Is Paper Magic On The Decline? | Untitled MTG Podcast #20 (feat. DeQuan Watson /aka PowrDragn)

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

In response to a variety of comments, most summed as this one: "Asking this question in the general context, during a pandemic lockdown, seems disingenuous." I would say that I think having an honest conversation about the long term effects of the pandemic on paper Magic is very worthwhile, which is why we did this video. It is very fair to ask the question: "Do you really expect this to all be over in time for GP Vegas 2021?" What if there aren't GP-like events anytime soon? Next 2 years? Next 5? How important are MagicFests and GPs to the success of paper Magic? A lot? A little? Not at all? What effect does this have? What will paper Magic look like when we do return? Even without a pandemic, was draft on the decline? Can Commander really sustain Magic by itself if Modern and Standard dwindle due to no serious pro circuit? Can we call an Arena-only circuit a serious one that will fuel paper play? We discuss all of this and more in a very level headed and thoughtful way. The pandemic is real, and it is not going to be solved overnight. Saying "You can't discuss the effects of the pandemic until it is over!" seems more disingenuous. I don't believe in ignoring an ongoing problem. Let's talk about it and the myriad other aspects of the game that connect to it. I think it is an excellent episode, where even if you disagree with my or DeQuan's perspectives on the situation, the questions we raise and the discussion we generate is extremely valid.

[@somedudeontheinterwebs45]

Well said.

[@Kattywagon29]

PROF, I want you to know that I really appreciate the fact that you did this video. I watch a variety of magic content and I haven't heard anyone be this upfront about things. Everyone that I've seen are very vague - some won't even say the word Covid or pandemic. It really hit close to home when you said that you don't see your self going to a GP or Magicfest again in its current iteration and no one knows how they can change the model to encompass how things used to be. Even before the pandemic, I would shower after coming home from my LGS no matter how many people were there or the amount of people I interacted with. I'm no germaphobe, but when I hear about some friends of mine going to shops where they're letting customers with face masks play magic, I'm like, "No, thank you." Nothing is that serious. When I ask myself what would have to happen for me to go back to an LGS, I can't come up with anything - it makes me sad. In my circle of friends, my house was the hotspot for gatherings, whether it be board games, MTG, or B-day parties. We've keenly felt the loss of those things. I know some people have a small circle of friends that they do stuff with, but I can't even do that since I have older parents that share this home with us, not to mention my own medical issues. Luckily, I have my son, my sister and my mom to some extent to play games with otherwise things would be untenable.

[@garyoakes1869]

Mic Drop. Very well said. Sometimes i forget about your background in english and capability to write such well constructed things like this and I'm taken aback lol.

[@bradensorensen966]

Y'all have heard about Draft on Arena right?

[@jadrakteofurupa7729]

33% for a fetch, they dilluted this equity by a lot

[@DSyphur]

I will always prefer paper magic over digital alternatives.

[@brittanyhamilton3914]

Right arena an mtgo just dont cut it for me......

[@Wolfgar-jx5kl]

Same here . I seriously tried both and it’s just not the same . Paper is just more rewarding .. just feeling the cards in your hand is all the difference. Maybe after the virus deal ends it will make a comeback I hope .

[@matthewadams8040]

Yeah and digital they add even more rng to cards draw and pickrates

[@brittanyhamilton3914]

I still play every week in person with my friends never stopped lol.....🙄

[@stavroskosmas8875]

no. online>papper

[@LanceEhlers]

Please make DeQuan a regular. There’s good, relaxed chemistry in the discussion.

[@PowrDragn]

Thanks. That's kind of my demeanor the majority of the time. :)

[@danw.1250]

@@PowrDragn just mix it up one day and do a humorous outrage video. That'd be hilarious!

[@Sir_Francis]

This may only be the first time I've heard DeQuan, but I 100% agree.

[@apjapki]

So true.

[@MxCasual]

Omg, agreed. He is the only guest on here I have seen that its talking like they mainlined 70 energy drinks. And he somehow gets the professor to not interupt and agressively overtalk. Unlike a very nice jedi..

[@dandiaz19934]

In the cold, capitalistic sense: Rosewater literally told the Professor that they make more money off paper MTG than digital MTG. MTGA can't replace the inherent social aspect of paper MTG, so I don't think it is going anywhere yet. If people are making a point to play paper Magic via webcam, I'd say that's a good indicator that people like the physical aspect of Magic.

[@deprogramr]

Wow! I read your comment JUST as my friend called me to invite to play paper magic over webcam... You, internet stranger with the same name as me, have your finger on the pulse!! lol

[@seankuhn6633]

With the size of marks ego and stated love for draft i dont think limited is going anywhere either

[@GeorgiosD90]

The only reason people use webcam is because both online platforms for Magic suck.

[@Ragnaracc]

@@GeorgiosD90 try lacky

[@trowawayacc]

Or they like to use the cards they have. Not everyone can afford 2 separte collections. Also arena has a very limited pool.

