Hello Magic players, this is Johnny Taplander from Wizards R&D and I'd like to announce a special announcement pertaining to the upcoming Announcement Day announcement. I'd like to formally announce that this coming Monday we will be announcing the Announcement Day announcement. We can announce that you can expect an announcement on Monday that details which days will have special announcements. On this Announcing Announcement Day we will formally announce when the announcements will be announced. Isn't that exciting? Also stay tuned for a special announcement from Lead Announcer Markie Rosenouncement that will announce some new special announcements that announce a new paradigm of announcements to the Magic universe. So Happy Announcing Announcement Day announcement!!!
Came here expecting to see an Xzibit meme, but I suppose this will do. Thanks.
I wonder what changes MaRo is going to announce. The language they're using reminds me of the way they teased the move to two-set blocks.
Oh man. I don't wanna get my hopes up but PLEASE let this be the return of three set blocks. Or core sets.
I can only hope for Core Sets returning. We need reprints to an insane degree and many cards can only be reprinted in them what with their flavor only matching a few planes, if even that.
Um, wasn't it already confirmed we were going back to the three block structure?
Are you conflating the rotation structure with the block structure? When they went to two-blocks they also went to two rotations. The later was changed back but not the former.
Given how long MaRo complained about the "third block problem," I doubt we'll move back to that. Maybe a core set though.
Hello Magic players, this is Johnny Taplander from Wizards R&D and I'd like to announce a special announcement pertaining to the upcoming Announcement Day announcement. I'd like to formally announce that this coming Monday we will be announcing the Announcement Day announcement. We can announce that you can expect an announcement on Monday that details which days will have special announcements. On this Announcing Announcement Day we will formally announce when the announcements will be announced. Isn't that exciting? Also stay tuned for a special announcement from Lead Announcer Markie Rosenouncement that will announce some new special announcements that announce a new paradigm of announcements to the Magic universe. So Happy Announcing Announcement Day announcement!!!
Came here expecting to see an Xzibit meme, but I suppose this will do. Thanks.
Yo Dawg, I'd like to announce that I will have a follow up thank you Announcement Day announcement for your kind announcement coming soon next week on Announcement Day. Stay tuned.
Playing since 1994: Currently MAGS (HomeBrew),Standard & Pauper (Pioneer and Modern are degenerate trash formats)
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Murder is in standard as is Cancel, Negate, Evolving Wilds, etc. The generic spells core sets are known for are perfectly reprintable still. I mean what plane couldn't have Lightning Strike?
Murder is in standard as is Cancel, Negate, Evolving Wilds, etc. The generic spells core sets are known for are perfectly reprintable still. I mean what plane couldn't have Lightning Strike?
I think they want to have the ability to give red different 2 mana burn spells in limited and not just lightning strike 1 out of every 3 blocks.
If they have a core set, whether it's going to be in packs or boxed product, then they never have to worry about fitting "generic N mana effect" into a limited environment every year. I know some people will ***** about how "it isn't that hard!" but what removal/interaction is available at common is a massive component to how limited shakes out. Sometimes, they're just NOT going to want doom blade available in draft, even at uncommon. And they obviously recognize that having it at rare would piss everyone off (and uh, rightfully so). And a core set product (whether randomized or, more likely, fixed) solves this problem.
I feel like if they started doing core sets again then they would almost have to go back to 3 block rotations. I mean between every core set would be 3 blocks and there's almost no way to do 2 blocks (unless they did fall and winter in one block and spring as a stand alone plane which would confuse many people). I'm opomistic about 3 block rotations and I think wizards is getting the hint the 2 block thing doesn't work.
I hope we don't go back to the three set block structure the pacing is better for two sets per block. Three sets per block drags on for to long other wise and over-uses some mechanics.
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I wonder what changes MaRo is going to announce. The language they're using reminds me of the way they teased the move to two-set blocks.
Oh man. I don't wanna get my hopes up but PLEASE let this be the return of three set blocks. Or core sets.
I can only hope for Core Sets returning. We need reprints to an insane degree and many cards can only be reprinted in them what with their flavor only matching a few planes, if even that.
Um, wasn't it already confirmed we were going back to the three block structure?
Are you conflating the rotation structure with the block structure? When they went to two-blocks they also went to two rotations. The later was changed back but not the former.
Given how long MaRo complained about the "third block problem," I doubt we'll move back to that. Maybe a core set though.
