Learn To Play Disney Lorcana w/Co-Designer Ryan Miller

Disney Lorcana is a new trading card game hitting store shelves on August 18. We sat down with Brand Manager and Co-Designer Ryan Miller to learn the ropes and see some brand new cards. TheGamer is celebrating the launch of Lorcana with a week-long program of news, interviews, guides, lists, and more. Check out our Lorcana Week hub for all the latest on Disney Lorcana. www.thegamer.com/disney-lorca...

[@TurtleDude05]

I absolutely love the energy Ryan exudes. You can just tell he is genuinely excited to share this game.

[@oneof13forestpeople97]

We need more of this

[@Benusr]

He exudes?! HE'S VULNERABLE! ATTACK HIM!

[@selfloathingweekly]

Most TCG designers and makers are actually really cool people.

[@michaellao7264]

I was just about to say this, love the enthusiasm and passion!

[@lauras6300]

I thought that too, he looks so much fun to play Lorcana with! Got this game for Christmas and am loving it! I play with my 6-year old son

[@martinbuhrer3893]

I would love to see the outtakes where they presumably said "...it works just like in Magic: the Gathering" over and over again. 😄 But seriously, this looks like a lot of fun.

[@joshwhitis6003]

As a lifelong Disney fan and MTG player, I am incredibly excited for Lorcana!

[@squie1993]

This game looks fun for sure

[@themisvoul1045]

Indeed is very important for the success of all these new better games such as Flesh and Blood, Lorcana, Sorcery e.t.c. that funds wasted on MTG products be allocated now towards the growth of these games.

[@mantasignatavicius7787]

@@themisvoul1045 Exactly!!!! fk the predatory MTG

[@oliverchannelpr227]

looks like mtg light with disney lore.. can't say it looks like it will be anywhere near as deep as mtg is, so the demo did not really interest.. possibly less cultural toxicity than mtg with its deep resentment of anything white or showing off/reflecting the wonders of white societies

[@DefMM123]

@@oliverchannelpr227 People like you always gotta bring in the weird politics into something, the game just looks fun thats why I'm getting it.

[@goldeneye3119]

I think the creator seems so honest and happy to be a fan. gives me confidence on the quality of the game.

[@goldeneye3119]

designer....

[@ZefaGames]

As someone who has played over 500 games of Lorcana at this point, I just wanna say you guys did an excellent job designing this game. The game is quite simple to learn but has far more depth than I originally gave it credit for. The art is great of course and the Disney universe is an incredible universe to build off of. I haven’t really enjoyed a trading card game as much as this one since the early days of magic the gathering.

[@samorottheraccoon754]

I can't wait to see kingdom hearts stuff eventually, It's by far my favorite Disney IP. As an MTG and Flesh and Blood player, I can easily wrap my head around the inkwell mechanic. Glad that this is accessible to new players to tcgs as well as people experienced with other games.

[@LadyLunarSatine]

I seriously doubt we'll be seeing KH characters outside of maybe some promos when KH 4 drops.

[@supermax64]

@@LadyLunarSatine Depends how long this game goes on. Given enough time they'll definitely end up exploring different corners of the Disney empire.

[@MasutaMJ]

Let's go. My only fear is that if a Kingdom Hearts expansion is announced it will instantly be sold out.

[@zerokool-2058]

Well is really not too accessible to players at all. When you can't get a booster box for less than $300. Troves (ETB) are about $70-$90. Booster packs are about $15, Not very accessible to new players or players over all.

[@arcyarcanine]

@@stevexracer4309 "anything is possible" Bro, your example is a 1st party Disney IP.

[@bryantbravo9363]

Ready (untap) Set (upkeep) draw (draw step). Very clever and easy for kids to understand. Gonna get my sister a Princess deck

[@kalak1818]

Ryan Miller is such a nice guy, i would love to have a game of lorcana with him to just talk about this game and his passion for it.

[@richjames998]

If Brendan Fraser had a brother it would be Ryan Miller. Even their personalities have resemblance.

[@harrisonlorens3585]

@@richjames998spot on

[@asaffin1]

This game is very flavorful and full of nostalgia. The artwork is amazing. I really hope Ravensburger navigates this market correctly, because I want this game to succeed and take a big chunk out of WotC's share.

