Why do Magic bother making those special promos at Comic-Cons?
Economics forum
Posted on July 30, 2014, 12:51 a.m. by Drathen
Then end up bought by shops and people who re-sell them for 4x their price...
I mean... either make it available in LGS or something for a certain time after, or something, as of now it is either shop up at Comic-Con, or pay a buttload.
Because a big part of what keeps Magic so interesting and worthwhile is the collecting aspect to it. You have to remember that there are people out there who only collect special rarities and limited-print promos (like these) simply to have them; it's the whole point of collecting.
Also, how many people do you think showed up to their booth just for these? Printing $9 worth of paper and foil and ink to get thousands in the doors isn't exactly a bad strategy.
July 30, 2014 2:48 a.m.
Because that's the sensible way to do things if your product is monetized via collectible route.
July 30, 2014 3:35 a.m.
It's also not like these aren't available as regular cards, either. They're just cool, limited editions of cards that already exist. Be glad Magic isn't one of those games that prints Standard staples available only through promotional events:
Some context for those who don't know: Tropical Beach is available only if you attended Worlds. They are legal in Pokemon's version of Standard, and they're an automatic four-of if you play any of the decks relying on evolving pokemon. There's a not-tournament-legal version of the card that goes for around $10. Want a tournament legal copy? $120+ each.
It'd be like having Sphinx's Revelation available only if you went to GenCon.
July 30, 2014 6:11 a.m.
Rhadamanthus says... #6
I came here basically to post what sylvannos said. They're just fancy versions of cards whose normal versions are readily available elsewhere, so a person only needs to go after them if he or she is a 100%-er. Convention promos happen all the time for comics, figurines, and other cards (GP promos, anyone?).
WotC learned their lesson about exclusive promos a long time ago, with the player backlash against Nalathni Dragon (first only available at Dragon Con, then included with one issue of The Duelist magazine), and the craziness of Mana Crypt as one of the old book promos (you cut out a coupon from the back and mailed it in).
July 30, 2014 11:24 a.m.
Gorgosaurusrex says... #7
Now I want to buy 4x Tropical Beach just to have them...
JWiley129 says... #2
Because Magic is a Trading Card Game and most TCGs have collectibles like Promos and Alternate Art and Premium (foil) cards. It's the collectible nature of the beast that is a TCG.
It's like complaining about action figures or posters or videos you can only consume at SDCC. It doesn't make sense and doesn't make them more available.
July 30, 2014 12:56 a.m.