They absolutely at least need a cheaper reprint set than what the masters series has turned out to be. The masters sets is basically wizards throwing up their hands and giving up with the secondary market and also are far too expensive for a lot of players.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
It also wouldn´t make sense to bring back the three set structure again so soon, it hasn´t been long since they got rid of it so I feel it´s way too early to get a feeling if it´s working or not. Personally i hated the 2 set structure in the beginning but have come to love it because it´s way more fast phased. Only thing I hate is how the story seems to be more rushed now. You arrive at a plane and everything is already ****ed up. That´s why i loved Theros where you came to this plane but something seemed wrong but you at least had the first set to introduce you to the place before everything went wrong. Kaladesh actually did it okay for a 2 block set storywise, setting up a plane full of possibilities and then have the second set be all about chaos.
I don´t mind core sets and would like if they came back, not because of the reprints, but because it´s a great product to introduce new players to the game. Origins, for instance, was a really god way of showing the planeswalkers and their stories
It also wouldn´t make sense to bring back the three set structure again so soon, it hasn´t been long since they got rid of it so I feel it´s way too early to get a feeling if it´s working or not. Personally i hated the 2 set structure in the beginning but have come to love it because it´s way more fast phased. Only thing I hate is how the story seems to be more rushed now. You arrive at a plane and everything is already ****ed up. That´s why i loved Theros where you came to this plane but something seemed wrong but you at least had the first set to introduce you to the place before everything went wrong. Kaladesh actually did it okay for a 2 block set storywise, setting up a plane full of possibilities and then have the second set be all about chaos.
I don´t mind core sets and would like if they came back, not because of the reprints, but because it´s a great product to introduce new players to the game. Origins, for instance, was a really god way of showing the planeswalkers and their stories
Two set stuff is certainly fine, but with this kind of structure I'm a little surprised we haven't gotten four sets in a row where we are on the same plane (again with the two block structure) to really get into the story.
It also wouldn´t make sense to bring back the three set structure again so soon, it hasn´t been long since they got rid of it so I feel it´s way too early to get a feeling if it´s working or not. Personally i hated the 2 set structure in the beginning but have come to love it because it´s way more fast phased. Only thing I hate is how the story seems to be more rushed now. You arrive at a plane and everything is already ****ed up. That´s why i loved Theros where you came to this plane but something seemed wrong but you at least had the first set to introduce you to the place before everything went wrong. Kaladesh actually did it okay for a 2 block set storywise, setting up a plane full of possibilities and then have the second set be all about chaos.
I don´t mind core sets and would like if they came back, not because of the reprints, but because it´s a great product to introduce new players to the game. Origins, for instance, was a really god way of showing the planeswalkers and their stories
Two set stuff is certainly fine, but with this kind of structure I'm a little surprised we haven't gotten four sets in a row where we are on the same plane (again with the two block structure) to really get into the story.
That could be interesting, instead of doing the same fomular over and over
Just because there are problems with the two-set block structure right now doesn't mean WOTC is just going to forget about the systemic flaws of three-set blocks. It would be very surprising if they reverted to the old system full-stop, but they could bring back something like the core set. It would be cool if we had an origins style set every year that flavor wise was sort of a "meanwhile on X" series of vignettes. The new play design team might also need a set that isn't encumbered by all the restrictions of block-sets to dump the reprints they want each year.
Just because there are problems with the two-set block structure right now doesn't mean WOTC is just going to forget about the systemic flaws of three-set blocks. It would be very surprising if they reverted to the old system full-stop, but they could bring back something like the core set. It would be cool if we had an origins style set every year that flavor wise was sort of a "meanwhile on X" series of vignettes. The new play design team might also need a set that isn't encumbered by all the restrictions of block-sets to dump the reprints they want each year.
A yearly callback set that is standard legal and released in place of the masters series set could work. The real issue with old core sets is that they were often boring to draft, so if they work out that issue and maybe bring back old mechanics that work with the current grouping of mechanics, such as wither / infect for the current block, things would be more interesting. WoTC really shouldn't get too tied into having to have each set thematically blend flawlessly because it will limit what they can print beyond simply game balance. That and a ton of players don't really care about the story enough to want to compromise their game night for it.
I mean, do people really want to lose something like Path to Exile or Pithing Needle because Chandra is having a period? Or the League of Extraordinary gentleman are currently located in the most remote, dismal backwater of the multiverse and are dealing with cavemen wielding Obsidian Battle-axe?
Public Mod Note
(Marquisd):
warning for inappropriate behaviour
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Just because there are problems with the two-set block structure right now doesn't mean WOTC is just going to forget about the systemic flaws of three-set blocks. It would be very surprising if they reverted to the old system full-stop, but they could bring back something like the core set. It would be cool if we had an origins style set every year that flavor wise was sort of a "meanwhile on X" series of vignettes. The new play design team might also need a set that isn't encumbered by all the restrictions of block-sets to dump the reprints they want each year.