[@Hybusa1776]

Nothing beats kitchen table Magic with the bois or a cheeky game at work, just started buying paper product again :b

[@fefe1111-y9c]

I play only kitchen table and honestly probably won’t ever give wotc a dime unless jumpstart becomes cheap

[@daviddrozda3709]

@@fefe1111-y9c jumpstart is so fun as a kitchen table staple. Dropped just a touch in price recently, good sign! Hopefully drops below 100

[@TheSimmus]

Completely agree. Like many others I started playing the game with friends, and while it was cool to go to a couple of modern tournaments, it is not what I want this hobby to be for me. Currently I'm sketching up a Commander Cube with the new Partner cards (no mythics - they're bloody expensive). Just to play with my friends.

[@armorkat-autoworks]

Magic is not JUST about the game. It is ABOUT the gathering and social interaction. Joining together as a play group of different levels of experience is great and allows players like me to play, discuss and learn unlike online. I learned by drafting and enjoy to draft.

[@nobu_chicago9548]

Love DeQuan. His old store use to be my local in Texas. Such a great guy. Without him I would have never picked up Magic! So awesome to see him on here with the Professor

[@daviddrozda3709]

DeQuan is an awesome guest, and seems like a cool humble dude. He actually listens and responds in a thoughtful and respectful way that furthers the conversation. This one was a real pleasure to listen to.

[@PowrDragn]

Dang. I guess my takes were hot enough. ;) In all seriousness, thanks for the compliments.

[@daviddrozda3709]

@@PowrDragn Hey! Thanks for the reply. Hope you’re doing well.

[@benp1550]

Just commenting to say I really enjoyed DeQuan here, one of the best and most eloquent guests you've had on in a while Prof and I hope he comes back soon.

[@erichanson2641]

Great video! DeQuan is a great guest and I hope to hear more from him on your channel. Thanks for this discussion!

[@WhiteDude-yd6ws]

Magic is ultimately meant to be a fun ccg. I can only speak for myself: I have more fun playing in person with a physical deck. I like looking at the cards, holding the cards, going through my collection, making a new deck, and playing with the cards in a game against someone and having some back and forth banter. I can’t get that experience on Arena or Online

[@frsk6460]

you can get roped or emoted at tho! ... fun times ....

[@psy_p]

It is a TCG not CCG.

[@GeorgBauer]

I like you having Dequan over, you two have a good way of talking - a much more grown up way to talk stuff and still being fun to listen to. Keep it up!

[@SingerOfW]

PowrDragn is such a great guest: fun, optimistic, insightful, you name it. I have only seen his TWD video before, but I just had to follow him after this ep. Good job!

[@PowrDragn]

Thanks!

[@okanut]

Yo PowrDragn is awesome! So happy to see him on here!

[@PowrDragn]

So many upvotes. I guess people agree with you. Glad people are excited to me and haven't gotten tired of me yet. :)

[@brianoliver9630]

I want Pokemon style code cards in magic packs. It’s the only way I’ll ever play digital magic.

[@Frostgiantbutsmall]

I just want to stop opening duplicates.

[@jgtogi6839]

Do you play the Pokemon TCG though? I do every once in a while but get bored from wrecking all the kids.

[@KingBobXVI]

It's the most obvious thing to do, but they refuse to do it >_

[@brianoliver9630]

@@jgtogi6839 I do play. What I love about Ptcgo is that it supplements the tcg and doesn’t full replace it. I played tons of online Pokémon when preparing for regionals pre-covid. WotC needs to go this route.

[@lucarr1041]

@@brianoliver9630 I agree, I play a lot more Ptcgo when I know I'm going to be playing in store. Seeing as I've only really played MtG over MTGA, I don't quite have the same association, but I would much rather be sitting face to face with someone rather than just on a laptop.

[@Bekayvd]

You cannot digitally enjoy the smell of a freshly cracked pack of luxury cardboard

[@KingBobXVI]

The smell is way different than it used to be though - newer cards have a sort of weird sour smell to them, older packs are much more earthy and savory... in smell, I mean. Please do not eat the delicious cardboard. And that's not just nostalgia, get an old pack to open some time and compare with, say, commander legends (which, btw, you can already get 3 of early at your LGS for the "prerelease experience" thing).

[@kindredspirit9703]

@@KingBobXVI This is just hearsay, but I was told that some printing companies have better card quality and with it a better smell. I've noticed that if the packs feel like they have extra room at the top the cards are better quality. Or maybe I'm going crazy

[@Alucard_Ander]

You can just cost a lot

[@davemorus6135]

This might be my favorite guest yet. I hope you have him on more, you two play off of one another very well. I'll have to check out his channel.

[@minced_man]

Many Magic the gathering players ask the question... Is it worth it to live in a society?

[@VeznansDeadbeatDad]

Not remotely

[@netanelaker4437]

I need the prof as the Joker now

[@markozofarr]

We live in a society

[@juniper3847]

Not when half the society actively tries to dismantle it

[@somedudeontheinterwebs45]

Joker Prof, Joker Prof

[@zeshantariq698]

Commander is the most popular format. MTG arena doesnt have it and mtgo is so clunky. I think we are good for a while....

[@06nemox]

MTGO is convenient though. The nearest LGS to me is 60 miles and I don't even know if t hey have magic events.

