Seems like a monopoly, now there won't be any competition and price gouging will continue. CFB has always been on the higher end of GP prices. I could see GP's being $100 by the end of 2018.
I never been to a CFB hosted GP event. Can we confirm they charge premium for their GPs?
I mean GP: New Jersey this weekend is $80 for standard, but they are only giving away a promo and no playmat. Have to spend $100 for both which seems like a rip off.
Eesh, and I thought the 65 euros for GP Utrecht was expensive. Not sure if this is a good change.
Actually I am kinda sure. It's not.
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():
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My Commander decks:
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras.
Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power.
Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza.
Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall.
Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana.
Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die.
Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
OK... Maybe this isn't so positive after all.. $80 is alot for an entry... A GP should be a celebrated event; it should involve as many players as possible. If a higher price is to cap/barricade people out, then it's doing a "fine" job. So I'm expecting limited events to be even higher? God bless our poor pockets...
as a Canadian, the GPs I've been to have been run by Gamekeeper Online and Face to Face Games, both of which run outstanding events. Both are Canadian stores and can be in tune with markets in an area. Plus we don't have to worry about conversion at all. I'll be sad to see them not running anymore GPs
the good thing about CFB running every GP will ensure the same standard for every GP. at the same time, this will allow them to pretty much charge whatever they want, as they have a monopoly on every GP
The post said global events. But maybe they will partner with local folks. But no competiton prob means higher prices. But hey its easier for wotc to deal with one operator so thats good for them.
No competition could mean higher prices, but it could also mean lower prices. CFB won't have to jockey for GPs and can streamline their process to optimize performance. WOTC doesn't have to focus on coordinating with a dozen different groups, which will help keep the communication and efforts to a minimum as everyone will become familiar with the process. Ultimately, the goal should be to minimize overhead to help maximize profits while at the same time keeping the cost barrier for players low. If done right, GPs will become more popular, allowing pricing to stay low. If done poorly, GP attendance will waiver and costs will go up. Ultimately, how CFB and WOTC manage this system going forward can have a huge impact on the GP market, and I expect them to work to keep costs low, knowing that's better for everyone.
Seems like a monopoly, now there won't be any competition and price gouging will continue. CFB has always been on the higher end of GP prices. I could see GP's being $100 by the end of 2018.
The post said global events. But maybe they will partner with local folks. But no competiton prob means higher prices. But hey its easier for wotc to deal with one operator so thats good for them.
this is what I'm hoping for, they work with local vendors. I doubt it will happen though. GPs are so expensive already, so having one group in control could let them gouge people. at the same time, having one store controlling them could reduce costs because of how easy it is dealing with one store
I'm going to regret saying this but; how much higher can our events get anyway? GP Sydney is $360 AUD per team this year, which is $90 US per person, for the basic registration. That's 12 packs, promo and playmat.
At least with one global operator, we have one company to complain to about GP prices. If we don't like the prices we can just boycott CFB products until they change them. "Sure I'll pay $100 for your GP, but every other cent I spend on magic is going to your competitors."
Not sure how I feel about this. I know they take longer than most for hosting, as the most recent event I attended took eight hours for seven rounds of Swiss. GP Tacoma was great though. I believe I paid seventy dollars and go a free white box, sleeves, playmat, pen, life pad, and I'm sur I'm missing more items that were free.
IDK, I see GPs as being more like a convention for most everyone but the top guys there. It's not usual to pay $90-$100 to go to a convention. Most cons you get a badge and that's about it for $60-$80. GP NJ you pay $100 get to play, playmat,deckbox, promo card, paper pad and pen. Doesn't seem that bad compared to other gaming related events, IMO.
IDK, I see GPs as being more like a convention for most everyone but the top guys there. It's not usual to pay $90-$100 to go to a convention. Most cons you get a badge and that's about it for $60-$80. GP NJ you pay $100 get to play, playmat,deckbox, promo card, paper pad and pen. Doesn't seem that bad compared to other gaming related events, IMO.
The flaw with this comparison to a convention is that tickets to larger cons do cost money at the door for a badge. You get to walk into a Magic Grand Prix for free, and if you're not doing the main event, you aren't spending $100. That's where the disconnect is between the "Cost of a Grand Prixs" and any other convention-like event. Entry to the venue is absolutely free, which means you can spend money on artist's goods, vendors and the typical things a con goer spends money on anywhere else. You have a plethora of choices for events to do. The Grand Prix is not summed up by the $100 main event. Personally I have no interest in them, because there's ultimately so many more interesting events happening at Grand Prix.