A yearly callback set that is standard legal and released in place of the masters series set could work. The real issue with old core sets is that they were often boring to draft, so if they work out that issue and maybe bring back old mechanics that work with the current grouping of mechanics, such as wither / infect for the current block, things would be more interesting. WoTC really shouldn't get too tied into having to have each set thematically blend flawlessly because it will limit what they can print beyond simply game balance. That and a ton of players don't really care about the story enough to want to compromise their game night for it.
I completely agree that core-sets were boring draft environments, but that might actually be a feature as well as a flaw. Because not much was expected of the set draft wise, WOTC might have more liberty to print cards like doom blade and lightning strike that are good to have in standard but they would be too skittish to print in a fall/spring large set.
Just because there are problems with the two-set block structure right now doesn't mean WOTC is just going to forget about the systemic flaws of three-set blocks. It would be very surprising if they reverted to the old system full-stop, but they could bring back something like the core set. It would be cool if we had an origins style set every year that flavor wise was sort of a "meanwhile on X" series of vignettes. The new play design team might also need a set that isn't encumbered by all the restrictions of block-sets to dump the reprints they want each year.
A yearly callback set that is standard legal and released in place of the masters series set could work. The real issue with old core sets is that they were often boring to draft, so if they work out that issue and maybe bring back old mechanics that work with the current grouping of mechanics, such as wither / infect for the current block, things would be more interesting. WoTC really shouldn't get too tied into having to have each set thematically blend flawlessly because it will limit what they can print beyond simply game balance. That and a ton of players don't really care about the story enough to want to compromise their game night for it.
I completely agree that core-sets were boring draft environments, but that might actually be a feature as well as a flaw. Because not much was expected of the set draft wise, WOTC might have more liberty to print cards like doom blade and lightning strike that are good to have in standard but they would be too skittish to print in a fall/spring large set.
It's a little rough talking about reprints because there is the reprinting from a game balance standpoint, and then there is reprinting because of the whole value standpoint. When I see someone say we need Lightning Strike, I tend to cringe a bit since the real thing people want and need reprinted is Lightning Bolt. Then there are things like the entire filter land cycle, pain lands cycle, and Time spiral lands that WoTC desperately needs to reprint for just about all the formats. A full playset of the filter lands costs over 600 usd right now compared to lands that are actually in print, which come out to around 100 usd to 160 usd at most, depending on whether it is a land cycle that is playable across all formats like the fast lands.
Contrary to what most people say, it's a good thing to have too many printings of lands. Those need to be that way since it is the one card type that people often buy up more than 4 of due to multiple decks and other issues.
But on topic, bringing back core sets as some kind of set that is a template on a current rotation sounds fine. Some games just have a deck builders essentials set where most of the core answer cards and lands get printed. The better question is if core sets will be a part of the announcement for the anniversary, or will it be something else.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
they already have a way of having stuff being legal in standard without being printed in a standard legal set. IMHO, they should just expand on that instead of messing up the set structure again, right when we are starting to get used to it, and bringing back the boring core sets
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Huey, Dewey and Louie are always dressed in RUG. it is CLEARLY going to be the wedges block Pioneer: WURFaerie fires BRGDragons ModernBGElves WRBurn UR Fires Turns URGift Storm UG Twiddle Storm
Forcibly rotating BFZ and OGW? A return to a three or even four set structure? A return of Core Sets so we can have actually decent staple cards again?
I was mostly fine with the first Metamorphosis aside from the super rotating. But I also assumed they remembered since they removed core sets, that a lot of the staple cards from those core sets would need to go somewhere and would be moved to the block sets. Oh boy was I so wrong. At least they are aware that removing those staple cards has led to plenty of problems in the current standard.
Like with Emrakul, the Promised End. All they had to do was print a Tormod's Crypt similar card to how their was a Grafdigger's Cage in the first Innistrad. Instead however, we had to wait five sets later for some graveyard hate. If I want to remove an opponent's graveyard entirely now, I need to pay 2B and cast two cards in order to do so. Those two cards being Scarab Feast and Watchers of the Dead.
BFZ and OGW should have been rotated out a long time ago. But no, they linked them with SOI and EMN and thus made Eldritch Moon be legal for just 12 months. Well, just like every second set on the second block from now on: a great idea. Two rotations per year, with every block being legal 24 months would be the easiest, more logical and best option.
Anyway, I don't think it will be the metamorphosis MaRo will talk about. My bet would be some sort of Core Sets, but I really don't know.
Came here expecting to see an Xzibit meme, but I suppose this will do. Thanks.
Are you conflating the rotation structure with the block structure? When they went to two-blocks they also went to two rotations. The later was changed back but not the former.
Given how long MaRo complained about the "third block problem," I doubt we'll move back to that. Maybe a core set though.
Yo Dawg, I'd like to announce that I will have a follow up thank you Announcement Day announcement for your kind announcement coming soon next week on Announcement Day. Stay tuned.