[@dorsalfin22]

@@06nemox I have never played MTGO and only played arena for about a week before I got bored of seeing the same deck in 90% of games. And I never go to our LGS for play. They play formats we do not such a competitive 60 card formats and draft. All my friends play commander and sealed so we do our own prerelease events with a shared booster box. Most players do not play at LGSs even though it seems that way. Sign up on a webcam platform and you will meet and make friends way faster than you ever would at an LGS. While I appreciate them for singles and products, I cannot stand the "regulars" or "cliques" you get at every single one. Very exclusive crowds play at LGSs from my experience. Youre not missing anything. Just support them by buying singles or sealed product. Play games at home

[@14Blackspirit]

if you have friends IRL then you can hit them up at spelltable.com there you can play paper magic and you can scan cards and such. Very convenient.

[@06nemox]

@@dorsalfin22 You're not wrong. Very clique-like and not always accepting to new faces. My last LGS was like that and that's why I quit playing paper about 5 years ago.

[@thetemp7858]

I would consider arena if it had commander but I understand that if it even happens someday its gonna take a looonnggg ttimmeee

[@aceviru]

Really good discussion. I know the paper Magic subject has been talked about with Rosewater before, but it's important to also get perspective from someone who's been behind the counter and sees the behind the scenes flow of product. A good first untitled with DeQuan that covered a topic very well. Will be looking forward to more take from both of you. Can't stress enough just how much I enjoyed listening to this one.

[@KC_Enthusiast]

Short answer: no Long answer: paper Magic is WotC's most profitable division, it's in their best interest to keep it alive.

[@chudrustler]

For now

[@LordJaroh]

Even if Wizards were to quit printing physical cards, and go entirely digital, the paper game would not die. People would make their own cards/print versions of online only cards to play physically with.

[@FacilityD20]

I agree

[@mrweirdums8629]

Great show, thank you More with DeQuan please. I play magic explicitly because it is a physical game, and will always do so.

[@JD-gk7eh]

Based on the number of people I've seen who have been willing to skirt the rules and laws and risk the virus to have play paper Magic in stores and have events, I'd say once it opens back up, there will be a floodgate of people who want to play paper again. Just need the stores to survive that long. Commander Legends seems like it was a big help to the stores. Sales seem strong. That boost will give them some cash to operate.

[@ricepresidents]

Agree. I think these guys are in the minority in their views based on nearly everyone I know. As soon as the events are opened again there will be probably greater attendance than pre covid. Everyone wants to get out and do stuff

[@KingBobXVI]

@@ricepresidents - I think that's a little misrepresentative, everyone _wants_ to go out and do stuff, but the more reckless people are the more shutdowns we'll have. They're not saying necessarily that people won't want to go, but that these events won't happen soon.

[@PowrDragn]

@@ricepresidents To be clear, we WANT to game. We're just not sure how safe we feel with game in LARGE groups. As stated, once things are open, I'll get back to gaming at my local store for sure. For larger events, I'll have to weigh the situation based on several factors. But in general, yes, please will absolutely be ready to play paper when the time comes.

[@yunoyukki7344]

@@PowrDragn whats get me is that most of my family had covid bc they are in high position in hospitals around me and most of them say its like had to say up all night then come in to work. None of the 40sh family member was negatively impacted by covid and the ages was 28-78. Either our family have really good genes and can fight it off like a stomach bug or the virus is not mutated to the deadly levels that they are saying yet.

[@PowrDragn]

The other thing I can say, having read up on it recently, there's a belief that the most recent mutation might be a little less lethal, but more potent. So it's spreads more easily, also hitting a larger range of people, but the individual symptoms are lesser. Granted, it possible your family is lucky. There's also some rationale that your family being medical personnel, they are taking the proper precautions around it and scrubbing down and such which reduces the spread. When people are out partying in large groups in the streets with no PPE, that's a whole different issue. All that aside, to return to the point, we all want to an plan to play again, we just want to make sure conditions are good first and that things are under control. And for me, it's not just about my personal health as I've been pretty lucky and healthy throughout my life. I don't want to be part of a larger problem.

[@mecster91]

Thank you for your content, Professor. I always look forward to hearing yours and your guest’s take on the game we all enjoy.

[@christophergarcia8810]

Great discussion and great guest, thanks Prof! Looking forward to that breakdown of why Players Rewards won't ever come back. @DeQuan

[@Eric_The_Cleric]

"COVID can't kill paper Magic, so it's here to stay." And that optimism in the face of life is what keeps me watching the Professor. I'll be checking out PowrDragn, seems like a really awesome guy. Thanks Prof!

[@TheAutomedon]

I've stopped spending significant money on arena, it feels like such a waste... I've spent maybe $500 on my account and its worth nothing unless I risk getting banned to sell all it for maybe $100? I've started buying paper cards instead because they're forever, you can trade and sell them, and honestly they are just way more fun to open and own. Also Arena not having chat is archaic.

[@qualquercoisamestre]

Agree with the chat part. PowrDragn even said we can't have a chat into Arena, I'm totally against that. We have a chat in almost every game there is, even in Magic Online I think we have a chat system. "People can be toxic!" Well, just give me the option to mute them. Someone was toxic? I click a button and problem solved. We can't cut access to nice people because we may bump into some bad people. At least give us the option to choose if we want chat on or not.

[@aidanquiett668]

@@qualquercoisamestre Imo, between chat and trading on Arena, WOTC just wants to separate the gathering from magic. Given how well paper is doing even just over webcam, I think we can see how well that's doing for them

[@matthewstatcheli1302]

Dang, I spent $20 and I still regret it.

