Metamorphosis
Spoilers, Rumors, and Speculation forum
Posted on Aug. 25, 2014, 11:14 a.m. by spyroswiz
According to today's article in Daily MTG, Mark Posewater announced the new structure of blocks. We are going to have 2 rotations each year( one in fall and one in spring). Also, in summer 2015 its going to be the last core set. From then we are going to have 2 blocks each year. Whats your thoughts about the new model? For more informations: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/mm/metamorphosis
Femme_Fatale says... #2
Everyone is complaining about money money money .... this isn't about money people. This is about changing the problems of magic that have been with magic for YEARS. You say cards are going to be more expensive, you say there are going to be less cards, but how much of that is relevant against the amount of people who stop playing standard when they realize that the metagame is the same thing over and over? How much of that is relevant when one of the later sets in a block is barely opened in comparison to the first ones because people are TIRED of the block? How much of that is relevant when the limited amount of decks means there are only a few set staples that everyone hunts for?
Having a 4 block standard would mean that you have a MUCH larger staple base. Since the core sets are gone, we now have a structure in which WotC can use the space in the core sets to generate 4x the amount of staples! The multitude of mechanics that are PROPERLY built represent a much more diverse standard field! People will be more likely to STAY in in standard because it actually changes and doesn't get stale for as long as it can. People will be more interested in opening packs from each set because that third set isn't hindering the entire set down. People will find that there is a much larger POTENTIAL card base, and will revel in the amount of possibilities in deck-building. What WotC is doing, is eliminating the issues that have been MAKING PEOPLE LEAVE STANDARD SINCE THE EARLY YEARS.
If we have to look at it from a monetary perspective, currently standard has about 4 top decks (no idea, don't follow standard), which means about ... 20 card staples. When the new block set is introduced, we bring in a lot more mechanics and a lot more staples. Instead of 4 top decks, there now may be 6, there may be 10, which means the number of staples can range from 30-50. This much larger staple base would mean that not everyone is clamoring for the same staples. So instead of 100,000 people clamoring for one staple, that amount is reduced by a third to slightly over a half. This is important, because this essentially means ...
THE DEMAND FOR A CARD IS LOWER, BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER POTENTIAL CARDS TO USE.
We get 2 dead core sets in each standard season. Now those 2 dead core sets actually become something of WORTH. More staples, more variety, more different types of decks, cards will be lower in price because as I've been repeating over and over, there will be less of a need to get a few set staples over all the others that will be introduced into the format.
And for those of you who say, less product is out, I don't know about you, but my old card shop STILL GETS IN ONSLAUGHT PACKS. There will always be product, as WotC has to supply the ENTIRE WORLD.
August 25, 2014 6:28 p.m.
JakeHarlow says... #4
Femme_Fatale brings up some fair points. I think the strategy will help prevent the stagnation of the Standard metagame which has really hurt the format since its inception. As far as money goes...it's hard to say. I still believe the format will become more expensive due to these changes, especially in the long run for dedicated Standard players. I don't know how much more (twice as many orations equals twice as much? Not sure...), but I think it will be more.
August 25, 2014 6:38 p.m.
TheAnnihilator says... #5
@Femme_Fatale
While I agree that the Standard meta is a main concern, it would seem illogical not to worry about the monetary aspect of it. For those of us who can't dish out extra cash just to keep the meta fresh and introduce more frequent staple cards, the money matters a whole lot more than the fresh meta.
To be fair, that's not to say that it actually will cost more or less for the staples/decks after things change (I know I'll wait and see when it comes into effect), but that you can't simply ignore the fact that many people have restricted budgets, and they have no choice but to worry about the money. So please keep these people in mind.
August 25, 2014 6:42 p.m.
MindAblaze says... #6
I think the fact that each block usually supports a few archetypes will in itself mean that we'll get more diversity in the metagame. This echoes what Femme said re: more people playing different decks = less demand for specific cards.
