Half Of Magic: The Gathering Will Not Be Magic: The Gathering

Summary

During a recent announcement at MagicCon Vegas, Wizards of the Coast revealed that beginning in 2025, half of all Magic: The Gathering sets will be Universes Beyond, including properties like SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man. This shift to integrating popular IPs into core gameplay has sparked disappointment among long-time fans who feel that the essence of Magic is being diluted. While some players are excited about the new cards, many express concern that this move prioritizes corporate interests over the game's rich lore and fantasy worlds. Despite the changes, the speaker emphasizes their enduring love for Magic and the community surrounding it.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Wizards of the Coast announced that starting in 2025, Universes Beyond sets will be legal in all formats of Magic: The Gathering.
• 🎉 Half of all new Magic: The Gathering sets will feature Universes Beyond content, integrating popular franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man.
• 🤔 The speaker expresses concern that the inclusion of external IPs undermines the traditional fantasy identity of Magic: The Gathering.
• 📉 Many players feel that the game is becoming overly commercialized, turning into a collection of pop culture references rather than a cohesive fantasy experience.
• 🗣️ The community is divided, with some players excited about the new cards while others lament the loss of original lore and world-building.
• 🔄 Previous assurances from developers about maintaining MTG's unique worlds are contrasted with the current shift toward integrating popular franchises.
• 🔍 The speaker references articles discussing trust in business and how changes can alienate loyal customers, drawing parallels to MTG's evolution.
• 💔 Despite concerns, the speaker emphasizes a continued love for the game and excitement for upcoming sets that celebrate Magic's rich history.
• 🌌 Upcoming releases, such as 'Magic Foundations,' are anticipated to return to traditional themes and settings, bringing hope to the community.
• 🎮 The overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism; while change is unsettling, players remain dedicated to the game and its community.

Q & A

What significant announcements did Wizards of the Coast make during Magicon Vegas?

Wizards of the Coast announced that starting in 2025, Universes Beyond sets will be legal in all formats of Magic: The Gathering, and that half of all future sets will be Universes Beyond sets.

What are Universes Beyond sets?

Universes Beyond sets are special sets that feature characters and themes from external intellectual properties, such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man, instead of original Magic: The Gathering lore.

Why are some fans concerned about the increase in Universes Beyond sets?

Fans are concerned that the focus on external IPs will dilute the unique fantasy worlds and lore that have traditionally characterized Magic: The Gathering, making it feel more like a collection of pop culture references.

What formats will the new Universes Beyond sets be legal in?

The new Universes Beyond sets will be legal in all formats, including Standard and Pioneer.

What is the planned release schedule for upcoming sets?

The upcoming sets include a Spider-Man set, a Final Fantasy set, and a space-themed in-universe Magic set, with significant delays affecting the return to previously scheduled settings like Lorwyn.

How does the speaker feel about the upcoming changes to Magic: The Gathering?

The speaker expresses sadness and disappointment over the changes, feeling that Magic is losing its identity as a unique fantasy game.

What is the 'thermocline of trust' mentioned in the script?

The 'thermocline of trust' is a concept that explains how businesses may reach a critical point where customer trust is lost, leading to a decline in user engagement, particularly when changes are perceived negatively.

What other properties have been incorporated into Magic: The Gathering previously?

Previous collaborations have included IPs like The Walking Dead, Transformers, and Jurassic Park, raising concerns about the trend towards more external properties.

What is 'Magic Foundations' and why is it significant?

Magic Foundations is described as a love letter to the game's history, aiming to capture the essence of what makes Magic: The Gathering special, amidst the upcoming changes.

How does the speaker reconcile their love for Magic with their concerns?

Despite their concerns about the new direction, the speaker emphasizes that their passion for the game and enjoyment of playing with friends remains strong and unchanged.