[@joshuaperrine2019]

It's not worth anything. Arena is a money pit. Paper and MtGO allow you to sell/trade cards, arena doesn't.

[@mazzacanem5987]

True i spent 0 $ in Arena , and im proud of me ! Paper this month over 300€ 😕😂

[@neilcotton9184]

Fantastic, enjoyable and really insightful discussion there. Thank you both.

[@1Heirborn]

My cube and my EDH decks can't be played digitally, so paper is the only option

[@NecromancyForKids]

What do you have that can't be found digitally?

[@davidcardoso3525]

Google Cockatrice mtg.

[@1Heirborn]

​@@davidcardoso3525 That kind of works for EDH, but not for cube. I meant to say that I can't use any of the official platforms to play.

[@ENAPO_35]

I really liked the conversation in the video. It was both honest and constructive. Please bring back DeQuan on the podcast. His perspective was really thoughtful and well argued. Also, I just had the first physical commander game in months with three friends last week. We ended up playing 4 games in 6 hours, and it was awesome. The joy we all got from that afternoon indicates to me that paper magic is not going anywhere.

[@thomasbriggs6667]

Professor, bring DeQuan on more! He's such a reasonable and thoughtful guest.

[@refuse2lose1985]

DeQuan Watson! Man, it's been a while. I remember him from back in my YGO days. Pojo COTD and scouring The Dojo, trying to get better. Good to know he's still around; guy's a LEGEND.

[@TheCommandTower]

I don’t think that playing magic on the internet will ever be the same as playing magic in person because you don’t get to interact with people, which is the best part of magic.

[@gnomeomontague]

I get to call people the n word over Discord with zero repercussions. How is that in any way inferior to paper?

[@aquanecromancer5776]

@@gnomeomontague Yeah don't go to the LGS, you're better off alone.

[@NinjaFromMixedLand]

I get to call my friends asses in person sooo lol

[@whoshotya117]

Thats the best part is not interacting with people.

[@thefrozengoat]

Dequans makes a great point about Magic being entertainment, generally speaking. It does compete for your time. More ways to access Magic is better for Magic and for Wizards. It is the viability of the options that is of principal concern. Do players necessarily like the options available? I think that is why Commander took off. It perfectly melded all of the best and most endearing/enduring parts of Magic.

[@jayceh]

Resident of Asia, Magic is alive and well. 2020 is much bigger than 2019, which was much bigger than 2018. War of the Spark and Uro are very popular. VIP was very popular Collector packs are hot. Secret Lairs are always overbought. For all consumer goods, Asia is going to be the engine of growth of the future, and consumers here have different taste, and don't care about English Twittersphere

[@Possu81]

I thought Asia is struggling but nice to hear that! It's important to hear good news

[@billybermuda]

@@Possu81 which random twitter moron told you that?

[@joshuaperrine2019]

This year being bigger than the last even with the pandemic is part of the reason I stopped buying cards.

[@jayceh]

@@joshuaperrine2019 oh well?

[@dorsalfin22]

Nothing beats paper and playing with friends whether in person or over webcam. When you open a fresh pack while playing limited you feel excited! You hold the cards and read them and feel a connection to the ones you pull. I feel literally nothing when I open packs on arena. It's like being at a slot machine and I'm just robotically clicking the button over and over. That's what it honestly feels like. When we have people over, I love bringing out my commander decks or opening my binder and seeing the ideas spark for my friends who then want their own decks or collections. Online play pales in comparison for me

[@mauiipantii]

i would never not love paper magic

[@tzumburg]

Great episode! Incredible knowledgable guest, very interesting to listen to

[@thoreal6587]

I think that on average, the health of draft is fundamentally tied to consumer confidence in the Standard environment. I think DeQuan put it well when he said 'people want the cards'. With the lack of R&D responsibility, there are more cards that are dead outside of draft than ever. Sure, there are terrible draft chaft cards that will never be touched again, but when several cards are at risk of being banned from formats you play, the incentive of 'you use these cards once now, and then play them again in constructed' ceases to exist.

[@thoreal6587]

Furthermore, I think that platforms like MTGA will only continue to rise in prominence until Standard is better managed, primarily because regardless of how much time may happen between cards being released and eventually banned, the entire environment still feels incredibly volatile and many players worry about wasting money on a banned shred of cardboard when they can redeem it for free on MTGA.

[@danpatterson4723]

This is probably the most fascinating and interesting episode of Tolarian Academy. It's relevant. It's got appropriate guests to discuss the matter. It's more than just Magic. I hope the professor keeps shows like this in mind.

[@benjaminschomburg7746]

I beg to differ, I LOVE draft and have not played a game of standard in my life :) It's the commander / draft life for me! Also, thanks for releasing a video right when I get home from work

[@frsk6460]

Honest to god after finding Commander i can never go back to standard constructed. like ever. impossible.

[@dorsalfin22]

Right there with you except for my friends and I it's commander and sealed (we run out own prerelease events whenever a set comes out and split a booster box) so much fun. We never go to an LGS for playing. Only to buy products

[@joshuaperrine2019]

You've never drafted packs that are currently in standard???