Does that mean more 10 dollar staples and fewer 20 dollar staples? Who knows...we'll have to wait and see.
August 25, 2014 6:51 p.m.
trentfaris242 says... #7
@TheAnnihilator I don't think she's saying 'Don't worry about the monetary aspect of these changes', she's saying the amount of people who would leave even if (I still stand by what I said earlier that the cost won't increase) they had to pay $50 extra a year is still far outweighed by the amount of people who are leaving because of the problems with Standard. These changes address those problems and are a positive shift for the Magic community.
August 25, 2014 6:54 p.m.
I guess as long as the total number of new cards being released each year doesn't drop with the new block format, it's all good. I just hope the prices on the secondary market don't become problematic as a result of the changes.
August 25, 2014 6:56 p.m.
JakeHarlow says... #9
That's what worries me jchudz. It's tough to say but I think LGSs will keep the staples at the current individual level. Which means that they'll be selling twice as many per year due to WotC doubling up on rotations. Honestly, as an LGS owner, I'd be pleased about the changes.
August 25, 2014 7:03 p.m.
NobodyPicksBulbasaur says... #10
@Everyone
If single prices get goofy because of the new format, you can always just kick it oldschool and win prize packs and then trade for the cards you need. You don't always have to play the best deck in the format all the time, especially if you're on a budget. Best deck =/= Budget deck.
August 25, 2014 7:08 p.m.
I'm excited for the change. Different cards in circulation at a faster pace will maybe make Standard worth playing (probably not).
August 25, 2014 7:16 p.m.
UpsetYoMama says... #12
I think it's a good thing. Change is not always easy, though. It will take some getting used to. I think the greatest positives are that the format won't become as stale and it will also keep people on their toes. After all, top reigning decks will cycle out sooner. Wizards could also somewhat keep players happy be printing some cards in more than one block. Since Core Sets are rotating out, I think more reprints might find their way into regular decks. So for example, they may print a card like Thoughtseize back to back in multiple blocks so people don't have to buy new copies of a staple card. Of course, that may just be wishful thinking.
August 25, 2014 7:16 p.m.
While blocks usually come with reprints, I don"t really see a card being a reprint of a card in another block that's still standard. But who knows I guess, maybe it could happen with common spells like Doom Blade or Searing Spear .
August 25, 2014 7:36 p.m.
i dig the new format of standard. As someone who never plays it, but plays the format of EDH, i like what Mark Rosewater has done. The Core sets were getting to the point of ridiculousness. The most recent was just to get players into Modern. There is no real story or theme to core sets, save the DotP tie in. Now each set will be easier for R&D to make because they won't have to fill out sets or compensate like they did with Born of the Gods, the worst set in a while, to make Journey into Nyx not seem bad. I love it
August 25, 2014 7:44 p.m.
UpsetYoMama says... #15
@jchudz They've actually done it with some commons already. For example, Lightning Strike is in both Theros and M15. Another one off the top of my head I can think of is Satyr Wayfinder . However, I think it has been more for the limited environment than anything.
August 25, 2014 7:53 p.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #16
If there is one thing I can say that I would have preferred, is to have 8 sets in the new standard season instead of 6. I say this, because the old standard has 5-8 sets, while the new one only has 5-6. It would make more sense to have a larger standard then to limit it in such a way. It makes more sense flavour wise as well, because then we can see how four full blocks play together, instead of just three, and we are keeping the same card count as well.
The fact that there are only 5-6 sets at any one point in time in standard now could potentially cause lots of problems. It is this one issue that may make everyone's worries come to fruition and my little speech redundant. I personally don't see how lowering the amount of sets standard can have is beneficial for standard, so all that talk about more staples, more deck variety and all that, could just fall flat because there may not be enough cards to create a larger amount of different decks.
We'll just have to wait and see the outcomes I guess. I just don't see how a lesser amount of cards makes for a better standard. It really limits the benefits of what they are aiming for.
August 25, 2014 7:58 p.m.
