Magic: The Gathering – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com News for Tabletop, Boardgames, Miniatures, RPGs and Card Games! Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:37:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-Tabletop-Gaming-News-Logo-32x32.png Magic: The Gathering – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com 32 32 Wizards of the Coast Announces New D&D and Magic: The Gathering Crossover: Lorwyn-Shadowmoor https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/wizards-of-the-coast-announces-new-dd-and-magic-the-gathering-crossover-lorwyn-shadowmoor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wizards-of-the-coast-announces-new-dd-and-magic-the-gathering-crossover-lorwyn-shadowmoor Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:37:52 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=21478 During MagicCon Chicago, Wizards of the Coast revealed plans for a new crossover book that will bring the Magic: The Gathering setting of Lorwyn-Shadowmoor to the Dungeons & Dragons universe. The announcement marks the latest collaboration between the two popular franchises, following previous crossovers such as Ravnica and Theros.

The news was shared briefly during the convention and later confirmed in a post on BlueSky.

Lorwyn-Shadowmoor is a distinctive setting within the Magic: The Gathering multiverse, known for its absence of humans and its focus on fae creatures such as Kithkin, Merfolk, Bogarts, and Flamekin. The setting is divided into two contrasting aspects: Lorwyn, a bright and idyllic world of perpetual daylight and midsummer, and Shadowmoor, a darker counterpart where the same creatures take on more sinister roles.

The plane undergoes a cyclical transformation every 300 years, shifting between its Lorwyn and Shadowmoor states. This duality offers a unique backdrop for storytelling and gameplay, with potential for creative mechanics and narrative exploration in the upcoming D&D supplement.

Previous crossovers between Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons have introduced new rules and systems to the 5th Edition of D&D, such as the guild mechanics from Ravnica and the piety system from Theros. It remains to be seen what specific elements from Lorwyn-Shadowmoor will be adapted for the tabletop role-playing game, but the setting’s rich lore and dynamic nature suggest opportunities for innovative gameplay.

No release date has been announced, though speculation points to a possible late 2025 or 2026 launch. As more details emerge, fans of both franchises will be watching closely to see how WotC brings the whimsical and dark world of Lorwyn-Shadowmoor to life in the D&D universe.

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Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Set to Release June 2025 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/magic-the-gathering-final-fantasy-set-to-release-june-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=magic-the-gathering-final-fantasy-set-to-release-june-2025 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:31:24 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=20713 Magic: The Gathering fans can look forward to a crossover with Final Fantasy as Wizards of the Coast prepares to launch this set as the third main MTG release of 2025. Scheduled for a global release on June 13, 2025, in paper form, the set is expected to debut slightly earlier on MTG Arena. Prerelease events are planned for June 6, giving players an early preview of the Final Fantasy cards. Spoiler season is anticipated to begin in late May, with cards revealed over the course of about a week.

This crossover will encompass all sixteen mainline Final Fantasy titles, bringing iconic characters, creatures, and elements from each game into the MTG universe. Early art reveals legendary characters like Lightning and Emet-Selch, indicating the presence of notable heroes and villains from the series. The set may also feature an equipment-focused subtheme inspired by the iconic weapons of Final Fantasy, along with familiar mechanics, including the potential return of +1/+1 counters.

For the first time in a Universes Beyond crossover, Final Fantasy cards will be legal across all MTG formats, including Standard and Legacy. Wizards has adjusted the set’s power level to integrate smoothly into multiple formats, unlike previous crossover products that focused primarily on Commander or Modern. This decision aims to provide a broad appeal while maintaining gameplay balance across MTG’s formats.

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Magic: The Gathering Shares New Foundations Set, Netflix Series, and Crossovers https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/magic-the-gathering-shares-new-foundations-set-netflix-series-and-crossovers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=magic-the-gathering-shares-new-foundations-set-netflix-series-and-crossovers Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:55:51 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=20692 Magic: The Gathering recently presented its vision for the future at MagicCon Las Vegas, introducing a long-term foundational set, a Netflix adaptation, and several collaborative crossovers. The event highlighted product innovations, community-focused structural updates, and an expanded narrative direction.

At the center of the announcements was the Foundations set, a new permanent addition to MTG’s catalog. Created to provide a consistent starting point for new players while appealing to veterans, Foundations combines reprinted popular cards with new additions, representing what MTG describes as a “quintessential Magic experience.”