[@benjaminschomburg7746]

@@joshuaperrine2019, I do draft from standard sets, but I don't use the cards for standard constructed afterwards

[@pauldyson8098]

DeQuan rules. Awesome show! I hope paper Magic never dies. It's been part of my life for 25 years.

[@Litdaze92]

I've been having Spelltable sessions with my playgroup each weekend. Paper magic all the way.

[@14Blackspirit]

The biggest change in magic was in their products where before they announced like: "This time we dedicated this full set to dragons." And everything was full of dragons in each color possible but not only. There where some zombies in there and some graveyard stuff and white got more life stuff and green got some cool new beasts. Today they always announce not a theme so much but rather "Hey guys check this out! Landfall!" And everything is full with landfall and land stuff and such. If someone who loves to play like graveyard stuff a bit they need to wait until some new mechanic with graveyard comes around and they only can buy singles because they don't like the mechanic. The drafting get the most hit of these because before you had in drafts like a burn deck, some other maniac had a token deck and the other guy had a rush down deck and somehow one psycho build his control deck. There where so many decks and you saw sometimes people where you had seen some cards but everyone played different. Today it is like ... who plays his landfall deck the fastest. Boring to watch to see the same decks duel each other. I would rather see some dedication in there products not so much in mechanics but rather in the feel of the new expansion. What feel has commander legends ... I watched a box opening and was like "Wow ... there are some pretty cool cards I wanna grab." and 90% I will not even look a second time. I would rather buy the singles and that is not so much fun. I wish also like when they do the themed expansion again that they would throw in some reprints like let's do a Nicol Bolas expansion (yeah i know again but he is cool, he brought me into magic) but not only see the new cards for nicol bolas but some old reprints of him where he is a planeswalker or a monster who flips into a planeswalker. You get reprints and new cards and you can throw always some dragons in, maybe some centaurs. Any tribal who maybe fits but not only one but some tribal support and we get 4 expansions every year so you could cover the majority of tribals over the year.

[@kylemitchell2052]

I mean in the pandemic where paper magic events are not being played, in a word, it is dead... for now. Once the pandemic is over and things go back to somewhat normal, you will see a groundswell back to the LGS. I know it's anecdotal, But when I was allowed to participate in a couple of magic events since Canada had a better grasp on the pandemic over the summer, the turnout was to capacity of 16. I suspect there will be a rush to come back to paper when we can. I suspect.

[@angelrivera1420]

I also think there will be an increase in the secondary market.

[@changhyon92]

this is also kind of anecdotal, but Rudy Sold over 4,000 boxes of Commander Legends in less than 10 min. let that sink in.

[@g1stylempdesign929]

What a great conversation, Mr. Watson has an interesting opinion on topics small and large - it’s awesome to hear a MTG voice that is sensible, energetic and well spoken. Gotta check out that podcast :)

[@TH3E1ITEH080]

Arena, MTGO, any other digital version of magic will always be inferior and only serve as paper deck testers to me. If paper magic dies (not that it will) then my interest in magic dies, and I dont think I'll be the only person to think this

[@raineyraine5887]

I wouldn’t completely quit, I would probably pick up like Pokémon or yugioh or something, but I would still play arena and kitchen table magic with my friends with the decks we already have

[@DarkPaladin1130]

Agreed! Not to mention, paper magic WAY MORE an investment. If one day we wanna get out of the physical version, we can get a decent return. With digital, what ya going to do? Sell your account? At least in MTGO if you complete a set, you got to redeem it for the physical set.

[@nikos731]

Very good video, very nice conversation and DeQuan Watson was great in expressing his thoughts and opinions on the subject, A+.guest.

[@VincentVeak]

I've never seen DeQuan before, but more of him please. I love his perspective and his attitude!

[@tnrizzo]

My main attraction to digital is that it worked as a sort of “coach” when I was trying to learn new competitive decks. I very much prefer paper MtG, but if you want to know EXACTLY how every rule, interaction, etc works, then MTGO is an excellent learning resource.

[@goagaingamingbazaar-coming659]

Even during this time, still haven't set foot on arena. Magic The Gathering is a CARD game. The experience is about THE GATHERING. The MAGIC comes from the stories you tell and the friends you make. That's it. Peace x

[@CarraTheKirrer]

Another great guest. DeQuan was very well spoken. Im interested to hear more about the store he ran

[@jeffnorris211]

No. Every player I know buys paper cards still and plays in unsanctioned formats.

[@elGringo69]

Every person I know only plays competitive and haven't bought any paper because there are no FNM's/events/anything.

[@Loaf-sama]

Oh my gosh, DeQuan! I remember when you used to be my LGS owner in Waco! Glad to see you still are involved in Magic!

[@br_a1n161]

Now that I have discovered Spell Table, I'm going to be playing a lot more paper magic. Pure digital MTG just doesn't do it for me...

[@Treglar_Shadowleaf_XJ9]

There is so much about this video I could comment about but I will just say .... Excellent Guest Speaker!

[@ceeinfiniti1389]

My LGS still doesn't know when they will be holding events agaim.

[@castrot2701]

Same here 🤦‍♂️😰

[@DavyMcWavy]

Most of mine are still holding them. Masks required but it’s still happening.

