Vorthos is Dead. Long Live Melvin.

17/11/2025 47 min

Listen "Vorthos is Dead. Long Live Melvin."

Episode Synopsis

In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of Magic: The Gathering, particularly focusing on the Universes Beyond initiative. They explore how the integration of various IPs has shifted the identity of Magic from a traditional fantasy card game to a more diverse and expansive gaming experience. The conversation touches on the importance of welcoming new players, the financial implications of rising product prices, and the community's mixed reactions to these changes. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of Magic and the potential for new players to engage with the game through familiar IPs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Universes Beyond02:29 The Evolution of Magic: The Gathering05:04 The Impact of New Players on Hobbies07:10 The Shift in Magic's Identity09:16 The Role of Universes Beyond in Gameplay11:47 The Aesthetic Changes in Magic13:59 Engaging New Players through IPs16:14 Magic as a System vs. Fantasy Game18:09 The Future of Magic: The Gathering27:28 Exploring Universes Beyond in Magic29:18 The Financial Impact of Magic Products35:37 Speculation and Scalping in the Card Market38:35 Adapting to Change in Magic's Landscape43:33 The Future of Magic and IP Integration