In a move to attempt to bring MTG to a broader audience, a Netflix series led by showrunner Terry Matalas will explore MTG’s lore, featuring characters like Chandra and Ajani, with potential appearances by others such as Jace. Matalas noted that the series will balance fantasy and science fiction elements, drawing closely from MTG’s established world.

MTG also revealed its 2025 product lineup, which includes a variety of sets such as Death Race, a journey to the dragon-populated plane of Tarkir, and the sci-fi-infused Edge of Eternities. The year’s lineup will feature collaborative expansions with Final Fantasy and Marvel, incorporating familiar themes and mechanics from these popular franchises.

In response to community input, MTG is implementing structural updates, including reintroducing MSRP on select products, starting with Foundations, and adjusting its set rotation schedule to match the calendar year by 2027. Additionally, all Universes Beyond crossover cards will now be playable across formats, increasing their accessibility within MTG’s gameplay ecosystem.

For collectors, MTG announced the return of popular characters like Ugin with a new “Dragon Fire” frame in Tarkir: Dragonstorm, serialized cards, and special showcase art inspired by Japanese styles. The “Headliner” program will introduce unique collectible versions of prominent cards.

In digital expansion, MTG Arena will see the addition of the Pioneer Masters expansion in December, marking a major update with nearly 400 cards and establishing the Pioneer format within the platform to align Arena more closely with tabletop play.

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Wizards of the Coast Introduces Commander Format Panel to Guide Commander Format https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/wizards-of-the-coast-introduces-commander-format-panel-to-guide-commander-format/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wizards-of-the-coast-introduces-commander-format-panel-to-guide-commander-format Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:16:48 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=20513 Wizards of the Coast has announced the creation of the Commander Format Panel (CFP) to oversee the popular Magic: The Gathering Commander format. This follows a recent transition where the Commander Rules Committee handed over management of the format to Wizards. The new panel was introduced by Gavin Verhey in an announcement on October 22.

The CFP is modeled after the Pauper Format Panel, which was introduced in 2022, and includes members from the existing Commander Rules Committee and the Commander Advisory Group (CAG). The goal of the CFP is to ensure that the format remains community-driven, with representation from a diverse group of players from different regions and levels of Commander play.

The panel consists of 17 members for its first year, including content creators and community leaders like Josh Lee Kwai, Olivia Gobert-Hicks, and DeQuan Watson. The CFP will work closely with Wizards of the Coast’s design teams, providing feedback on the format’s development and discussing any potential changes. The group will also offer input on major announcements related to Commander before they are made public.

Verhey emphasized that while Wizards will make the final decisions, the CFP’s insights will play an important role in guiding the direction of the format. The panel members have been encouraged to share their opinions publicly and may express differing viewpoints without being bound to support Wizards’ decisions.

One of the panel’s first tasks will be evaluating a proposed bracket system that aims to help players better align their Commander games based on deck power levels. Verhey noted that this project would move forward slowly, allowing the panel sufficient time to provide feedback before any testing takes place. Additionally, the CFP will eventually turn its attention to reviewing the Commander banned card list, though no changes are expected until 2025 at the earliest.

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Wizards of the Coast Announces Marvel-Themed Secret Lair Superdrop https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/wizards-of-the-coast-announces-marvel-themed-secret-lair-superdrop/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wizards-of-the-coast-announces-marvel-themed-secret-lair-superdrop Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=20357 Wizards of the Coast has announced the latest collaboration for Magic: The Gathering’s Secret Lair series, featuring a Marvel Superdrop. Revealed at New York Comic Con on October 18, the upcoming release will introduce popular Marvel characters to Magic cards for the first time, with the launch scheduled for November 4.

The Marvel Superdrop will include new legendary creature cards inspired by characters such as Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, Sam Wilson, and Black Panther. Each of these cards will be legal for play in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage formats.

For those looking to make the most of the release, a special Arcane Signet titled “Earth’s Mightiest Emblem” will be available for customers who spend $199 or more on Marvel Superdrop products, while supplies last.

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Magic: The Gathering and Extra Life Partner for 2024 Charity, Featuring Secret Lair Drop https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/magic-the-gathering-and-extra-life-partner-for-2024-charity-featuring-secret-lair-drop/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=magic-the-gathering-and-extra-life-partner-for-2024-charity-featuring-secret-lair-drop Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:01:10 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=19849 Wizards of the Coast and Magic: The Gathering continues their support of Extra Life in 2024 with a new Secret Lair drop, Pixel Perfect | Extra Life 2024. The collaboration with Extra Life, which benefits children’s hospitals through the Children’s Miracle Network, has raised over $6 million since 2013. This year’s funds will support the Wizards of the Coast Autism Center Development Fund at Seattle Children’s Hospitals.