I believe he touches on that in the article Femme_Fatale, i read it much earlier today so i could be wrong. As things are now we only have 2 blocks in the format which works because you have 2 blocks worth of mechanics and whatever returned in the core set. It was easy for R&D to develop things that could function in the same environment. Even though the new standard will only have up to 6 sets, it will have 3 blocks worth of mechanics which is quite a bit more work for R&D. I believe it had something to with the fact that new mechanics typically fit the location of the block they're printed in so if you had 4 blocks (A,B,C,and D), as the story progressed it would be difficult for R&D to make the first blocks's mechanics (A) play smoothly with the sets closest to it (i.e printed before and after) and play smoothly with the 4th block's mechanic's (D) since in the context of the story we will be in a drastically different time and plane. I believe it was this article that i read it in at least.
August 25, 2014 8:18 p.m.
The Doctor says... #18
I don't want to read 6 pages of thread, but I'm pretty hyped that there will be 3 blocks legal at the same time.
August 25, 2014 8:31 p.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #19
That is a very very good point abenz419. I don't think that was stated in the article, as I read it just recently, but it makes a lot of sense.
August 25, 2014 8:34 p.m.
MountainMan817 says... #20
I agree with Devonin
With standard speeding up, most cards in rotation wont be as expensive with people realizing they wont be able to play them as much... This also increases the possibility for newer, better cards to be printed! Think of all the decks that are going to be built because of a new awesome mechanic that has yet to be thought of!
This could be awesome for all formats of magic!
August 25, 2014 8:38 p.m.
I am only sad because we have to digest what this change will mean for us for the next year. We still have the Khans block and another core set to go before anything major will happen.
How long did we have to get used to the new card frames before they were in our hands? Two months? Three? ._.
August 25, 2014 10:29 p.m.
Jaxis - And we get a year to get used to this? Maro did the right thing in letting us know.
August 25, 2014 10:32 p.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #23
Yeah, the rage of people when they realize that it is only a few months until the new block format. Price changes would be drastic, and would cause massive damage to the standard community than any good.
August 25, 2014 10:40 p.m.
GoldGhost012 says... #24
Yes, this is much better than "Hey, you know Huey, Dewey, Louie? Well the core set's now abolished and only Huey and Louie still are being released. We also have 2 sets per block now, and Standard has completely changed!"
August 25, 2014 10:41 p.m.
Nigeltastic says... #25
I'm going to voice an unpopular opinion that might get me lit on fire, but Magic: The Gathering can't make decisions based on the secondary market and what people on tight budgets (usually younger people) want. If they start basing decisions on the secondary market (which they have no piece of nor control over), or on the people who can't really afford to buy a lot of cards, they will make bad decisions for the health of the format. The decision they've made will make standard more interesting and healthy, and if the secondary market gets a little wonky and they lose a part of the customer base that wasn't making them any cash anyway (people who have to save for months to buy 2-3 cards are NOT the cash cows here), then so be it.
I'll get the gas, someone bring the torches and pitchforks.
August 25, 2014 10:43 p.m.
NobodyPicksBulbasaur says... #26
I agree with you. If you're so poor that you are legitimately worried about every penny that you spend on Magic, then you should not be trying to play the expensive decks of the format. It is absolutely possible to play MtG on a budget.
My budget recently took a drastic change for the worse, so I traded in my entire collection for a semi-competitive Legacy deck. Now the only money I am obligated to spend on Magic is $5 whenever I have the time to go to FNM.
If you really care about your budget, you'll find a way to make it work. Otherwise you're just whining.
August 25, 2014 10:56 p.m.
@Nigeltastic You forgot the tar and feathers.
But seriously, people have to realize that WotC is a business and they make their money by printing and selling sealed product. Ands these changes will probably help them move more sealed product.
August 25, 2014 10:58 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #28
I agree with Femme_Fatale that an increase to the number of sets will lead to more playable archetypes and less demand for each individual staple card in that archetype. More blocks in standard means more playable cards and less demand for any one card while keeping the demand for cards overall the same or even raising it.
