Magic: The Gathering, a timeless and beloved trading card game, has captured the hearts of millions worldwide since its inception in 1993. However, in recent years, a looming shadow has descended upon this once-thriving community. Hasbro, the parent company of Wizards of the Coast, the creators of Magic: The Gathering, has increasingly come under fire for its handling of the game. What was once a beacon of creativity and passion has now become a battleground of corporate greed and questionable decisions.

These 5 cards are not the only, but are possible the worst offenders as to the degradation and ruination of the game… Rendering many classic staples unplayable.

At the heart of the matter lies the monetization of Magic: The Gathering. Hasbro’s relentless pursuit of profit has led to a plethora of issues that have left players disillusioned and disheartened. One of the most glaring examples is the proliferation of exclusive products and limited releases, which often leave players scrambling to acquire sought-after cards at exorbitant prices. But the next week a new set is out and all those cards players paid high prices for are worth pennies, because the new set is all that matters. This exclusivity not only alienates casual players but also creates an unhealthy environment of elitism within the community.

Possibly the most egregious practice that Hasbro has adopted is the incessant whoring out of the Magic the Gathering brand to ridiculous millennials and gen z that will not play and enjoy the game, just some mindless whoring of the brand to Transformers, Godzilla, My Little Pony, Fallout, Lord of the Rings, Walking Dead, Dr. Who, and whatever next pathetic shiny toy for the modern generations. Since this generation is brainless enough to buy it, they have done nothing but ramp it up.

With Hasbro’s past practices, and their inability to keep products fresh and viable. Case and point, Nerf, another failing arm of Hasbro, releasing stagnant mundane product lines with nothing innovative. Their action figure market is failing due to the same factors, board games and so on. The big downfall to each of their many failing product lines is the sharp spike in pricing to try to cover for the decline in sales of the new products… The only product line in Hasbro’s line up that consistently put up profits is Magic the Gathering, but the time is coming…

Moreover, Hasbro’s focus on maximizing profits has resulted in a decline in the quality of the game itself. Many players argue that recent sets lack innovation and originality, with recycled mechanics and uninspired card designs becoming all too common. This blatant disregard for the essence of Magic: The Gathering has led to a stagnation of creativity and a loss of the game’s soul.

Another issue plaguing the Magic community is the mishandling of organized play. Hasbro’s decision to prioritize online events over in-person tournaments has left many players feeling disconnected and isolated. The sense of camaraderie and community that once defined Magic: The Gathering has been eroded by corporate directives aimed solely at increasing revenue.

Furthermore, Hasbro’s treatment of content creators and independent retailers has been nothing short of abysmal. The company’s heavy-handed approach to copyright enforcement and licensing agreements has stifled creativity and innovation within the community. Additionally, the monopolization of distribution channels has squeezed out smaller businesses, further consolidating Hasbro’s stranglehold on the game.

In light of these issues, it’s clear that Hasbro’s influence on Magic: The Gathering has been detrimental to the game and its community. What was once a beacon of creativity and passion has now become a mere shadow of its former self, shackled by corporate greed and short-sighted decision-making.

However, all hope is not lost. The Magic community is resilient, and many players are fighting back against Hasbro’s oppressive tactics. From grassroots movements advocating for change to boycotts of exclusive products, players are banding together to reclaim the soul of Magic: The Gathering.

Ultimately, the fate of Magic: The Gathering lies in the hands of its players. By standing up to Hasbro and demanding change, we can ensure that the game we love remains a beacon of creativity and camaraderie for generations to come. Only then can Magic: The Gathering truly fulfill its potential as one of the greatest games ever created.