MAGIC: THE GATHERING’s New FOUNDATIONS Set Is Cats vs. Vampires

by

As a seasoned Magic: The Gathering player myself, I must say that the latest set, Foundations, has truly piqued my interest. With its captivating artwork and intriguing mechanics, it’s hard not to be drawn in.

For centuries, humans have gazed at the night sky, pondering hypothetically, “Who would prevail in a battle – cats or vampires?” Now, you no longer need to speculate as the game Magic: The Gathering brings this age-old dispute to the forefront with their latest set, Foundations.

The upcoming game, “Magic: The Gathering Foundations,” slated for release on November 15, 2024, is primarily aimed at beginners rather than catering to specific niche audiences. As the title implies, this version is designed to form the basis of both casual and competitive “Magic: The Gathering” play for the next five years, particularly in terms of the Standard format. The set features a balanced mix of new cards and older ones, providing players with the essential building blocks they need to strengthen their collections going forward.













At the Gen Con event held in Indianapolis, I had an engaging conversation with Max McCall, executive producer of ‘Magic: The Gathering.’ He shared insights about the development of Foundations, discussing the key considerations, major hurdles they faced, and why it’s an ideal introduction to the game for newcomers.

As a fellow gamer, I gave the Foundations Beginner Box a spin too! This awesome package comes packed with all the essentials for you and a buddy to dive right into Magic: The Gathering. Inside, you’ll find 10 themed Jumpstart packs that are carefully chosen to make it a breeze for beginners.

Even though I’ve been involved with the game since the Ice Age, I was struck by how effectively the Beginner Box introduces players to the flow of the game. Given that this game allows for infinite combinations or transforming cards into a computer-like system, it is crucial for attracting newcomers that the game is easy to grasp.

Although the collection is designed primarily for beginners with options such as the Starter Kit, McCall recognizes the need to cater to experienced players too. As McCall explained, “Instructional tools become less relevant over time.” Once past the Beginner Box level, players can progress to the Starter Collection, which offers 350 cards that aid in further developing the fundamental concepts of the ongoing conflict between cats and vampires they’ve been introduced to.

To maintain the durability of the set, they’re planning to make the ‘Foundations’ playable in Standard mode until 2029 – nearly twice the typical duration. When crafting a new set like ‘Foundations’, McCall explained that their main considerations are about how cards within this experience can remain significant for an extended period. This focus on longevity is sensible, given that sets such as ‘Foundations’ usually take around three to four years to develop and transform from idea to reality.

Although Foundations was intended as a versatile set appealing to players with varying skill levels, the design process is usually driven more by the chosen setting than an intent to delve into specific game mechanics. For instance, Innistrad, as McCall explained, draws inspiration from Gothic literature, which in turn influenced the introduction of vampires and bite mechanics.












Regarding McCall’s preferred card in “Foundations”, being a confirmed cat enthusiast, he promptly indicated Helpful Hunter, a 1/1 feline card that allows you to draw another when it appears on the battlefield. The art by Xabi Gaztelua depicts an endearing kitten holding a feather.

McCall mentioned his fondness for it isn’t just due to its charming graphics, but also because it’s economical and effective, offering easy access to the deck while providing versatile functions for gamers.

Starting from November 15, you’ll find the “Foundations” set in your local game store as well as on “Magic: The Gathering Arena”, the digital adaptation of the game. Does this dual-use aspect of the cards impact the way McCall and his team design them?

Yes, indeed. Tabletop games offer a unique advantage: they allow for face-to-face interaction. This makes communication and progress smoother compared to playing with someone online. Consequently, when designing these games, our focus is on eliminating aspects that might slow the game down.

One way to rephrase the given text could be: “Indeed, one of the pleasures of playing Magic: The Gathering lies in the bizarre combinations players can create. Regardless of which cards are allowed in Standard play, it’s difficult for designers to anticipate every unusual pairing players might concoct. As McCall put it, “We need to design systems where we don’t know all the potential outcomes.”

It remains to be seen what Magic players will concoct in their cardboard labs using Foundations. We’ll uncover the secrets together when they hit stores on November 15.

Read More

2024-08-15 18:32