The Pixel Perfect Secret Lair drop, available from October 14 to November 16, features video game-inspired cards like Mana Geyser and Fierce Guardianship. The drop will be available in non-foil for $39.99 and rainbow foil for $49.99, with 50% of proceeds going to Extra Life.

In addition, players can support Extra Life through MTG Arena by purchasing special cosmetics between October 15 and November 15, including the Pixel Ajani Avatar and Sleeve Bundle.

Extra Life 2024 will also feature a Game Day Stream on November 2, with special gameplay events and guest appearances to raise funds for charity. Those attending MagicCon: Las Vegas can participate in charity events and purchase exclusive merchandise, with proceeds going to support Extra Life’s mission.

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Wizards of the Coast Takes Over Commander Format Amidst Fan Backlash https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/wizards-of-the-coast-takes-over-commander-format-amidst-fan-backlash/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wizards-of-the-coast-takes-over-commander-format-amidst-fan-backlash Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:43:18 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=19292 The fallout following last week’s Magic: The Gathering turmoil continues as Wizards of the Coast has announced its decision to take over management of MTG’s Commander format, previously overseen by the volunteer-based Commander Rules Committee (RC). This change comes after an unprecedented wave of backlash from fans, which included personal threats directed at the RC over recent card bans.

The controversy centered around the banning of high-profile cards like Jeweled Lotus, Dockside Extortionist, and Mana Crypt, which sparked outrage in the Magic community. The threats prompted the RC to step down, with Wizards now taking full control of the format’s governance.

In a statement released yesterday, Wizards addressed the situation, condemning the threats and emphasizing that personal safety concerns had grown too large for the committee to handle. The company vowed to take action against anyone threatening harm to community members or employees.

Jim Lapage, a member of the Commander RC, shared his disappointment, stating that the transition to Wizards’ control was necessary to ensure both the well-being of the RC members and the ongoing care of the format. Wizards confirmed that while they are assuming responsibility, they intend to work closely with the community and former RC members to continue shaping the format.

As part of this new direction, Wizards is introducing a system to objectively categorize the power levels of Commander decks, with plans to involve the community in its development through an open beta process. The goal is to better balance games and create a shared understanding of power levels within the format.

While many fans called for the removal of the RC, it’s unclear if this outcome is what they envisioned. Wizards has assured the community that the spirit of Commander will remain intact and that further updates will be shared in the coming weeks.

This move marks a significant shift in how Commander will be managed, and it remains to be seen how the format will evolve under Wizards’ stewardship.

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Wizards of the Coast Announces Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair: Camp Totally Safe Superdrop Featuring Hatsune Miku, Ghostbusters, Chucky, and More, Launching Today https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/wizards-of-the-coast-announces-magic-the-gathering-secret-lair-camp-totally-safe-superdrop-featuring-hatsune-miku-ghostbusters-chucky-and-more-launching-today/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wizards-of-the-coast-announces-magic-the-gathering-secret-lair-camp-totally-safe-superdrop-featuring-hatsune-miku-ghostbusters-chucky-and-more-launching-today Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:40:06 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=19222 Wizards of the Coast has announced the latest Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair release, the “Camp Totally Safe Superdrop,” set to launch on September 30, 2024. This collection brings together a diverse lineup of themed sets, featuring collaborations with popular franchises such as Hatsune Miku, Ghostbusters, and Chucky.

One of the offerings is a collaboration with Hatsune Miku, marking her third appearance in Magic: The Gathering. The “Electric Entourage” drop reimagines beloved Planeswalkers as characters from the popular Vocaloid series, featuring vibrant artwork that brings these digital icons to life. Another notable collaboration is with The Real Ghostbusters, tapping into ’80s nostalgia by showcasing familiar elements like Ecto-1, alongside new card interpretations of iconic characters. There’s also a second Ghostbusters-themed drop featuring Slimer, the mischievous green ghost, with artwork designed to capture his chaotic spirit.

Horror fans will be thrilled with a special Chucky-themed drop, which includes eerie card designs inspired by the notorious doll from the film franchise. Players will find unique reinterpretations of Magic cards, infused with the unsettling presence of Chucky and his cohorts. The Superdrop also introduces Showcase: Duskmourn, a haunted-themed collection offering glitchy, atmospheric artwork and a bonus Duskmourn: House of Horror Play Booster.