No competition could mean higher prices, but it could also mean lower prices. CFB won't have to jockey for GPs and can streamline their process to optimize performance. WOTC doesn't have to focus on coordinating with a dozen different groups, which will help keep the communication and efforts to a minimum as everyone will become familiar with the process. Ultimately, the goal should be to minimize overhead to help maximize profits while at the same time keeping the cost barrier for players low. If done right, GPs will become more popular, allowing pricing to stay low. If done poorly, GP attendance will waiver and costs will go up. Ultimately, how CFB and WOTC manage this system going forward can have a huge impact on the GP market, and I expect them to work to keep costs low, knowing that's better for everyone.
It's not better for CFB to keep costs low. Their best move is to price the events as high as the market will bear in order to maximize profits. Because that's what private corporations do. And that's what I fully expect CFB to do.
IDK, I see GPs as being more like a convention for most everyone but the top guys there. It's not usual to pay $90-$100 to go to a convention. Most cons you get a badge and that's about it for $60-$80. GP NJ you pay $100 get to play, playmat,deckbox, promo card, paper pad and pen. Doesn't seem that bad compared to other gaming related events, IMO.
The flaw with this comparison to a convention is that tickets to larger cons do cost money at the door for a badge. You get to walk into a Magic Grand Prix for free, and if you're not doing the main event, you aren't spending $100. That's where the disconnect is between the "Cost of a Grand Prixs" and any other convention-like event. Entry to the venue is absolutely free, which means you can spend money on artist's goods, vendors and the typical things a con goer spends money on anywhere else. You have a plethora of choices for events to do. The Grand Prix is not summed up by the $100 main event. Personally I have no interest in them, because there's ultimately so many more interesting events happening at Grand Prix.
That exactly right. Maybe it would be fair to charge $20 a head coming in to watch and visit the vendors...ect That would offset some of the cost for those in the main event. OTOH...probably less come in at the gate lowering traffic for vendors...which could mean less vendors paying for booths..ect.
Personally, if I were really wanting to play in a the main event $100 wouldn't stop me, I'd just skip 5 FNM events and playtest with my group instead.
No competition could mean higher prices, but it could also mean lower prices. CFB won't have to jockey for GPs and can streamline their process to optimize performance. WOTC doesn't have to focus on coordinating with a dozen different groups, which will help keep the communication and efforts to a minimum as everyone will become familiar with the process. Ultimately, the goal should be to minimize overhead to help maximize profits while at the same time keeping the cost barrier for players low. If done right, GPs will become more popular, allowing pricing to stay low. If done poorly, GP attendance will waiver and costs will go up. Ultimately, how CFB and WOTC manage this system going forward can have a huge impact on the GP market, and I expect them to work to keep costs low, knowing that's better for everyone.
It's not better for CFB to keep costs low. Their best move is to price the events as high as the market will bear in order to maximize profits. Because that's what private corporations do. And that's what I fully expect CFB to do.
The problem is that is that you push players away. I think the greed is just too much.
In 2012, it was 40$ canadian, you got 6 packs, a playmat, entry to the event and a promo.
Now for 80$ US you don't even get an entry to the main event, a promo and that's about it. Sometimes they try to make a promo pen and paper worth it. It's just sooooo bad. To get the playmat, you need to pay more when it used to be free. Like, really!?!?!
I hope CFB isn't too greedy. I've been wanting to get my fix of tournament level play, but good lord is it expensive.
I've been to two directly comparable London GPs, one hosted by SCG and one CFB
The SCG one was a lot better.
Hugely superior prize wall, far more selection of different singles and boosters available as prizes (and this is perhaps the biggest draw for those entering side events)
Also better organised and a friendlier, more efficient atmosphere.
For reference, both events held at the same venue, but channelfireball managed to mess up some events, reduced the winnings for side events compared to scg, charged more money for a weekend pass, had a worse PA system for announcing events, had awkward timings and restrictive side event passes (modern only? Sealed only? Scg allowed people to just buy into side events as a whole)
Overall scg was miles better as an event host
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Modern: G Tron, Vannifar, Jund, Druid/Vizier combo, Humans, Eldrazi Stompy (Serum Powder), Amulet, Grishoalbrand, Breach Titan, Turns, Eternal Command, As Foretold Living End, Elves, Cheerios, RUG Scapeshift
No competition could mean higher prices, but it could also mean lower prices. CFB won't have to jockey for GPs and can streamline their process to optimize performance. WOTC doesn't have to focus on coordinating with a dozen different groups, which will help keep the communication and efforts to a minimum as everyone will become familiar with the process. Ultimately, the goal should be to minimize overhead to help maximize profits while at the same time keeping the cost barrier for players low. If done right, GPs will become more popular, allowing pricing to stay low. If done poorly, GP attendance will waiver and costs will go up. Ultimately, how CFB and WOTC manage this system going forward can have a huge impact on the GP market, and I expect them to work to keep costs low, knowing that's better for everyone.