[@DSyphur]

mine has spaced people apart but can't hold sanctioned events so it's almost exclusively EDH

[@Diddysexcuse]

I just creeped around the comic shop till i saw people buying singles then schmoozed a convo qnd invited myself to their playgroup. Best decision ever

[@Shea-Key]

WoTC has halted sanctioned events indefinitely, no idea when anything comes back

[@spyguymarquez8216]

To put it simply: you can't smell a fresh pack of booster cards online

[@gozolve]

Let me get this straight, the professor seems to be saying that LGS have to stay afloat for 2 years before running regular events, but paper magic is fine.

[@joshuanolet8679]

Sad there was no cliff hanger question ending.... Great video Prof!

[@ZakanaHachihaCBC]

As much as we call it “Magic” there’s still “:the Gathering” in its name. If we lose “:the Gathering,” we lose Magic.

[@crox]

This was a really nice video to watch. Very insightful and well said.

[@josephapawelczyk]

Just got into paper because I enjoyed Arena. I'm will to wager that arena will bring many more people to paper over the coming years

[@Spirited_skiing]

Love to see DeQuan on the show!

[@diylobotomy13]

What timing! Also I hope not. I love playing with actual cards.

[@FacilityD20]

Me as well, and busting packs, have a few of those videos on my channel just for fun

[@nickromano3087]

Honestly, this podcast was awesome! Power Dragon should become a regular. I stopped watching you years ago Prof, but i might come back for this.

[@czcbearsrule1]

This conversation once again ignores what Mark Rosewater has said 10000 times and I believe to be generally true, because why would he lie. The most played format in magic is casual "play with the cards I own." This is the true lifeblood of magic and is what will always need paper.

[@aidanquiett668]

Its less why would he lie, and more if Hasbro will go back on their word again for quick money

[@joshuaperrine2019]

@@aidanquiett668 correct

[@chrismaxwell3001]

Bring DeQuan in on the frequent! I like his optimism. 👌

[@SuperMurph1991]

me and my friends all recently started playing magic. we're all about 30.

[@devon0711]

I love buying a booster box and seeing what peices i pull that work in my commander decks. I dont k ow about others but i put sometimes months into building a deck so i would rather show off my work than try an put something shotty togeather on the spot. This is the appeal to constructed for me.

[@devon0711]

Further im a tactile person so having physical copies is almost a must for me.

[@dorsalfin22]

Same here for the most part. I never but boosters just too open them. I do buy a box for every set and play sealed with my commander group. Then we have some pieces to put in our binder from each set. I love building commander decks. I have about 70 that I have written out. 26 I have the physical decks with. And every time I think I could not possibly come up with another idea, I do! You definitely cannot say the same for drafting or competitive formats with metas. Boring in comparison imo!

[@barryswigart1432]

As fun as draft is, you have to realize that for many casual players, it isn't the experience what they are looking for. They care less about the brew and more about piloting. Also, I don't think the popularity of draft is really tied to standard at all. Ikoria has some fun standard stuff, but I feel it's a meh draft set for example.

[@nicholasstavash7880]

Agreed. My favorite Draft set was Dominaria

[@Durgenheim]

First post-COVID event at every LGS should be Mercadian Masques draft.

[@maplz9314]

Hey Prof, I just wanted to reach out and tell you that I have noticed the increase in the diversity of your guests and I appreciate it. I often feel like the public face of magic is very homogenized and doesn't reflect the player base as well, and im glad youve made strides to improve that.

[@johnmessina1980]

I second this, great work!

[@RexSerpentum]

I'm pretty sure he chooses his guests because they fit and not because of race, gender or other leftist wet dreams. Why do you SJWs always have to push your identity politics and sick ideology in normal peoples hobbys?

[@nathangonzales2616]

@@RexSerpentum Prof made a statement regarding BLM, that he didn't promote enough people of color. This isn't about being left winged or not, it's cool to see people of color being featured on the channel. It makes me feel good, that's for sure. Hope I explained it eloquently, not trying to argue just give a different point of view.

[@maplz9314]

@@RexSerpentum if you think the professor isnt a leftist than you obviously havent been watching him for long. Im sorry that diversity makes you so mad.

[@johnmessina1980]

@@RexSerpentum Yeah if this really upsets you I think you are the one with the issues bud

[@Carbs_MTG]

I started on arena as I was interested in trying and diving into a new card game. 2 months later i was going to my local game store and putting together my first commander deck. I definitely think people trying digital and migrating to paper is a phenomenon that's occurring.

[@nicolechansawang4054]

this is true, everyone I've spoken to has tried arena to get a hang of the game then moved on to paper.

[@bensaylor9093]

Literally no matter what else happens to magic: I've still got my cube if anyone wants to play.

[@maltesefalcon3002]

Paper magic and paper Commander is the way! Even with movies and books I prefer to have them, to touch them. Having cards in hands, feel the edges, shuffle is part of the game. You have art in your hand.

[@beneastwood5236]

Honestly prof, I think you’d be surprised at how quickly people forget and move on. But as a resident of New Zealand, where as I’m sure you’re all aware, Covid is not really a thing, life is pretty much exactly the same as it was. Perhaps we just didn’t get quite as burned as other countries and so we don’t have the memories. But, like I was saying, life here is the same as it ever was. I see very little difference in my LGS or in supermarkets. People want to go back to how they were comfortable. How it always was, and so, we have. And I think every where else will too, and much sooner than you expect.

