Controversy

DEEPER DOWN THE MAGIC HOLE

DEEPER DOWN THE MAGIC HOLE

Over the last few months (or years really), Wizards of the Coast has had to deal with constant product leaks. Lately, they've been more vocal about why it hurts the game and why they want to put an end to it.

Some leaks have proven to be even more nefarious than others, however, involving multiple vendors and insider knowledge, allowing them to take advantage of the market and those of us who remain in the dark.

#MTGFINANCE: OF MONSTERS AND SCHOLARS

#MTGFINANCE: OF MONSTERS AND SCHOLARS

I've been wanting to write about MTGFinance for a while now, especially after having some good discussions in FB groups about it. I find it's not as easy for me to write about in blog form yet, compared to when I am actively engaged with someone. Either way, I felt the current debate about the finance community, and the desire expressed by those within it to change the negative perception they receive, was one I wanted to touch on.

I understand the position of ridicule I place myself in, but it is what it is...

THE BATTLE FOR ZENDIKAR BEGINS

THE BATTLE FOR ZENDIKAR BEGINS

I'll admit, I've not been one to keep track of the overall story told within the Magic: The Gathering universe, but it seems to be a focus Wizards of the Cost has been pushing for some time now. I read the very first published book (to my knowledge), which featured a protagonist by the name of Garth. I remember his name (I hope that's right...), there were specific schools/houses of magic he was infiltrating, and that I really liked it. I also recall attempting to get through the second book, which seemed completely unrelated, and being unable to do so. That's when I stopped following along, for the most part...

THE CURIOUS BANNING OF ZACH JESSE

THE CURIOUS BANNING OF ZACH JESSE

On July 1, 2015, a Magic player by the name of Zach Jesse was banned from sanctioned Magic tournaments/events by Wizards of the Coast (WotC)/DCI until 2049. Not quite a Lifetime banning, but it might as well be. Then again, I may still be collecting and playing Magic: The Gathering in the year 2049 if I'm lucky enough to still be alive and kicking!

While the title [above] may lack the flowing ring of the movie it parodies, I felt it was fitting. Not necessarily because the reasoning behind the action was curious, but because of how it was handled (is still being handled) and what it may imply long-term for the Magic community as a whole.

UPCOMING MAGIC: THE GATHERING RULE CHANGES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPCOMING MAGIC: THE GATHERING RULE CHANGES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Just over two weeks ago (yeah, I know I'm still behind), Wizards of the Coast (WotC) announced some changes coming to the Magic scene starting with Pro Tour Magic Origins, which lands the weekend of July 31, 2015. Some of the announcements made logical sense, some a surprise, and one in particular stirred up quite a bit of controversy.

Let's take a look at them in more detail...