Why Magic: The Gathering’s Big Universes Beyond Change is a Double-Edged Sword

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Why Magic: The Gathering's Big Universes Beyond Change is a Double-Edged Sword

Key Takeaways

  • MTG’s 2025 Universes Beyond sets will be all-format-legal, attracting new players but potentially alienating existing fans.
  • More IPs joining MTG crossovers may dilute the game’s essence and make deckbuilding challenging for cohesive themes.
  • The new approach to Universes Beyond releases may spark controversy as it deviates from traditional MTG aesthetics.

As a long-time Magic: The Gathering aficionado, I’ve witnessed countless expansions, shifts, and transformations within the multiverse of this captivating card game. The 2025 Universes Beyond sets announcement has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions in me, much like the storm that brews during a Rakdos the Defiler casting.

The classic card game “Magic: The Gathering” is about to embark on a new phase with the arrival of the Foundations core set, and the significant shifts in the release pattern of MTG products slated for 2025 underscore this transition. The game will undergo numerous modifications starting with Foundations, including Magic: The Gathering reverting back to the old combat damage distribution mechanics before M10, as well as Wizards of the Coast (WotC) deviating from the traditional fall-based release cycle. Consequently, players should brace themselves for a learning curve.

As a dedicated Magic: The Gathering enthusiast, I must say that Universes Beyond has been both a boon and a bane for our beloved game. On one hand, it’s fantastic that the project is broadening the game’s reach and drawing in new players. However, it’s undeniable that this expansion can sometimes stray quite far from the original Trading Card Game’s core aesthetics, leading some of us to compare MTG to Fortnite within the community. With the shift in approach to UB sets in 2025, these advantages and drawbacks might hold even more weight for Magic: The Gathering.

Magic: The Gathering’s Universes Beyond 2025 Release Schedule Explained

Why MTG’s 2025 Universes Beyond Sets Being All-Format-Legal Has Pros and Cons

In the upcoming 2025 lineup for Magic: The Gathering, three new sets, currently confirmed as Final Fantasy and Spider-Man, will be part of the Standard format, meaning they can be used in all game formats. Unlike previous releases that were exclusive to Eternal formats like Commander, these upcoming sets will be full-fledged releases, offering a wide range of products from the main set to additional ones. This is a significant shift from the approach taken with Universes Beyond in the past.

From one perspective, introducing more crossover sets such as tentpole releases or even smaller ones like Secret Lair for SpongeBob and Marvel can draw in a larger audience to the game. This could extend its lifespan and foster a more vibrant, inclusive player community. However, on the other side, long-term legality of crossover sets like Universes Beyond across all formats, particularly Standard, might stir up some debates. Not every player may appreciate drafting Spider-Man characters or including Final Fantasy cards in their decks for a prolonged period.

Magic: The Gathering’s Crossovers Are Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

On both sides, there are compelling points being made. Previously, Universes Beyond had major releases like the Lord of the Rings products associated with Magic: The Gathering, but these were only once or twice a year at most. However, this new release strategy will offer players an opportunity to interact with three unique intellectual properties outside of Magic every year. This frequent exposure could potentially water down the core identity of the game, making it feel more like “Universes Within.” The idea of seeing Spider-Man, SpongeBob, and Final Fantasy cards in a game with its own distinct universe and narrative might come across as disconcerting, particularly for longtime fans.

In essence, as Magic: The Gathering welcomes three fresh IPs into its crossovers annually, the task of creating decks that maintain a consistent theme and identity can prove challenging. For instance, a deck from next year might feature creatures from Bloomburrow alongside Marvel characters, battling cards from Tarkir Dragonstorms and Final Fantasy. This fusion of IPs could attract fans, but it remains uncertain if they’ll continue playing when their preferred media loses focus and another takes its place. Similarly, not every Magic: The Gathering player may be eager to stay on board as Standard and other formats evolve with increasingly complex motifs and designs over time.

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2024-10-29 01:14