It's not better for CFB to keep costs low. Their best move is to price the events as high as the market will bear in order to maximize profits. Because that's what private corporations do. And that's what I fully expect CFB to do.
There will invariably be some pushing of price boundaries. But supply/demand is a curve. The higher they price things, the fewer players that come. There are many different business models, and pricing as high as the market allows is only one of them. Some companies thrive on making thousands of really cheap things, making pennies on the dollar. Others go for high priced, premium products where they make a huge margin but on fewer sales. CFB and WOTC together will determine what makes the most sense, and it may take all of 2018 for them to figure out what works the best. My opinion is to weather the 2018 storm to see the rainbow of 2019.
One other thought. Prices of GPs vary based on location. Some people might get upset if a GP in one city costs $80 and another $60, assuming the same format, but the cost and size of the venue as well as the cost of all the aspects of it (travel to get there, cost of putting up personnel, etc) all affect the price point and ultimately the profit. We should compare year over year the price at the same venue for similar formats (i.e. constructed vs. constructed and limited vs. limited, not just Modern vs. Modern or Sealed vs. Sealed).
Wow. All of them? Coast to coast, world wide? For a California based store? I don't know if I like the sound of this. My first GP was Atlanta last year run by SCG and it was a great experience (in spite of going 1-4 drop). And on the up side it seems like its $75 price was on the low side. I dunno. :/
BTW everyone getting all tunnel-vision on prices is maybe overthinking that aspect of the issue. A slightly more expensive event that's run really well with good prize wall, good atmosphere and proper organisation is going to be better than a cheaper, crappier event. Even if all events increased in price, you'd remember the good one and quickly forget the bad one. You shouldn't worry whether a monopoly could increase prices but whether it will allow standards to slip
Out of scg and cfb events in the UK, the SCG ones have been superior. This may not be true elsewhere but here, in two London GPs (same venue, consecutive years) there was a big difference.
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():
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Modern: G Tron, Vannifar, Jund, Druid/Vizier combo, Humans, Eldrazi Stompy (Serum Powder), Amulet, Grishoalbrand, Breach Titan, Turns, Eternal Command, As Foretold Living End, Elves, Cheerios, RUG Scapeshift
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See the announcement on Wizards's site.
UR Melek, Izzet ParagonUR, B Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerB, R Jaya Ballard, Task MageR,RW Tajic, Blade of the LegionRW, UB Lazav, Dimir MastermindUB, UB Circu, Dimir LobotomistUB, RWU Zedruu the GreatheartedRWU, GUBThe MimeoplasmGUB, UGExperiment Kraj UG, WDarien, King of KjeldorW, BMarrow-GnawerB, WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG, UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU, GWUDerevi, Empyrial TacticianGWU, RDaretti, Scrap SavantR, UTalrand, Sky SummonerU, GEzuri, Renegade LeaderG, WUBRGReaper KingWUBRG, RGXenagos, God of RevelsRG, CKozilek, Butcher of TruthC, WUBRGGeneral TazriWUBRG, GTitania, Protector of ArgothG
I mean GP: New Jersey this weekend is $80 for standard, but they are only giving away a promo and no playmat. Have to spend $100 for both which seems like a rip off.
Actually I am kinda sure. It's not.
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras.
Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power.
Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza.
Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall.
Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana.
Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die.
Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
I rather use the $80 to buy a masterpiece.
UR Melek, Izzet ParagonUR, B Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerB, R Jaya Ballard, Task MageR,RW Tajic, Blade of the LegionRW, UB Lazav, Dimir MastermindUB, UB Circu, Dimir LobotomistUB, RWU Zedruu the GreatheartedRWU, GUBThe MimeoplasmGUB, UGExperiment Kraj UG, WDarien, King of KjeldorW, BMarrow-GnawerB, WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG, UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU, GWUDerevi, Empyrial TacticianGWU, RDaretti, Scrap SavantR, UTalrand, Sky SummonerU, GEzuri, Renegade LeaderG, WUBRGReaper KingWUBRG, RGXenagos, God of RevelsRG, CKozilek, Butcher of TruthC, WUBRGGeneral TazriWUBRG, GTitania, Protector of ArgothG
as a Canadian, the GPs I've been to have been run by Gamekeeper Online and Face to Face Games, both of which run outstanding events. Both are Canadian stores and can be in tune with markets in an area. Plus we don't have to worry about conversion at all. I'll be sad to see them not running anymore GPs
the good thing about CFB running every GP will ensure the same standard for every GP. at the same time, this will allow them to pretty much charge whatever they want, as they have a monopoly on every GP
Thanks to DNC from Heroes of the Plane Studios for the sig
Check my Pauper Cube!