MaRo did state in the article that they originally were just going to go to 4 blocks in standard but they were worried about complexity with 4 blocks worth of mechanics. They decided to go with 3 blocks to keep the standard meta fresh and lower the complexity from what a 4 block standard would do. Cards overall will be in for just slightly less time.
Hopefully though with the increase of playable cards the standard meta will get healthier and not be 70%/30%/0% (aggro/control/combo) but somewhere closer to the ideal 33/33/33 or even just 44/24/31 like Modern.
August 25, 2014 11 p.m.
I don't agree with the thinking that because rotation will happen more often and cards aren't standard as long that they'll be cheaper. I think this is just wishful thinking. If a card is extremely good and see lots of play then there will still be lots of demand for it. High demand means high price. Price is driven far more by demand for the card than it is by how long the standard season last. Basically if a card is going to be expensive because of it's play-ability during it's time in standard then it's going to be expensive regardless of if we're under the current or new format. I guess since a standard rotation will go from 24 to 18 months, that a card that maintains a high price throughout it's time in standard will technically be expensive for less time since it'll rotate out sooner but I don't think it's going to actually affect what it's value is during it's rotation. In reality a $10 card is still going to be a $10 card, just as a standard staple it'll only hold that value for 18 months instead of 24.
August 25, 2014 11:02 p.m.
APPLE01DOJ says... #30
Personally I think Wizards needs to stop messing with things that aren't broke. That being said, at least it's a Modern push!
August 25, 2014 11:04 p.m.
@APPLE01DOJ did you see the article? There is a copy and paste link in the main question and I think someone made a link on the first page. It's a good read. This is meant to address a lot of things that currently are broke. The fact your unaware of the problems they've had just means they've done a good job of working through their problems to put out a good product, not that the problems don't exist. Think of it this way, if they're able to fix/improve the problems that you weren't even aware of then they'll be able to put out an even better product than before because currently those problems you didn't know about are holding them back.
August 25, 2014 11:10 p.m.
APPLE01DOJ says... #32
Standard cards hardly hold they're value thru standard life. What is 10$ in Khans will be 2.50 by the next set at what was 35$ will be 20 or less.
I do like suggested in this thread. Look at the spoilers. Order what I think might be good or has cool artwork or whatever and anticipate the next release. Sometimes I never use what I pick up, sometimes I do. At least I have a card I like.
August 25, 2014 11:11 p.m.
Didgeridooda says... #33
I like it. It seemed like they stretched the 3 set blocks. Printing lands will be much easier. 5 and 5.
Just seems like a good way for them to better capitalize on the recent boom, and keep things fresh for the players.
August 25, 2014 11:11 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #35
The argument for prices going down isn't shorter time in standard. The argument is that with more separate mechanics there will be more archetypes. With more archetypes there will be less demand for each individual one, and hopefully a healthier meta further encouraging diversity in decks because of a rock/paper/scissors scenario and not a sing "best" deck.
There will still be about the same premiums to be paid for good lands and powerful cards that span archetypes. However your cards that fit only one archetype will be less. Thoughtsieze will still be a $20 card. However Desecration Demon , Pack Rat , and Nightveil Specter would still be buck rares.
August 25, 2014 11:17 p.m.
Didgeridooda says... #36
Economics are going to be big. People are going to get in to it more then ever.
August 25, 2014 11:18 p.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #37
Thoughtseize is a $15 card now. And some places are selling it for $13-$11.
August 25, 2014 11:25 p.m.
APPLE01DOJ says... #38
So that's why those bastards took so long to print Temple of Malady .
Honestly I don't see most of those things as a drastic issue. Although I do like the idea of no core sets.
August 25, 2014 11:27 p.m.
forestlore44 says... #39
Expect Modern to explode over the next few months, like it has never done so before, and prices too. Like $150 Scalding Tarn .