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
I think they want to have the ability to give red different 2 mana burn spells in limited and not just lightning strike 1 out of every 3 blocks.
If they have a core set, whether it's going to be in packs or boxed product, then they never have to worry about fitting "generic N mana effect" into a limited environment every year. I know some people will ***** about how "it isn't that hard!" but what removal/interaction is available at common is a massive component to how limited shakes out. Sometimes, they're just NOT going to want doom blade available in draft, even at uncommon. And they obviously recognize that having it at rare would piss everyone off (and uh, rightfully so). And a core set product (whether randomized or, more likely, fixed) solves this problem.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
They absolutely at least need a cheaper reprint set than what the masters series has turned out to be. The masters sets is basically wizards throwing up their hands and giving up with the secondary market and also are far too expensive for a lot of players.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
I don´t mind core sets and would like if they came back, not because of the reprints, but because it´s a great product to introduce new players to the game. Origins, for instance, was a really god way of showing the planeswalkers and their stories
Two set stuff is certainly fine, but with this kind of structure I'm a little surprised we haven't gotten four sets in a row where we are on the same plane (again with the two block structure) to really get into the story.
That could be interesting, instead of doing the same fomular over and over
C Long Live Eldrazi C
A yearly callback set that is standard legal and released in place of the masters series set could work. The real issue with old core sets is that they were often boring to draft, so if they work out that issue and maybe bring back old mechanics that work with the current grouping of mechanics, such as wither / infect for the current block, things would be more interesting. WoTC really shouldn't get too tied into having to have each set thematically blend flawlessly because it will limit what they can print beyond simply game balance. That and a ton of players don't really care about the story enough to want to compromise their game night for it.
I mean, do people really want to lose something like Path to Exile or Pithing Needle because Chandra is having a period? Or the League of Extraordinary gentleman are currently located in the most remote, dismal backwater of the multiverse and are dealing with cavemen wielding Obsidian Battle-axe?
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
I completely agree that core-sets were boring draft environments, but that might actually be a feature as well as a flaw. Because not much was expected of the set draft wise, WOTC might have more liberty to print cards like doom blade and lightning strike that are good to have in standard but they would be too skittish to print in a fall/spring large set.
It's a little rough talking about reprints because there is the reprinting from a game balance standpoint, and then there is reprinting because of the whole value standpoint. When I see someone say we need Lightning Strike, I tend to cringe a bit since the real thing people want and need reprinted is Lightning Bolt. Then there are things like the entire filter land cycle, pain lands cycle, and Time spiral lands that WoTC desperately needs to reprint for just about all the formats. A full playset of the filter lands costs over 600 usd right now compared to lands that are actually in print, which come out to around 100 usd to 160 usd at most, depending on whether it is a land cycle that is playable across all formats like the fast lands.
Contrary to what most people say, it's a good thing to have too many printings of lands. Those need to be that way since it is the one card type that people often buy up more than 4 of due to multiple decks and other issues.
But on topic, bringing back core sets as some kind of set that is a template on a current rotation sounds fine. Some games just have a deck builders essentials set where most of the core answer cards and lands get printed. The better question is if core sets will be a part of the announcement for the anniversary, or will it be something else.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
inb4 all cards from BFZ and OGW blocks are forcibly rotated EXCEPT FOR Gideon and Ulamog.
Pioneer: WURFaerie fires BRGDragons
ModernBGElves WRBurn UR Fires Turns URGift Storm UG Twiddle Storm
http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/161647277533/mind-calibrating-expectations-for-mondays
Thinking on this it would be the first time a set, or sets, would be fully banned from Standard.
With that name, it got to be something about the block structure
Forcibly rotating BFZ and OGW? A return to a three or even four set structure? A return of Core Sets so we can have actually decent staple cards again?
I was mostly fine with the first Metamorphosis aside from the super rotating. But I also assumed they remembered since they removed core sets, that a lot of the staple cards from those core sets would need to go somewhere and would be moved to the block sets. Oh boy was I so wrong. At least they are aware that removing those staple cards has led to plenty of problems in the current standard.
Like with Emrakul, the Promised End. All they had to do was print a Tormod's Crypt similar card to how their was a Grafdigger's Cage in the first Innistrad. Instead however, we had to wait five sets later for some graveyard hate. If I want to remove an opponent's graveyard entirely now, I need to pay 2B and cast two cards in order to do so. Those two cards being Scarab Feast and Watchers of the Dead.
When ixalan comes out goodbye eldrazis...for now.
Anyway, I don't think it will be the metamorphosis MaRo will talk about. My bet would be some sort of Core Sets, but I really don't know.
Before the glory of Yawgmoth, yes, even this makes sense.