This blog post is a short one, but I have to post this still;
If you haven't read the article linked above, please do take your time to read it! It's going to affect the way how Magic: The Gathering will be like after this year!
Before going further, please please read the article! It's important that you do before you join the discussion!
Read? Okay, let's begin!
In summary,
- Core set 2016 is the last core set of MTG
- Khans of Tarkir will be the last 3-expansion block of MTG Starting 2015; All expansions will be in 2-blocks (Large-Small).
- The First Set of Each Block (the Fall and Spring Sets) will cause a rotation in standard format. But, Standard format will be 3 blocks instead of 2 blocks.
Thoughts?
Personally, I think this is a rather interesting change for MTG for 2 reasons.
- Standard is getting stale!!!!
Yes, you heard me right! Standard is getting very stale with the long wait before a new set is introduced or rotation. Right now as we speak, the rotation happens once per year and by the time, a lot of things may happen, have already happened! Cards that was good or are good, will see their prices fixed until post-rotation or when the new set is introduced. At that point of time and in my opinion, it's a very boring and long wait for the next expansion.
Core Sets are meant for beginners to jump in, but in the more recent sets, I realize that the power level of these cards are not really meant for beginners. The mechanics re-introduced may be simple, but the synergy and the level of play needed to pilot the decks are not exactly beginner-friendly. Just look at the more recent sets' combat trick mechanics and/or abilities. It's not really something that I'll know if I were to just start MTG.
Now, back to point, if Core Sets are really for beginners, then what about more experienced players? They would want to see more new cards and recurring mechanics/cards to see more "action" in the constructed scene. Assuming Core Sets are bust for them, They're gonna be waiting from March to September (~7 months!) just to see new cards that suits their taste of play.
Now I'm not saying that Core Sets are bad, I loved Core Sets 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015. It's just that I know some people who don't share my views and disregarded core sets entirely and also, if we were to look at it in another way, most Core Sets actually have some of the best rares and mythics across the expansions. (Titans Cycle anyone? Mutavault? Oh wait.... that's a reprint). However, where are the even better rares and power cards come from? The Expansion Blocks! Now if we are concerned about power cards, then it would make more sense to see more Expansion blocks per year, right? In actual fact, if we are concerned about getting beginners a level to pick-up MTG, then the core set won't need to be as powerful as what the more recent Core Sets are giving, and hence, we have a paradox isn't it?
- Curbing the price hike
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| Wurmcoil Engine: Destroying decks since 2012 |
But, let's think about this for a minute. If a card is that great, surely the price will match the demand, right? If that's the case, what are the options to curb the price of the card? Banning it won't help as it means a group won't use it, it's defeating its purpose isn't it? Alternatively, it means it must see reprint sometime in the future. But, time is limited and so is the window to introduce new cards/reprints.
Sure, we can do things like Modern Masters, Vintage Masters or even Commander's Arsenal as premium products, but realistically speaking, it actually won't help much to reduce the price if the print is so limited. If we were to open the floodgates to be introduced for mass print, then the price will plummet faster than expects. A good example? Look at Elspeth, Knight Errant. After being reprinted in the Modern Event Deck, her price plummet from $30 a piece to about half that price now. Well, I mean that if price isn't what of concerned, sure, that's my point isn't it?
In relation to the first point, if we see more new cards, there will be bound to have replacement cards or the rise of new archetypes. This will make Standard format faster-paced than it is now, and with the introduction of new cards and a slightly faster rate, reprints will make a run very soon. Sheesh... I sure hope to pick up some modern staples soon....
As said, this post is a rather short one, but please do leave comments below whether you agree with me that the re-vamp of the Expansion cycles and standard format is a good refresh. If not, why not?
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