In Progress
GBIshkanah, Grafwidow ~ BWGRTymna the Weaver & Tana, the Bloodsower ~ UGRashmi, Eternities Crafter ~ RGAtarka, World Render
Isn't CFB already charging $100 for GPs this year?
this is what I'm hoping for, they work with local vendors. I doubt it will happen though. GPs are so expensive already, so having one group in control could let them gouge people. at the same time, having one store controlling them could reduce costs because of how easy it is dealing with one store
At least with one global operator, we have one company to complain to about GP prices. If we don't like the prices we can just boycott CFB products until they change them. "Sure I'll pay $100 for your GP, but every other cent I spend on magic is going to your competitors."
At least CFB has a reputation to uphold and can potentially lose customers, companies like Chainlinks don't have that issue.
Looking forward to seeing what CFB can bring the APAC region
The flaw with this comparison to a convention is that tickets to larger cons do cost money at the door for a badge. You get to walk into a Magic Grand Prix for free, and if you're not doing the main event, you aren't spending $100. That's where the disconnect is between the "Cost of a Grand Prixs" and any other convention-like event. Entry to the venue is absolutely free, which means you can spend money on artist's goods, vendors and the typical things a con goer spends money on anywhere else. You have a plethora of choices for events to do. The Grand Prix is not summed up by the $100 main event. Personally I have no interest in them, because there's ultimately so many more interesting events happening at Grand Prix.
(Also known as Xenphire)
It's not better for CFB to keep costs low. Their best move is to price the events as high as the market will bear in order to maximize profits. Because that's what private corporations do. And that's what I fully expect CFB to do.
That exactly right. Maybe it would be fair to charge $20 a head coming in to watch and visit the vendors...ect That would offset some of the cost for those in the main event. OTOH...probably less come in at the gate lowering traffic for vendors...which could mean less vendors paying for booths..ect.
Personally, if I were really wanting to play in a the main event $100 wouldn't stop me, I'd just skip 5 FNM events and playtest with my group instead.
The problem is that is that you push players away. I think the greed is just too much.
In 2012, it was 40$ canadian, you got 6 packs, a playmat, entry to the event and a promo.
Now for 80$ US you don't even get an entry to the main event, a promo and that's about it. Sometimes they try to make a promo pen and paper worth it. It's just sooooo bad. To get the playmat, you need to pay more when it used to be free. Like, really!?!?!
I hope CFB isn't too greedy. I've been wanting to get my fix of tournament level play, but good lord is it expensive.
The SCG one was a lot better.
Hugely superior prize wall, far more selection of different singles and boosters available as prizes (and this is perhaps the biggest draw for those entering side events)
Also better organised and a friendlier, more efficient atmosphere.
For reference, both events held at the same venue, but channelfireball managed to mess up some events, reduced the winnings for side events compared to scg, charged more money for a weekend pass, had a worse PA system for announcing events, had awkward timings and restrictive side event passes (modern only? Sealed only? Scg allowed people to just buy into side events as a whole)
Overall scg was miles better as an event host
There will invariably be some pushing of price boundaries. But supply/demand is a curve. The higher they price things, the fewer players that come. There are many different business models, and pricing as high as the market allows is only one of them. Some companies thrive on making thousands of really cheap things, making pennies on the dollar. Others go for high priced, premium products where they make a huge margin but on fewer sales. CFB and WOTC together will determine what makes the most sense, and it may take all of 2018 for them to figure out what works the best. My opinion is to weather the 2018 storm to see the rainbow of 2019.
One other thought. Prices of GPs vary based on location. Some people might get upset if a GP in one city costs $80 and another $60, assuming the same format, but the cost and size of the venue as well as the cost of all the aspects of it (travel to get there, cost of putting up personnel, etc) all affect the price point and ultimately the profit. We should compare year over year the price at the same venue for similar formats (i.e. constructed vs. constructed and limited vs. limited, not just Modern vs. Modern or Sealed vs. Sealed).
Out of scg and cfb events in the UK, the SCG ones have been superior. This may not be true elsewhere but here, in two London GPs (same venue, consecutive years) there was a big difference.