The Crystal Ball- 5 Bold Predictions for 2024

 

    Happy New Year, Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts! As we stand at the threshold of a new MTG year, it's a perfect time to reflect on the exciting developments that unfolded in the past year. From new Dinosaur Commanders to a Phyrexian Invasion, a thrilling Game Knights Live event, the birth of this very blog and podcast, and even unexpected Pinkerton raids – the Magic community experienced a myriad of surprises. As we embrace the dawn of 2024, I've peered into my crystal ball, took my Scry 2, and came back to share five predictions for the coming year and the reasons behind them.

1. Monopoly Man or Power Rangers in MTG: The strategy of cross-branding with Magic: The Gathering has proven successful for Hasbro, bringing iconic franchises like Transformers and Dungeons & Dragons into the fold. With the trend continuing, the anticipation of the Monopoly Man making an appearance as a card or an announcement regarding Power Rangers seems plausible. Monopoly, being a timeless and widely recognized board game, could offer unique gameplay dynamics, while Power Rangers, with its extensive lore, could potentially serve as the foundation for an entire set, introducing Rangers as legendary creatures and Zords as powerful artifacts.

2. Eldrazi Commander Dominance: The Eldrazi tribe has always held a special place in the hearts of Magic players, and the prospect of a dominating Eldrazi commander is both exciting and intimidating. The Eldrazi Titans lurking in the background of Modern Horizons 3's art only heighten expectations. Considering the precedent set by powerful commanders in previous Modern Horizons releases, this Eldrazi commander might redefine strategies, possibly synergizing with colorless mana or spawning Eldrazi spawn/scion tokens.

3. Duskmourn Struggles, Bloomburrow Triumphs: Duskmourn's potential struggles could stem from its release timing, sharing thematic elements with the previous horror-themed set, Midnight Hunt. Additionally, we will see Bloomburrow release before Duskmourn, which may bring additional fatigue to consumers. However, Bloomburrow's success is rooted in its release during the Halloween season, aligning perfectly with the horror theme. While Assassin's Creed might create some competition, the allure of a horror-centric set during Halloween could draw in players seeking a thematic and immersive experience, potentially making Bloomburrow a standout set of the year.

4. Outlaws of Thunder Junction Soars: The concept of a Cowboys and Outlaws-themed set, Outlaws of Thunder Junction, brings a breath of fresh air to Magic: The Gathering. The idea of incorporating flash speed, a possible revisit of the split-second mechanic, and themes of theft adds layers of complexity and excitement to the gameplay. The flavor of the set, with outlaws engaging in quick-draw duels and cunning theft maneuvers, promises a dynamic and engaging environment that caters to the community's desire for originality.

5. Non-Reserved List Cards Depreciation: The increasing trend of including art variants of expensive and powerful cards in regular boosters has brought joy to many players, providing accessibility to sought-after cards. However, the saturation of the market, especially evident with cards like Mana Crypt receiving multiple variants, may lead to a decline in their value. The delicate balance between maintaining card rarity and satisfying player demand becomes crucial, and as more high-value cards enter circulation, the potential for a price decrease becomes a reality. Magic: The Gathering's economy may witness a shift as the market responds to these repeated reprints.

    As we embark on this new year in the Magic: The Gathering universe, these predictions offer a glimpse into what might unfold. The beauty of the Magic community lies in its ability to adapt, evolve, and find joy in the unexpected. Let's see how these forecasts play out, and may the cards bring us thrilling surprises in 2024!