August 25, 2014 11:35 p.m.
Kingzerker says... #40
Why is everyone overreacting to this? You guys are speculating way too much and just so negatively. Sure, Magic is changing but in my opinion it's for the better! Here's the way I see things...
Impact on Standard Play
-This is obviously first and foremost on a majority of player's minds. It's also the first thing WotC seems to have considered when opting to make this switch. Players have constantly been complaining that Standard has become a very stale format. Metas are solved too quickly and only a few decks really win anything. This makes winning in standard a very expensive and boring ordeal. With the new block structure and rotation schedule, I believe the format will open up, allowing for more viable strategies and the opportunity to be more creative in deckbuilding. Slightly quicker rotations mean oppressive cards like Sphinx's Revelation won't be around as long to annoy us either.
This all seems like a breath of fresh air! Now instead of buying the best deck in the meta each season, players will be encouraged to build decks that are more flexible to rotation. What this means is that you can continue evolving your Standard deck from block to block and get more playing value on your investment.
Impact on Limited
-MaRo does a great job of addressing the problems of the current structure in regards to limited. But just to clarify, the new block structure should keep Limited interesting and fresh. No more of that 3rd set "problem child" business. All sets should be fun to play with. Plus we'll be seeing more new mechanics more often!
Impact on Development
-Now this is what I'm most excited about! I touched on it slightly in the last point of my Limited section but I really want to go into more detail here. The new structure will give us the chance to play with more mechanics more often. We can now visit new worlds at a faster pace which means the story will similarly progress at a faster pace. This is nothing but upside in my book. New places, new mechanics, new interactions, new planeswalkers, new cards, and new ideas. This move opens up a lot more design space for WotC. Everyone can finally see a "Return to ..." whatever their favorite plane may be!
What many people seem to not realize in this thread is that by eliminating the core set and condensing the blocks to just 2 sets, the power level of each set should increase noticeably. This means we can possibly see more reprints of powerful cards like Dark Confidant and Tarmogoyf ! Not to mention all the cool and powerful new cards that we'll be seeing.
Impact on Eternal Formats (Mostly Modern)
-If my last statement was correct, we can expect to see more reprints of eternal staples in the future. What this does is lower the cost of entry for players into those formats as well as help ease the price of certain cards. If more staples are reprinted, the easier it will be for players to make the jump, it's that simple.
And finally, Financial/Economic Impact
-Now this section is going to be mostly speculation because quite frankly no one can truly predict what the effect will be on the market until the new system takes effect. However, I believe that even in regards to finances, this move will be a positive one. To those worrying about card availability; Limited should definitely benefit from this meaning equal or more packs opened AND the increased quality of sets should also lead to more packs being opened.
For those worried about prices rising (or more drastic price fluctuation up and down) due to a shorter Standard lifespan, things can honestly go one of two ways... Either all this speculation and fear will indeed cause prices to rise and create a volatile secondhand market OR the new block structure will indeed create a diverse metagame with many viable archetypes which might even lessen prices. Keep in mind that their will always be an exception when talking about high powered lands and other cross-archetype staples such as Thoughtseize . It's great in every deck running swamps where Gray Merchant of Asphodel only really works in 1 specific deck.
Well guys I really hope my comment proved to be even just a little insightful or at the very least provided someone with a different perspective on the upcoming change. Magic is really a wonderful game that I believe is in the hands of very capable people. Let's all just hope for the best and enjoy the game we love!
August 25, 2014 11:40 p.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #41
People are overreacting because of change.
Humans fear change.
We get accustomed to something that occurs frequently, something that follows a routine. You mess that routine, those people panic.
It is a commonly known thing and many people spout it like they the all wise and powerful on the internet. In fact, that happens a lot on the internet in comments on news articles. People spouting out common sense as if they are the most wise and powerful. No point in complaining about it, you have no choice but to deal with it.
August 25, 2014 11:45 p.m.