[@NTMRGaming]

One of the best things an LGS near me did was Door prize raffles. They gave away a duel land and other prizes including commander precons and store credit. That store was packed every Monday.

[@DadGamerLife]

My LGS still hosts events 5 days a week. We are just required to wear a mask and spread out in the play area. So far there has been no issues.

[@kylecurness2414]

If you are in America then this is still a huge risk. If you arent in America then it really depends but if this is in the US this is just dumb. You are hitting record numbers of infected people and you think its okay as long as you "spread out" and wear a mask.

[@DadGamerLife]

@@kylecurness2414 the biggest issue with the virus in the US is people not wearing masks and social distancing. There are a few midwest states that still do not have mask mandates. Kentucky where I live actually have one of the lesser infection rates thanks to the mandates and rules our governor has put in place.

[@kylecurness2414]

@@DadGamerLife fair enough, I'm in Australia where we have literally no cases and all I hear on the news every day is how mishandled this virus has been in the US. but I guess it's better in some states than others.

[@DadGamerLife]

@@kylecurness2414 it sadly is. Outside of one or two of the states that voted red in the presidential election all have the worst % per capita due to the governors siding with Trump and the citizens there believing in the right wing conspiracies

[@audrisampson]

I live in Indiana and get to go to events at two different stores for the game I play. We all wear mask and play on the very large miniuature tables for distancing. It's been really nice and a godsend for many players who are doing work from home and really suffering from anxiety from a lack of social interaction. For me I live in a very small rural town miles from anything so I spend all week looking forward to my weekend events. Its a reprieve from all this stuff..

[@heebysdaman]

27:00 A beer, curry, and an MTG draft? That's a winning combo in my book.

[@netanelaker4437]

We play paper Magic every weekend. It is SO MUCH more fun than MTGA and MTGO combined.

[@evilkingster]

MTGA is honestly ruining magic for me lol.

[@AlbarionRed007]

As someone who has played predominantly EDH the last six years or so, the idea of paper draft is incredibly appealing. When the pandemic ends(?) I plan on spending most of my time at my LGS drafting, and playing EDH at home with friends.

[@pat-c-pc]

Playing with real people is MTG, either in person or over webcam. All other mediums are just stepping stones to increase awareness.

[@Dave-fw1ky]

Greetings from Germany! In my case, the pandemic was kinda the reason why I started with paper Magic :) My girlfriend and I were searching for something worthwhile to play during all this new freetime we had and I was already playing Yugioh for the past 4 years but the rules were too complicated for her... So next day I woke up and was like "wait, an old friend of mine told me a while ago that he is playing another tcg called Magic..." so I looked it up online and I- I... was just amazed by everything this game had to offer! The rules are very simple, the artworks totally stunning and we were totally hyped to try it out! So... 10 months later, already 6 friends joined us and we are playing monthly tournemants while having the time of our lifes! We also tried out digital Magic and already made our way to Platinum in MTG Arena, which is kinda cool, but paper Magic just fits us more! :)) (Please note: English is not my mother tongue and I am very sorry for any spelling mistakes)

[@HavenSatyr]

Paper is king. Arena and other online variants... no.

[@Russo_Hurtrax]

I had the pleasure of playing some of the last drafts my LGS offered and GOD, what a blast it was. But the owners would often say that the attendance was nowhere near as much as constructed events. I truly believe that after pandemic, there will be a resurgence of the paper Magic w/ folks craving for social interaction

[@Ecktor]

Imo, paper books can’t be fully replaced by digital ones. They’ll just coexist, I guess.

[@dendostar5436]

I do appreciate your points about Draft on about 12:30.

[@javiertalay]

Hey Prof, I'd love to hear about something that for me (who played from Mirage to OG Ravnica and came back when War of the Spark came out) is a very obvious topic but nobody seems to talk about. This would be how block sets (3 sets thematically connected) compare with one shot sets (like the sets we are getting now, which are disconected from one another) and how they affect playability. Because I feel like some mechanics are very good/fun but because of this new model they are not very well supported (think of undergrowth for example, which is featured in only 12 cards) whereas in the old way of making sets mechanics would get a lot more support and led to more variants within a single archetype.

[@juanchetumare]

I think you mean mechanics, and I'm 100% with you on this

[@danumd87]

This is something the community addressed when it was happening in real time and I think you’ve raised very good questions. The effects of this shift are certainly far reaching. On the positive end (certainly from hasbro perspective and maybe from a players) this switch has given them more development time for other products. It’s also made rotation less problematic. On the flip side, fewer cards certainly leads to less diversity and I believe is a large party of the reason why mistake cards are soooo bad right now, simply the limited viable alternatives and smaller card poll to keep a runaway threat to standard in check. Uro, for example, is a literal titan of a bomb but it’s still just a creature and I believe more cards would make it more likely that such a threat could be dealt with via a self correcting format with a larger card pool and better supported archetypes. So bannings are doubly necessary now given the power creep and the smaller card pool. I for one will never play standard again as I more find it a detestable format as a result. But I recognize magic is not a one size fits all game and defer to community/game health. I just hope the Timmy’s love this garbage lol

