Magic: The Gathering Arena
News, coverage and analysis tracking Magic: The Gathering Arena across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Wizards of the Coast Announces End of Magic: The Gathering Arena Alchemy Format
Wizards of the Coast has announced the discontinuation of the Alchemy play format for Magic: The Gathering Arena. This decision impacts the digital version of the popular card game.
New Disney Lorcana digital game sounds like a cross between MTG Arena and Pokemon TCG Pocket
Ravensburger announced a digital version of the Disney Lorcana trading card game, which will be available on mobile and desktop. The publisher also revealed upcoming physical expansions for the tabletop game set to release in late 2026 and early 2027. The digital game is described as potentially similar to Magic: The Gathering Arena and Pokemon TCG Pocket.
Magic: The Gathering Has A Kickass Video Game You Probably Don’t Know About
The 1997 PC game Magic: The Gathering, developed by Microprose, is highlighted as a significant early video game adaptation of the popular trading card game. This single-player RPG, set on the plane of Shandalar, captured the tabletop experience with its color-based magic system and deck-building mechanics. Despite its age, the game, often nicknamed 'Shandalar,' has been kept alive by a dedicated fanbase through mods and has influenced later titles.
Two years later and Wizards of the Coast loses another president
John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, is stepping down after two years in the role. This follows a period of significant financial performance for brands like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, but also challenges in video game development and labor disputes within Magic: The Gathering Arena. Hight will transition to an advisor role with Hasbro, the parent company.
Hasbro records $56M write down after scrapping 'several' video games
Hasbro reported a $56 million non-cash write down after cancelling several video games planned for 2028 and beyond. CEO Chris Cocks stated the decision reflects a new digital strategy focusing on key franchises like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, with an emphasis on cost discipline and owned platforms. The company expects its total digital spend to decrease annually by at least 25 percent by 2028.
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers have successfully unionized
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro have successfully unionized, forming the United Wizards of the Coast-CWA. The union's goals include obtaining assurances regarding generative AI, layoff protections, and compensation transparency. Employees voted in favor of unionization following a National Labour Relations Board election after their request for voluntary recognition was denied.
United Wizards of the Coast Union Has Officially Been Formed
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena have officially formed the United Wizards of the Coast union, affiliated with the Communication Workers Association. The union, established with a majority vote from 79 out of 102 employees, aims to negotiate collective bargaining agreements covering layoff protections, remote work, workload sustainability, and AI tool guidelines. Wizards of the Coast has stated they will engage in good faith negotiations.
Magic: The Gathering Arena devs' union officially elected, following claims Wizards of the Coast were dragging their heels on voluntary recognition
The union representing Magic: The Gathering Arena developers, United Wizards of the Coast - CWA, has been officially elected following a petition filed with the US National Labor Relations Board. The union, which previously accused Wizards of the Coast of delaying voluntary recognition, hopes to ratify a contract soon. Members previously cited concerns about layoffs, remote work policies, generative AI, and mandatory crunch as reasons for unionizing.
5 best Commanders in MTG Marvel Super Heroes
This article ranks the top 5 Commanders in Magic: The Gathering Arena's Marvel Super Heroes set. It focuses on deckbuilding and strategic advantages offered by each commander.
Wizards of the Coast writes to staff to explain "how union representation works" as studio prepares to vote to unionize
Wizards of the Coast has communicated with staff about the implications of union representation as employees prepare to vote on unionizing with the Communication Workers of America. The company stated that all current benefits and perks would be subject to negotiation, potentially resulting in changes to existing terms. The vote is scheduled with the National Labor Relations Board for June 2.
Report: Wizards of the Coast is trying to discourage workers from unionizing
Wizards of the Coast is reportedly issuing letters to employees to discourage them from unionizing, warning of potential negative outcomes. This comes as Magic: The Gathering Arena developers are set to vote on unionizing with the Communications Workers of America on June 2, 2026, after voluntarily recognizing the union failed. The union organizers state their goals include securing AI protections, bolstering job security, and addressing concerns about career progression and a return-to-office mandate.
3 years on from laying off over 1,000 people, Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are sending daily emails and physical letters encouraging the survivors to not unionise
Wizards of the Coast is reportedly employing aggressive tactics, including daily emails and physical letters to employees' homes, to discourage workers from unionizing. Employees claim the company hired a union avoidance firm and is spreading misinformation to deter the formation of a union for the Magic: The Gathering Arena team. This follows significant layoffs in 2023, which some employees believe spurred the current unionization efforts.
Magic The Gathering: Arena Is Gearing Up For A Marvel Comics Takeover
Wizards of the Coast is integrating all past and future Marvel sets into Magic: The Gathering Arena starting June 16, 2025. This includes retroactively adding cards from the previous Marvel's Spider-Man set, replacing digital-exclusive equivalents. Players who owned the Omenpath versions will receive the Marvel equivalents as a bonus.
Magic The Gathering: Arena Is Gearing Up For A Marvel Comics Takeover
Wizards of the Coast is integrating all past and future Marvel sets into Magic: The Gathering Arena starting June 16, 2025. This includes retroactively adding cards from the previous Marvel's Spider-Man set, replacing digital-exclusive equivalents. Players who owned the Omenpath versions will receive the Marvel equivalents as a bonus.
MTG Arena To Get Marvel Super Heroes, Through The Omenpaths Retired
Wizards of the Coast announced that the Marvel Super Heroes set will launch on Magic: The Gathering Arena on June 23rd with full licensed characters and art. Previously released Marvel's Spider-Man cards, which featured in-universe alternate versions, will also be properly added to MTG Arena on June 16th with source material art and avatars.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro miss deadline to voluntarily recognise workers' union
Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro missed the May 1 deadline to voluntarily recognize the union formed by Magic: The Gathering Arena developers, UWOTC-CWA. The union expressed disappointment but remains committed to collective bargaining, citing concerns about layoffs, remote work, AI, and transparency. They are urging continued player support until an election petition filed with the National Labor Relations Board is resolved.
"They responded only to the press": Wizards of the Coast miss deadline for recognising Magic: The Gathering Arena union
Wizards of the Coast has missed a deadline to voluntarily recognize the union formed by Magic: The Gathering Arena developers. The union, United Wizards of the Coast—CWA, claims management has only responded to press inquiries and is now awaiting a National Labor Relations Board petition. The union aims to address issues like layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and generative AI adoption.
Wizards of the Coast declines to voluntarily recognize game worker union
Wizards of the Coast and its parent company Hasbro have declined to voluntarily recognize the United Wizards of the Coast—CWA union, despite a request from employees by May 1, 2026. The union, seeking increased staff wellbeing through layoff protections and generative AI guardrails, plans to proceed with a National Labor Relations Board election.
Wizards of the Coast Fails to Recognize Magic: The Gathering Arena Union, the United Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast has declined to voluntarily recognize the newly formed United Wizards of the Coast union, which represents developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena. The union, partnered with the Communications Workers Association, had requested recognition by May 1st, citing a desire for sustainable workloads, AI protections, and brand stewardship. An official election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board will now be held in the coming weeks to determine union representation.