@Gidgetimer That may be true in some cases, but the good cards (i.e. the ones most sought after) will be the ones that can be played in multiple archetypes. Making them the most expensive cards and the ones people will need. It's not like suddenly every card is going so narrow that they only fit into one specific archetype and no others. Your examples are all dependent on what other cards are actually printed and what archetypes actually develop. Desecration Demon is still a really powerful 4 drop and great in midrange decks with black in them. Depending on what archetypes develop and what other cards are actually available it's not unthinkable that Desecration Demon could see lots of play in multiple decks. It depends on what develops and whats printed though. Especially if it's still one of the best options in black and it's a format filled with a bunch of mid range decks that have black in them. Pack Rat only has one black mana sympol in it's cost making it even easier to include as black can be a small splash for this to see an include into a deck. Then depending on what archetypes there were, Esper, BUG, Grixis, Mono- black and Mono-blue all have the mana base to support Nightveil Specter . There is no reason to think that these cards would suddenly drop back down $1 rares just because there are more cards to choose from when we don't know what those cards are. Even with multiple decks thriving in the new format there will be cards that are staples in it's colors and will be included in multiple decks. Maybe some of the support cards (like Nightveil Specter ) in a deck will drop a little in price, but those decks will still be popular and there is still going to be demand for those cards.
The way it's been coming off is that people are assuming it's suddenly going to be super cheap to play magic and everything is going to be easily affordable for everyone. Your not going to suddenly start picking up staples for a couple of dollars, the cards that everyone wants and are the hardest to get will still be the ones that are the most expensive. If you want to play a consistently competitive deck you will need cards that are staples. That means you'll still be paying a premium price for the best decks.
August 26, 2014 12:04 a.m.
After reading most of the comments here are my two cents.
Core sets have always been meh...a few good cards here or there. Somebody mentioned they're just for Planeswalker. I can see that. I mean would it makes sense to have Jace come and visit the new Khans set? I don't think so. But I agree it needs to be changed, and I've always felt 'weird' playing on the planes on Theros, but then have goblins from a core set mixed in, when their are no goblins on Theros. So from that perspective I love it for flavors sake.
Here's what I think is going to happen to card prices...simple supply and demand.
Packs will be opened by the same people that do now. People will draft at the same average rate as before. How/why do you ask? - Limited players will be getting new sets faster and thus not getting bored, ala Born of the Gods. So while the draft season will be shorter, it will be more ?vigorous? if that's the right word for it. I think the supply will be the same. So I don't believe that even though the time cards are in standard is shortened by 6 months will affect supply.
Demand? People will always want the best cards, so that won't change. One could also argue, that if there are going to be 6 blocks in standard at one time (which I personally love!), there will be a 'wider' array of decks and rather than 1-2 top decks, there cold be 3-4, which actually lowers the demand for cards, which will lower the price?! Maybe?!
To cover all my bases on card prices, prices could spike higher initially (if time does truly come an issue) but since they rotate out faster they will drop quicker as well...so it will average out...though by the time the prices drop, you have less play time...You get what you pay for..HA!
As a person who could afford to buy any tier one deck I want, I choose to always find that 'budget' rogue deck that can take down that expensive tier one deck 40% (usually less) of the time. Sure winning is more fun, but 98% of you reading this aren't pro players, and we are all playing for 'casual' fun at FNMs. If you're getting butt hurt over card prices / availability start a pauper league and have close to as much fun playing the GAME that you love, Magic: The Gathering.
August 26, 2014 12:43 a.m.
I'm hoping that Blood and Sweat (the two sets following the Khans block) are a return to kamigawa. I've been wanting to splice this Evermind for years now.
August 26, 2014 1:10 a.m.
I'm in favor of the change. Faster changing draft scene. 3 blocks in standard at the same time. 15-18 months on the "life" of your cards isn't that bad really. Hey... I like it. Plus no mostly boring core sets.
August 26, 2014 1:16 a.m.