[@tylercooley321]

Agreed!

[@LeetMasterAce]

Amen to that. I have high hopes for Disney of all companies to bring some pain to WotC's terrible recent decisions.

[@vonmatrices]

Help me major corporation (Disney) to take down this other major corporation (Hasbro)!

[@sampo7677]

The only things that's going to stop WotC, MTG or D&D is Habro's greed decisions. Just enjoy this game for what it is.

[@asaffin1]

@@vonmatrices It's not about taking anyone down. It's about showing one that they don't have run of the place anymore and that they'll need to improve their product. Competition is a good thing.

[@julianperry4767]

Ryan is such a good host in this video, his energy is contagious! Fantastic presentation of the Lorcana card game here, can't wait to pick up a starter deck and a few packs at my local comic/card shop! Just hoping they print enough, I know scalpers are already trying to hoard these to flip on eBay

[@Pirminia]

I really like how the quest mechanic is scored different than damage. So characters can specialize in even more directions. Very cool game design!

[@BrimleyGames]

This is amazing! I am so beyond excited for Lorcana!!

[@abigailthomas4668]

We just got the starter packs today & some boosters. This video was so helpful & I just love the enthusiasm and story that was so intentionally put into building this game. Can’t wait!!

[@gsoto420]

I'm actually excited to teach my son to play this one day soon!!! What a great way to open the door for Disney fans interested in card games. Between MTG, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Lorcana.....card collecting feels like it's at an all-time high! Card gamers unite 💯

[@zachcarmichael699]

Yu-Gi-Oh! is at an all-time low. Game is just way too complicated. Card effects are paragraphs long, and don't get me started on timings. Wish we would go back to that 2003-2005 era.

[@gsoto420]

@zachcarmichael699 no your absolutely correct. I honestly meant this as options that kids could potentially turn to after getting into this. MTG is everything right now and Pokemon will never die off. YGO fumbled harrrrrd lol

[@user-ve3hh7of7p]

I'm so excited I can't stand it lol

[@Inquisite1031]

@@zachcarmichael699 its ok for games to be hard and complicated lmao, and regarding actual gameplay YGO TCG atm has a very healthy format, has been for the past year, err minus kashtira. 2003-2005 era yu gi oh was just boneless magic with no depth whatsoever.

[@Curexe]

@@zachcarmichael699 I gotta disagree, if youre trying to be competitive then sure I can understand where youre coming from with cost of cards and certain archetypes being very powerful if allowed to pop off their full combo but thats kind of the beauty of the game, its entirely possible to still find the magic of olden days if you have friends and play using older formats or customized formats. In regards to card effects being long it just allows for a higher skill ceiling if you are a player who wants to stay in the loop of knowing every card and every effect, we have come very far from a game friendly for kids on the playground though yes that is for sure, but most of us original players arent 9 or 10 anymore! So its the beauty of life. With all this said, Lorcana looks interesting and cool, and I like that each TCG can be unique and stand on its own merits!

[@Jedi_flodux]

This game actually seems really fun. At first I thought it seemed a bit complex but it really is really simple

[@putonghua73]

I am surprised by Lorcana: I too agree that it seems fun (psst! Simpler version of MtG with serial numbers filed off), but it looks simple but may be more complex re: inkwell mechanic. Characters can be used for mana .., sorry, ink, (*coughs*) or used as a character. Seems like there is going to be more decision space than I would imagine. Also appears that Lorcana has been made to support draft. I can't get my head round a Disney product that appeals to people who love Disney and people who are into TCGs. Yet here we are, and I'm becoming more and more interested in Lorcana which I would never have initially thought

[@DoobieLGBT96]

It's very complex😢

[@bug_cs9435]

This has a lot of potential. Fingers crossed for the future

[@pokelover02]

I love Ryan’s energy so much! I would have such a blast playing with him. So glad he got to make the card game of his dreams 😁

[@01134man]

7:23 Very interesting to already also be getting some insight into "Set 2" exploring the origin of floodborn characters more 😙

[@Peeweez0]

The more I learn how to play this game the more excited I am in getting cards in hand and building decks! Great tutorial guys!