[@javiertalay]

@@juanchetumare thanks for the correction

[@jacksonpenfield2102]

In my mind I think the happy middle is 2 set blocks. That way we get 2 sets with interlacing mechanics and themes, plenty of room to develop and expand (both in gameplay and lore), without the awkward task of still having something fresh for the third set. I have not been a huge fan of the one offs, never was, but what they did to Theros soured me even further on the concept. Beyond having a star wars title crawl as the only lore, which was infuriating. Only including the monocolored god cycle? Really? Only having 2 titans? Devotion felt half baked at best as a set mechanic, feeling more like a mandatory callback to OG theros than a fully supported archetype. There was just not enough room for them to do the plane justice. The active snubbing of the dual colored gods really got to me, because while the mono colored gods are cool, there is SO MUCH design space left open for the dual colored gods, and all we god was weird and quirky new Athreos, and a gruul god in Klothys. No: Krupix, Phenax, Mogis, Keranos, Karametra, Pharika, or Iroas. Pharika is practically *begging* for a new card. With all the new and interesting stuff they did with Golgari in the ravnica sets, she deserves better than being a random deathtouch enchantment. How long do we have to wait for Theros 3? It's so disappointing to me that they actively chose not to go further in Theros. I also think that making it a choice how many sets they want on a plane just encourages lazy "first thought best thought" design. You only have to make one sets worth of mechanics, so you aren't forced to push yourself and come up with the really cool and creative stuff we saw in second sets of yore. By the third set the well usually ran completely dry, but those second sets, where you had exhausted all the easy and obvious ideas in the first set, that was where the magic happened.

[@Milohenry13]

It's called Kennedy's Irish Bar & Curry House. I've played there many times. I miss it. Cool People, Good players, Great Food and Beer!

[@sawfty691]

I'd rather not play than play online. I realize that's just my opinion, but that's what it is.

[@aidenpearce6624]

You are not alone

[@stavroskosmas8875]

no. online>papper

[@markozofarr]

Paper is better but it's much easier and more convenient to play for half an hour on arena than go to your LGS or meet with friends

[@ericwinters1513]

Online tends to generate a larger % of sweaty nerds and the incintives are different.

[@zmekster1013]

i think that may have been my favorite intro yet

[@bryanbutchmartin9260]

I have already played hearthstone for 4 or 5 years. I dont need another virtual card game. Paper though... I love magic more than pokemon and yugioh!

[@kapmojo3210]

nothing beats holding a card that you really enjoy playing or the artwork

[@matiasc003]

I think that the problem with draft, at least mine and my friends, is the money.

[@Kattywagon29]

I agree. My mom prefers to draft. She won't play standard and commander is a struggle for her - she feels like there's just too many cards and people to keep track of. She used to go to our LGS to draft and I accompanied her sometimes, but I just couldn't get into it. One day we were discussing it and she offered to pay for me to draft when we went. After that, I started doing better because I felt less stressed about it - not my money after all! LOL Plus she let me keep the cards.

[@FacilityD20]

For sure man

[@danacoleman4007]

$15?

[@matiasc003]

@@danacoleman4007 yes, in some countries the product come with a higher price. Also the salaries are much lower. So it is an expensive hobby to draft.

[@danacoleman4007]

@@matiasc003 sorry. I guess I was just assuming if you're able to afford a computer/phone and an internet connection, drafting wouldn't be cost prohibitive

[@KalElelVigilant]

In my (maybe very strange) case: the social, more precisely organized, aspect of Magic was what kept me out of it so much time. Having to devote many hours, or event hours that I didn't chose, going to places I liked to play, but when maybe I should be in another place. It was digital, being able to play whenever I wanted, on my schedule, what made me enter the game, discover the community, and finally buying paper to play on my terms (home), while playing digital to connect with the community, "competing" if I wanted on more or less equal grounds, without having to depend and keep track on years of game I wasn't part of.

[@Thenadathor]

it sounds like youre just agorophobic or misanthropic

[@KalElelVigilant]

Not really. But in the 90s, 00s and 10s had a lot of other time-consuming occupations/leisure choices: making tv and radio, watching films and theatre, writing, reading, singing. Plus, only 2 of my friends played Magic, while tabletop roleplayed with two different friend groups plus two other online, and there went the biggest chunk of leisure time. Magic was there in the background, on my player friends table, on my LGS bookshop (in the town I work, but not live), but it always looked as something that demanded an extra slice of time and space I hadn't to spare.

[@ivanscoma775]

Wizards hate the secondary market. In digital they can control the prices.

[@bt5087]

I still play paper EDH in person with a close group of friends every week

[@revolverkimblee]

its everything on magic Decline?

[@nathansmith5738]

except for prices, which are on the rise!

[@aaronsewell195]

@@nathansmith5738 Which should be a good indication that paper magic is just fine.

[@nathansmith5738]

@@aaronsewell195 paper magic collecting seems to be just fine, not so sure about the game itself. we will see in a few years

[@gabrielazolini6069]

Nothing beats slamming Counterspell on the table when your opponent goes for the "game-winning" spell. Paper Magic all the way.

[@cts006]

Give it some time and WOTC will be selling a "windmill slam" emote you can use when casting your bombs and nopes.