Not sure if this was touched upon or not, but I can see the possibility of decks "morphing" from rotation to rotation rather than being completely torn apart and starting with something new. Look at MBD...when RTR rotates, it loses quite a few cards that really make it effective (Nightveil, D Demon, Pack Rat , etc). The deck idea itself may survive rotation, but it won't be nearly as powerful and it will lose its stranglehold on the format. If this deck was being played under the new format with less cards rotating at one time, it may be possible to keep the core of the deck together while still replacing what leaves with effective cards. Then, when the next rotation comes around, the sets in between have possibly changed your deck enough that there is yet again little to replace. As this cycle repeats, you could possibly go from MBD to Rakdos to Grixis to Izzet to Jeskai, etc. By the time you get to the 2nd or 3rd rotation, you may be playing Selesnya without ever completely taking the deck apart and building from scratch. You may even spend the same amount overall (or more even) building and transforming it. The difference is that you're not spending it all at one time so the cost shouldn't have as much impact as it currently does at rotation time.
August 26, 2014 1:29 a.m.
I'm just showing up to say that I think this is a good thing overall. Most of the financial detractors will be mitigated by the increased interest in the progression of the format through both Limited and Standard play.
I'm not going to write an essay about this as I'm half asleep but except for the minor possibility that this will drive some level of budget players from Standard it seems like all positives to me from a gameplay perspective.
From a lore perspective it is essentially the same, 1 less block per set for lore gets you twice as many sets a year.
As I said. I think this is beneficial.
August 26, 2014 2:31 a.m.
I love this change. I often have long periods where I don't pay standard because it is just too boring. The amount of mechanics in a standard season will increase meaning the variety should increase as everyone keeps brewing New deck ideas. I think this change will bring people to standard rather than drive them away.
As for the secondary market, it's about supply and demand. Also if a bulk rare finds his day in the spotlight a year after his printing (I'm looking at you Desecration Demon ) because there is only 6 months left for that card, the likelihood that it becomes a $10 rare is unlikely. I think overall we will see less big money rares, but there will probably be more mid range rares with a varied format, making it cheaper for everyone.
August 26, 2014 5:54 a.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #49
It's never going to be super cheap playing magic abenz419, and no one really stated that this new standard format was going to make things cheaper. Most people are complaining that it's going to make this a few $100s more expensive and I had to point out the fact that we will be getting more and more deck archetypes, and thusly more staples, which will decrease the demand for a certain staple because not everyone has to run the same top 3 decks.
The best of all staples aren't going to drop at all. I'm looking at lands, excellent counterspells, discard spells, draw mechanics, and removal. But staples that are only good in one deck would see a marked price difference of being $10-$5 cheaper or so. This little price-change would even out the fact that you will be spending more since blocks rotate out faster. You'll be buying replacement cards/decks more often, but the cards won't be so expensive, and you'll have a better chance of getting that hidden beast of a deck for really cheap before a pro player sees the interaction and plays it at a GP.
I really like what ljs54321 has inferred upon. It is possible now that instead of having to create an entirely new deck, that you would only have to swap 1-3 playsets of cards instead. This means that even though sets rotate out faster, you'll be spending less on average because you only need to replace the cards that rotated out, not the entire deck.
August 26, 2014 5:59 a.m.
I've been thinking about this: how about the WotC brings back Extended format? It would be like standard with more sets and the metagame will change very often, due to 2 rotations each year. Players would afford the prices. I think its going to be nice to see something different, except the usual formats(modern,standard).
pskinn01 says... #1
If they fix what they say they are trying ti fix, There will be no increased cost to play standard, 4 sets will still be rotating per year. Price of the cards will still be done by supply and demand. With three blocks, single cards shouldn't dominate the whole format as they do now, due to the diversity of the meta. If the meta doesn't diversify then prices of individual cards will be higher due to less limited events of each block. Which will cause it to be higher.
August 25, 2014 5:39 p.m.