Magic: the Gathering

Wizards of the Coast’s hit card game Magic: the Gathering has been a fixture of local game stores since its launch in 1993. Lately, the game has been experiencing a massive surge in popularity due to its crossovers with other properties and its massively successful online app, Magic: the Gathering Arena.

Arena

Arena has brought in waves of new players over the past two years, but some players have suggested that it’s bleeding players out of the physical game. “Paper Magic,” which is what players call the tabletop version of the game, has suffered in recent years from the disappearance of its professional circuit, the Pro Tour. Fans of professional Magic are in luck, however: the Pro Tour is coming back after several years off.

The Pro Tour Returns

Wizards of the Coast aims to hold the first of three yearly Pro Tour events in early 2023 if health and safety guidelines allow large gatherings then. This will return competitive play to a familiar, established pattern that pros and fans alike remember from early competitions.

Building a Community

Many players prefer to enjoy games like Magic at their favorite game store so they can meet with like-minded players and join an existing community of enthusiasts. The return of the Pro Tour is encouraging for paper Magic players because it indicates that Wizards of the Coast is aware of how important the physical scene is for the game.

Crossovers with Other Fantasy Properties

The most straightforward crossovers Wizards has rolled out recently have been its collaborations with Dungeons and Dragons and its forthcoming Lord of the Rings set.

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