Another set, Monstrous Magazines, brings horror creatures from across the Magic universe onto the cards, complete with a $5 discount due to a misprint on the Koma, Cosmos Serpent card. Fans of iconic artwork will also appreciate the contribution from award-winning artist Peach Momoko, whose black-and-white style graces a set of cards with haunting, yet elegant, illustrations. Finally, for those drawn to cosmic and astral themes, Tome of the Astral Sorceress offers a chance to explore celestial divination through strikingly otherworldly designs.

The Secret Lair: Camp Totally Safe Superdrop will be available in limited quantities starting September 30, with free shipping on single orders over $99.

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Josh Lee Kwai Resigns from Commander Advisory Group Following Recent Bans https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/josh-lee-kwai-resigns-from-commander-advisory-group-following-recent-bans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=josh-lee-kwai-resigns-from-commander-advisory-group-following-recent-bans Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:18:59 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=19013 Josh Lee Kwai, a well-known figure in the Magic: The Gathering community and CEO of The Command Zone YouTube channel, announced his resignation from the Commander Advisory Group (CAG) on September 25th. Kwai stated via social media that he hoped to have contributed positively to the Commander format during his tenure, but his departure follows the recent banning of four popular cards in Commander: Jeweled Lotus, Dockside Extortionist, Mana Crypt, and Nadu, Winged Wisdom.

The Commander Rules Committee (CRC) issued these bans on September 23rd, leading to significant debate within the MTG community. Kwai shared that he disagreed with the bans, calling them a “bad call” on social media. He also conducted a poll in which 50.3% of over 18,000 respondents expressed a similar sentiment.

The announcement of the bans has sparked considerable discussion, with some players expressing concerns about the sudden loss of card value. Cards like Jeweled Lotus have seen significant financial impacts due to their now-banned status in the Commander format. While these decisions are designed to maintain balance in the game, some players—particularly within the competitive Commander community—have voiced frustration over the bans.

The Rules Committee has also released a statement addressing the controversy. In an FAQ document, they reiterated that while discussion and feedback are welcome, threats and harassment are unacceptable. The next quarterly update from the CRC is scheduled for November 18th, at which time further decisions and clarifications may be provided.

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Magic: The Gathering Fans Launch Petition to Fire Commander Rules Committee and Reverse Recent Bans https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/magic-the-gathering-fans-launch-petition-to-fire-commander-rules-committee-and-reverse-recent-bans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=magic-the-gathering-fans-launch-petition-to-fire-commander-rules-committee-and-reverse-recent-bans https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/magic-the-gathering-fans-launch-petition-to-fire-commander-rules-committee-and-reverse-recent-bans/#comments Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:20:20 +0000 https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?p=18955 Magic: The Gathering’s Commander (EDH) community has voiced significant concerns over the recent banning of key cards, leading to the creation of two petitions: one demanding the removal of the Commander Rules Committee (CRC) and another seeking to reverse the bans. The banned cards—Jeweled Lotus, Dockside Extortionist, and Mana Crypt—have sparked heated discussions, particularly among competitive Commander (cEDH) players.

The first petition, which calls for the firing of the CRC, has gathered 876 signatures so far. It argues that the September 23rd ban unfairly impacts players who rely on these cards for competitive play, stating that the bans have led to financial losses for those who invested in the cards. The petition also questions why Mana Crypt was banned while Sol Ring, another fast-mana card, was not. It also suggests that the banned cards are essential to competitive strategies and that the CRC should be replaced for its handling of the format.

A second petition, which calls for the reversal of the recent bans, has gained 3,907 signatures. This petition emphasizes that Commander is an “eternal format,” allowing players to use cards from Magic’s full history, and argues that the bans undermine this principle. Supporters believe that the bans restrict deck-building options and reduce the variety of strategies that make Commander appealing to a wide range of players.

In addition to challenging the specific bans, both petitions raise concerns about the role of the CRC in governing Commander. Some players argue that Wizards of the Coast should have more direct control over the format. They suggest that an independent group like the CRC wielding influence over such a critical part of the game may not be in the best interest of the brand, especially as Commander has become one of Magic’s most popular formats.

As the petitions continue to gather support, with nearly 5,000 combined signatures across both, they reflect a growing divide within the Magic: The Gathering community between casual and competitive players. Whether the CRC or WotC will respond to these concerns remains to be seen, but the debate over these recent bans has sparked a broader conversation about the future of the Commander format.

Update (September 27): Josh Lee Kwai Resigns from Commander Advisory Group Following Recent Bans

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