[@ItsJackMo]

The ink mechanic and how a majority of the cards can be used as resources is so brilliant. I've never played MTG but as an avid Pokemon player, dedicated energy cards are such a dated mechanic!

[@ForeverDayGreen]

It should result in less games being non games due to being mana flooded or missing mana, but similarly take away from deckbuilding and limit design space. While I don't like the Disney IP and won't pick up the game I hope Lorcana will continue to apply pressure to Mtg to be better for a long time.

[@iamlordstark]

Finally! This has been driving me crazy not knowing what these cards do and how to use them! Amazing demonstration game and can't wait to get my hands on it :D! Would've loved if the characters in the decks were more specific to the IP's they're from but that would limit the amount of depth so all in all its fine! Awesome video!

[@tweso1499]

I’m sure in future sets and decks there _might_ have more decks geared towards a specific IP (such as a Ruby/Emerald _the Nightmare before Christmas_ deck, or an Amber/Steel Pixar themed deck), the possibilities are endless. Especially when *WE* get to make our decks ourselves whenever we get those cards. And the best part is that since it’s the beginning we can start collecting the First Chapter’s greatest cards and use them competitively, collectively, and/or commercially

[@marknoriega7002]

I just bought 3 starter decks, a bundle box, and 12 packs yesterday...as a magic the gathering player, I want to see the hype behind this game and I can tell you without playing it that I can't wait to play Lorcana. Some similar moves and rules as magic so this will be easy for me to learn. I'm excited to play. Thanks for the great tutorial

[@battlefieldcustoms873]

thats a dedicated card game player right here ^ deep dive or die

[@lorcanaillumineers]

This was great! Awesome job team!

[@donerkebab778]

I just randomly discovered Lorcana at a games store yesterday, bought two boosters, and it is EPIC! I love Disney, and always loved TCGs as a kid. I love the collecting aspect and the gameplay is fun. Thank you so much for creating this. I feel more and more people will start to find out about Lorcana and jump on board. The years to come are going to be so fun!

[@griffinlouis6297]

Awesome video! Can't wait to play

[@katieravn2310]

As someone new to card games like these, this video was so helpful! My hubby and I are now extra excited about playing Lorcana again. Thank you!❤

[@seanyoung3740]

It's always nice to see new tcgs. Hopefully this one can stick around. I'm gonna pick up some BOXES!

[@boxocheesedseals4320]

Feels like this game would be pretty easy to get a commander gamemode going in. We could call it protagonist! Choose one “storyborn” to put to the side of your deck you can play them whenever you want make your deck match their color and singleton. Follow all of the other rules like normal or even just try to get to 40 lore. This is probably how my friend group is gonna play

[@slayedthedragon6567]

if they make this official and supported it will help the game grow for a casual audience

[@xandermcdonald8543]

I’d guess that it’ll be a choice, since floodborn are typically easier to build around than Dreamborn or Storyborn. Either have a Floodborn as commander or Dream/Storyborn with an item/action as commander. There is still the issue of balancing with ink/non-ink cards but it’s a casual format anyways

[@Dreadnote-pf7of]

Well, in Lorcana reality decks are dual-color. Maybe there will be near-mono-colored decks or some support in future set to play mono or even add 3+ colors. But rn duo is the way... So... I think good idea would be to, well, choose TWO characters that would create your pair and use their colors for your deck. And I think this would be more interesting in general - this way you would get duo-color deck, characters in general are more simple then in MTG, so using two of them could allow more creativity in combos (especially when right now like half of characters are just a vanilla creatures). And story-wise it still kinda works - in most cartoons we see pair of heroes, main character is almost never a solo-hero. And even if so - you could pair heroes with villains to create some interesting dynamics.

[@slayedthedragon6567]

@@Dreadnote-pf7of this is a better idea I think, the gage will just have to watch to make sure the characters don’t get too complex or combo heavy

[@sideshowonacid]

That’s an awful name, but the idea has merit.

