the Year for Marvel Masterpieces, and Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year. The Gem Awards are selected based on sales, creativity, quality and their overall impact. See all of Upper Deck’s industry leading products at UpperDeck.com.

“This is a huge honor for Upper Deck. With 20 years under our belt, we are still committed to making the highest quality and most innovatively designed trading cards and trading card games,” said Bernd Becker, Upper Deck’s vice president of entertainment and sports.

Game Product of the Year: World of Warcraft Miniatures Game

With its successful launch in 2008, the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game was one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Not only did it capture the hearts of World of Warcraft fans across the globe, it also redefined the entire miniatures category.

Its level of detail and the caliber of design made the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game the most unique miniatures product on the market. With its engaging and exciting game play, it brought the adventure and intrigue of the online game to a whole new medium. Visit WoWMinis.com for more information.

“We worked hard to ensure that the miniatures and gameplay were true to the online experience. It is always Upper Deck’s goal to set a new standard of quality when entering a market, and we have done it again with the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game,” said Margeaux Sullivan, Brand Manager for the World of Warcraft Miniatures Game.

Non-Sports Card Product of the Year: Marvel Masterpieces

After the amazing response from players around the world to the award-winning Marvel Masterpieces Set 1, Upper Deck was inspired to offer Marvel fans and collectors another look at the Marvel Universe through a second Masterpiece set. It’s high-level of quality, new color schemes and card designs were a huge success with Marvel’s enthusiasts. On top of all that, Upper Deck incorporated the popular Avengers and the Fantastic Four into the round up of the Marvel Universe.

“What makes Marvel Masterpieces Set 2 so special is that all the classic Marvel heroes are featured with original artwork by premier Marvel artists. We are humbled by all the overwhelming feedback we’ve gotten from our fans and peers,” said Stephanie Mascott, Director of Brand for Upper Deck.

Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year: Upper Deck

Since 1988, Upper Deck has revolutionized the sports trading cards experience, capturing the excitement of sports through unsurpassed quality, innovative card technology, and engaging collectability. Upper Deck has been praised globally and continuously by delighted sports fans of all ages, retailers, and its industry peers. Visit UpperDeck.com to view all of Upper Deck’s sports products.

The Diamond Gem Awards are given based on a three-step process that takes into account sales, creativity, quality and the product or company’s overall impact on the market.