Wizards of the Coast has made a groundbreaking announcement that is set to revolutionize the Magic: The Gathering (MTG) community. They have unveiled the Play booster, a new booster pack that combines the features of both Draft and Set boosters. This exciting development will have a significant impact on the MTG Limited format and the way players purchase booster packs in the future. While there are potential concerns, overall, I am thrilled about what the future holds.
The Play Booster: A Solution to Product Fatigue
For years, the MTG community has expressed frustration over product fatigue and the overwhelming number of variants and products released with each set. To address this issue, Wizards of the Coast has introduced the Play booster, which aims to streamline the product offerings during set releases. This move will make it easier for distributors and local game stores to manage their inventory and ensure that the product moves off the shelves.
It is worth noting that the Play boosters will also replace Draft boosters on MTG Arena, but the prices are expected to remain the same. This is a positive step, considering the improvements in the game’s monetization system over the years. However, it is important to consider whether the Play boosters can effectively address the broader issues faced by the tabletop community.
The Future of Limited Gameplay: MTG Play Boosters
As an avid Limited player, I am particularly excited about the impact of Play boosters on the MTG Limited format. Prerelease events, which are my favorite MTG events, have always offered a step above regular Drafts with their foil prerelease cards. With the introduction of Play boosters in prerelease kits, players can now expect even more value through additional Rare and/or Mythic Rare cards and variants.
The Limited format has been evolving since the release of March of the Machine, with prerelease kits containing an extra foil card at Mythic Rare rarity in 18 percent of the booster packs. This addition created a wild and enjoyable prerelease meta. I hope that Play boosters will provide a similar experience in prerelease events, as well as regular Draft and Sealed events.
The reduction of one slot in the Play booster pack is not a drawback in my opinion. In exchange for playable cards at higher rarities, I don’t mind having slightly fewer cards to work with when building a deck for the Limited format. In fact, I often prefer playing a high-rarity Draft chaff card over a Common card.
However, there is a concern about the potential increase in the cost of playing in Limited events at local game stores. If the price of Play boosters escalates beyond my budget, it could deter many Limited MTG players from participating. It is crucial that the expected value of the Play booster matches the price increase. The Play booster must offer playable cards at every rarity to justify the cost.
The Price Factor: Will Play Boosters Deter Limited Players?
According to game designer Mark Rosewater, Play boosters will match the price of Set boosters, not Draft boosters. This means that Limited environments may see a slight increase in cost. However, Rosewater assures us that the expected value of the Play booster has also increased due to the opportunities to pull additional rares and mythic rares.
While the Play booster pack will have the same price as Set boosters, the “value” of the booster has supposedly gone up. This statement seems contradictory, as the “expected value” should align with the price increase. If the Play booster fails to deliver on its value proposition, it could lead to fewer purchases from both local game stores and big retailers. This could potentially create significant problems for Wizards of the Coast and necessitate further changes in booster pack design.
It is important to note that Play booster boxes will cost more than Set booster boxes because they contain six additional packs. However, this price difference is justified by the increased number of booster packs.
Changes in Play Booster Slots: The Impact on The List and Commander Cards
The merger of Draft and Set boosters into Play boosters will bring about significant changes in The List. Previously, when cracking a set booster pack, players would receive a random MTG card from a pool of around 300 cards. These cards were often not playable and held little value. However, with Play boosters, cards from The List will now be playable within the Limited format.
The number of cards in The List will be significantly reduced with the release of Play boosters. The design team will carefully select cards that align with the themes of each specific MTG set, both in terms of flavor and mechanics.
Art cards will no longer have a guaranteed spot in MTG Play boosters. While I appreciate art cards, their lack of value on the secondary market has been disappointing. Reducing their drop rate may increase their value, as I believe artists and their work should be celebrated, even if the art is printed on a card that sees little play.
The Commander slot, previously found in Set boosters, will be removed from Play boosters. It is possible that Commander cards may still appear in Play boosters, as the slots can change with each set release. However, I personally believe that Commander cards should not be included in Play boosters. The original booster, which eventually evolved into Set boosters, should have remained a product exclusively for format-legal players. Play boosters should focus on catering to a broader audience.
Potential Issues: Bad Slot Changes and Gameplay Impact
One potential downside of the flexible slots in Play boosters is the inclusion of cards that are not playable in Limited or Standard formats, or cards whose value does not match previous Play booster offerings. If slot changes do not benefit players or collectors, the overall value of the Play booster may be reduced and fail to align with the price increase. This could lead to a decrease in purchases from local game stores and retailers, posing significant challenges for Wizards of the Coast.
From a gameplay perspective, it is crucial to strike a balance in Limited formats. Players desire multiple viable archetypes without an excessive number of Rare and/or Mythic Rare bombs that can warp the meta. On the other hand, players do not want a plethora of chaff cards, especially those that hold no value in Draft and Sealed formats.
The Exciting Future of MTG Play Boosters
The introduction of MTG Play boosters holds great promise for the game. As a passionate Limited player, I am thrilled about the potential they bring to prerelease events and the joy of cracking packs for collectible goodies. While a slight price increase does not deter me, it is crucial that Wizards of the Coast delivers on the value of a Play booster pack, both in terms of playability and collectability. Additionally, maintaining a healthy power level in Limited formats is essential, building upon the success of March of the Machine.
My main concern, shared by many others, is whether the expected value of a Play booster will align with its actual contents. If this expectation is not met, Wizards of the Coast will face more significant challenges than just unsold Draft boosters.
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