[@PlutoPebble]

Ryan: _"Hello!"_ Me: - _empties bank account._ -

[@DontDrinkTheWater]

Great tutorial. I had a smile in my face while I learned the basics. Thanks

[@FranklyCollecting]

So glad to see people excited about playing this!

[@jezabelpagan4797]

Thanksgiving for this video because it really helped me understand the game much better than other videos I have seen.

[@tufanuaiuvale5655]

Loved this video! I would love to see you two play again!

[@Frusciantelandsk]

The game looks really fun. Gonna love playing this with my daughter.

[@wildcraftadventures1776]

Great video! Very informative on how the game plays. I want to point out at 25:18 the wrong version of Aurora is displayed on the screen. Other than that, fantastic teaching video!

[@mnnqn7381]

I was thinking... where is he reading "disarming beauty"?

[@__gavin__]

For those wondering, the correct card is: 4 cost 2/5 Disarming beauty: When you play this character, chosen character gets -2 strength this turn. 1 lore

[@KuzzyKTV]

I can finally make a deck in a card game and name it "Hakuna Matata" and when i say no worries in a match I'll really mean it lol, can't wait!

[@armageddon_gaming]

It was very easy for me to understand what was going on because it plays almost identical to duel masters, which I'm using as inspiration for my own card game. Instead of ink cost, it was called mana, and instead of "ink drying" that prevented you from using characters the same turn they were summoned, duel masters called it summoning sickness. The strength and defense stats give me yugioh vibes even though they don't function like in yugioh

[@EnjoyTheChaos]

You probably mentioned duel masters because you probably already know this, but in case you didnt, he designed that game too.

[@mantasignatavicius7787]

25:27 I think this is a mistake in editing they mentioned that player played Aurora that has additional effects but the card that shows for us is regular 2/2 Aurora with no powers

[@raggerrhinouk]

Yeah I noticed that too 😮

[@peanutbutterswelly5529]

So hype for this! And a starter deck with a booster pack that’s awesome! And TREASURE PLANET!

[@SwagMaster824]

Seems pretty easy to play and fun. Hopefully it won’t be dead after only 1 year or less. If One Piece TCG can make such a huge splash in the scene like how it did, then I feel like this game has a solid chance.

[@xeno6527]

100% hit me on the head as soon as i pulled a morph i want all the cards from treasure planet

[@jsanchez9443]

This was a great video. I’ve been on the fence about buying into another TCG but hearing Ryan talking about his game just hooked me. Now the challenge of actually finding cards at retail 🤔

[@gearframe87]

I am absolutely hooked. Gameplay is very well designed

[@erickmejia4055]

That man is living the dream! Your work is spend the whole day with TCGs!

[@jrrhodes7419]

Great video and explanation, loving this game with my daughter, we have got all 7 decks available and are excited to see what comes out next

[@DnDJordanL]

25:20 Displayed the wrong card on screen, just noticed it 😄 also I love the concept of “let it go” being removal

[@TheShapingSickness]

I was wondering why he paid 4 for a 2 cost card

[@DnDJordanL]

@@TheShapingSickness right!? What got me was he started reading her ability and I was like “wait I thought she didn’t have one” 🧐

[@SlacksYT]

Came to the comments for the same, pretty standard for beginners but great to have seen it happen on a tutorial vid from the designer lol

[@guzvar]

19:00 I really like when a mechanic is done accurately to the character

[@richarddavis8863]

Can we please get some package film/wartime era cards? I really love Melody Time and The Three Caballeros! The Headless Horseman would be an awesome card, Acongonqua from the Pedro the plane cartoon is super menacing too. Oh and the giant from Fun and Fancy Free

[@User-pu3lc]

So it’s MTG without lands and a non confrontational win condition?

[@joelstephenson]

Pretty much my thoughts on it. My kids are 5 and 6, so I am using this to help them into the gaming world in a friendly way.

[@gamevision1155]

im going to say untap ,upkeep, draw for ever

[@gonzluisd]

Hyped to play this!!!

[@trevolution05]

I finally understand the game!!! Thanks!!!❤

[@chapmanandchapmanproductio974]

So far this is very informative

[@AliceKnight23]

Can’t wait to start playing! 😊

[@patrickmaloney3637]

Hi Ryan!! It’s Patrick from Game On in Rhode Island. You know I loved Kaijudo and you visited my store for a Secret Release of a card. I can’t wait to have Lorcana at my store. I’m waiting patiently to get product for my community. I hope you visit again! Congrats on the success of the game!

[@TheRyanLamont]

Such a fun and engaging tutorial! The creator of the game is so passionate, I love it!

[@LorcataCards]

We got two Starter Decks and have been playing quite a bit. Excited for the future. We have Pokémon TCG experience, so it was a “Tail Spin” to learn. Thanks for the great video of the gameplay breakdown.

[@Noah-hz9cx]

I have seen a few people play on KZbin and its so funny to see the aggro decks tab out every turn to gain lore and the control decks to do alot of battling 😂

[@TheFactorySealedCollector.]

Can’t wait for this game to come out! Hope they have a world tournament! After a couple of years and different seasons or versions of cards like marvel and Star Wars! Using them with Disney characters would be awesome! The new Mickey Mouse Avengers comics!

[@mspirits9911]

It's been a long time since I last saw Ryan in a video. More than 10 years I believed in those old mtg videos.

[@caitlyndekok2141]

can't wait im so exicted to get my hands on the card myself ant to play it with friends/familly

[@FindingTheForce]

Love those Dad Puns! 😉

[@KJdaMAN11]

Sheeting up two starter decks right now, excited to dive in!

[@noremaclover]

Good Game! So excited for Lorcana!!

[@winterstorm782]

It’s unfortunate how expensive The First Chapter has already become. I just recently started getting into Lorcana and would have loved to start with the first set. Lorcana is still an amazing game though from what I’ve seen and I much enjoyed getting an insight on how the game is played.

[@EvilyoshiJAPAN4]

Using the MTG spindown die, i love it. Remember - Gaming is played the way YOU want!

[@picklexis]

Can’t wait! Hope I can snag a few decks at Gen Con!

[@TheShapingSickness]

The song mechanic is so innovative.

[@sl-lin0bi529]

Excited to start collecting! But the prices I’m seeing for booster packs are double or triple on some booster packs. Booster pack $17 - Starter decks $50 - Booster box is $300-340. Ouch those little kids will never know the experience of saving up to buy packs lol 😂

[@heyim-jay]

I think those are scalper prices from the pre release. Best Buy has them listed as goes $17 for starter decks, Booster Box $145, a gift set which has 4 packs for $30. So I would assume 5-7 $ booster packs. Relatively cheap and competitive comparative to some other games!

[@putonghua73]

​​@@heyim-jayAbsolutely! I'm in the UK and Smyth's Toy Store (retail) are selling First Chapter Starter Decks at £17.99. It would be madness to sell at scalper inflated prices. Disney & regular (non-MtG price gouging) pricing will make oodles and oodles of money, and will make it an easy decision for parents, grandparents etc who know nothing about TCGs, to buy a starter deck for their kids / grand-kids at Christmas

[@jbreeze6315]

@@heyim-jay They are not scalper prices unfortunately, Big Box stores have a set price straight from Ravensburger, where as LGS have a higher purchase price from Distributors, so this causes prices to be highly elevated, in order for LGS (Which are the core of successful Card Games) to price product at higher levels in order for them to make any money at all. The core problem, is that it is a massive IP and Ravensburger did not make enough product for the first wave of the game. I do not see prices dropping anytime soon unfortunately

[@swizzywaffles2478]

Yup those aren't the normal prices. Here in Germany a booster is 6.99 €

[@swizzywaffles2478]

*5.99 Just got some packs yesterday 🤓

[@perimo_]

Very excited for kim possible, kindgom hearts and more echanted variants 😍🤩

[@darkedge3727]

It's great how he describes the possible encounter scenarios when the cards challenge eachother lol

[@samuelbrletic]

This actually looks like it is going to be awesome

[@IPrint3dMinis]

Super fun game. We are loving it!

[@GLamb3895]

I hope we get some Bedknobs and broomstick cards, that's my favorite Disney film

[@crestfallenwarrior6996]

Fun game ! Wish I had someone to play with. Gonna buy a couple starter decks anyways

[@sarahmiller-garvin8724]

This was really helpful for figuring out the rules of the game!

[@baelfyer1277]

Great presentation from Ryan. It was great to see this game designed by 'one of us'. TBH, I was expecting to not be interested in this game, but it surprised me. It seems really well designed and could be something I would enjoy a lot.

[@1xoACEox1]

A foil in every pack is how it should be. So many card games have forgotten its also about collecting and just being fun for kids. The shiny stuff shouldn't be stupidly rare, looking at you Pokémon...

[@KodyWebb]

This really helped me to understand the game!

[@DoobieLGBT96]

🧢

[@v4lue]

Ryan is awesome! so it the game! excited to play it.

[@justinleary2965]

The game looks like so much fun! I definitely believe this will be a huge success. My only question is if there are any plans to include multiple formats? Example being draft or playing with multiple players at a table like MTG commander.

[@oddac2669]

I would assume that even if they dont have other formats available at launch, they plan to down the line. Because one of the cards played in the video said "EACH opposing player loses 1 lore", implying that they are wording it to work in group formats at some point.

[@danlafferty1222]

I’m happy to see that it’s more like MTG than Pokémon, and that it’s strategic but simple and straightforward. Can’t wait to grab some and play!

[@putonghua73]

I'm not a Disney fan at all, however MtG with the serial numbers filed off, good card quality and it appears that drafting will be possible, means that I'll *much* prefer to play with son / nephews & nieces than Pokémon.

[@Tridarose]

Great video!

[@tiggerbooth6968]

Man I would collect just for the art! Some of those are awesome!

[@Commonsensedad]

LOVE this game and can’t wait to learn to play it (better)😅

[@Atroll_man]

The person who has the initiative in the match can also alternate their hand, you can select how ever many cards in your hand and place them in your deck, shuffle your deck and then draw till you have seven cards in your hand. If I'm not mistaken.

[@parttimed.m.1111]

Will be picking this up

[@taurnguard]

The creator with the evil laugh at the end, LOL.

[@tMAErizzle]

Thanks for this amazing video. If I want to start lorcana today, shall I start with the newest starting decks and displays or which chapter should I pick up to begin with? :)

[@leovoldoftrest9987]

The art is appropriately nostalgic.

[@BobLee-df4zh]

Disney Adults and LCG nerds. Two groups that love spending money.

[@patrickzalatoris3206]

An interesting game! Might just get me some starter decks

[@mysticheathen3455]

Pokémon used to include a pack or two, but not anymore. I missed when card games did that. I'm glad lorcana does!

[@gregg365]

Glad to see it plays very similarly to the old world of warcraft tcg.

[@mstone697]

looks good :)

[@niknokseyer]

Now this made me "understand" how to play the game. So looking forward to this!

[@niknokseyer]

@@stevexracer4309 Dr. Facilier is on Chapter 1. Tiana is one of the headliners for Chapter 2.

[@DoobieLGBT96]

**"Understand"**

[@DoobieLGBT96]

​@@stevexracer4309actually they have a Moana card... But be mad I bet you're voting for sleepy Joe again as well... TRUMP 2024!!❤.

[@DoobieLGBT96]

​@@niknokseyerHe clearly hasn't seen all the cards or know what he's talking about😂😂😂 Just someone trying to start up something because they have no life.

[@cazory2147]

Fleecing 101. "The Starter Deck is really welcoming". Mmm, that first taste is "free".

[@jeremybrewer7307]

@18:04 Gramma Tala says when banished it becomes ink. Is going to the discard pile not considered being banished?

[@ChaotixBR]

this looks fun, i wish they could be sold here in Brazil

[@phoenixash8514]

Are ALL cards that are sent to the discard pile considered BANISHED or are they only considered BANISHED if they've been on the feild? I was wondering cuz they are all in the same pile and when GRANDMA was discarded by the effect, if all cards sent to the pile are considered banished then her effect of sending her to the ink well would apply.

[@Nopejams]

Awesome game and has potential, curious how they will have this game going in the long run. Mtg has an infinite multiverse. Wonder if disney will do shows, mcu and maybe partner ip’s