First Pick

Hasbro Q1 Financial Report:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423777421/en/Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter-2025-Financial-Results

https://old.reddit.com/r/MagicArena/comments/1k6r0nw/mtg_revenue_has_increased_by_45/

https://old.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/1k6pamf/mtg_grew_revenues_by_45_compared_to_last_year/

Gather the Townsfolk

Lady Lavinias new Influencer Marketing Manager

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJFhzHyzvHF 

The Ultimate Pencil Superdrop:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/secret-lair-the-ultimate-pencil-superdrop

MTGA Announcements:

Of note, there is a "Pioneer Showcase" May 10-12, not Explorer:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/mtg-arena/announcements-april-28-2025

Bobbie-Christine is Cancer-Free:

https://bsky.app/profile/bobbiechristine.bsky.social/post/3lo2b47v7es2m

Amonkhet 8 years ago on 4/28

https://mtg.wiki/page/Amonkhet

Splash Damage

MTG Cushions Tariff Blow to Hasbro:

https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/564495/magic-final-fantasy-hasbro-trump-tariffs

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59410/faced-tariffs-hasbro-raises-guidance-wotc

Diamond’s Bankruptcy Woes:

https://graphicpolicy.com/2025/04/29/alliance-entertainment-submits-complaint-against-diamond-claiming-fraud-and-deception/

https://graphicpolicy.com/2025/04/28/motion-filed-to-turn-diamonds-chapter-11-to-chapter-7-or-dismissal/

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59432/alliance-entertainment-sues-diamond-again

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59427/trustee-moves-convert-diamond-bankruptcy-chapter-7-liquidation-dismiss

The Finisher

For the first time in many years, four movies made more than $20 million at the box office: Sinners, A Minecraft Movie, The Accountant 2, and the 30th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. The movies are back, baby! So tell me: what’s the movie coming soon that you're most excited for?

First Pick

Through the Omenpaths:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/through-the-omenpaths-and-digital-universes-beyond-updates

No Pro Tour Spider-Man?: https://bsky.app/profile/fireshoes.bsky.social/post/3lndmbfyfpc2y

No Universes Beyond Alchemy:

https://discord.com/channels/409511337669165077/410942703623208960/1363943510318780537

Gather the Townsfolk

Commander Updates:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-brackets-beta-update-april-22-2025

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-bans-and-restrictions-april-22-2025

https://discord.com/channels/409511337669165077/410942703623208960/1364257499321995334

Updates to Arena Direct:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/mtg-arena/updates-to-arena-direct-events-april-2025

WotC Pays for International Winners’ Taxes:

https://discord.com/channels/409511337669165077/410942703623208960/1363956177846931507

How WotC Fixed White:

https://medium.com/@ari.nieh/how-we-fixed-white-a-case-study-in-niche-protection-balance-and-player-feedback-d374fe30e14d

The Finisher

It’s been less than 2 weeks since The Blue Prince released, a puzzle adventure game from designer and Magic Mythic Spoiler creator Tonda Ros, and it is doing gangbusters on the indie game scene. MTG is a hotbed of game designers, from Brian Kibler to Justin Gary to all of the folks who’ve worked for WotC over the decades. Well we’re gamers too! So tell me about your game, and why we should play it!

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First Pick

(Basically: Tarkir is killing it)

Tarkir on Polygon:

https://www.polygon.com/mtg-magic-the-gathering/556404/tarkir-dragonstorm-callback-set-rosewater-interview

TDM Demand “Exceptionally High”:

https://magicuntapped.com/index.php/news/demand-for-tarkir-dragonstorm-exceptionally-high-says-wotc

TDM’s Balanced Limited:

https://bsky.app/profile/sierkovitz.bsky.social/post/3lmrqdovl5s2l

Gather the Townsfolk

Celebs at PAX East for FF Debut Showcase Roundup

Kenny Omega:

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1361990375497142393/hkUtVN9.jpeg?ex=6800c3e2&is=67ff7262&hm=9714d021fe0705102d214359c3f08ff874a70413c2615a4d40523554c10cc639&

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1361990375807516752/Screenshot_2025-04-16_at_09.59.51.png?ex=6800c3e2&is=67ff7262&hm=02975534042839fb8699078b03bb7e144b32a84f9df7e18c57e0a8edf865ba27&

Ben Starr:

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1362110689782796359/image-224.png?ex=680133ef&is=67ffe26f&hm=ffa13fe6c2c6d7c7e8c8d0068aec8ba38c5c16d1c9b81e3e254b9c20b365f443&

Desert Bus Express:

https://bsky.app/profile/desertbus.org/post/3lmsksmrub22l

Trans Lifeline Charity Tournament:

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1360424759904440381/image.png?ex=6801008a&is=67ffaf0a&hm=b6ad111799e4675bfdc610e046d80f8afb2a99f18412f6d32c21539ef4a578e9&

Spotlight: Final Fantasy:

https://bsky.app/profile/playmagic.com/post/3lmrtbafbrb2i

Desperate Ravings

Ultra Pro and BCW Tariff Surcharge:

https://bsky.app/profile/missourimtg.bsky.social/post/3lmum2kpcec2e

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1361821923633266778/IMG_0016.jpg?ex=6800cfc0&is=67ff7e40&hm=72b6db5ee59b033bcc7708106e015abb1461dfe9846f963efeb608805af8eb03&

Arena Direct Prize Trouble:

https://x.com/VoxyTwitch/status/1912214235188191665?t=tXFSSdg4UTpPq_dEMUJe6w&s=19

Hasbro Stocks Plunge, HQ Move Decision Delayed:

https://www.ripbs.org/news-and-culture/as-hasbro-stocks-plunge-decision-on-potential-hq-move-pushed-back-to-summer

Splash Damage

Blue Prince:

https://bsky.app/profile/rebell.bsky.social/post/3lmkd4kvxi22m

https://mythicspoiler.com/blue_prince.html

https://www.metacritic.com/game/blue-prince/

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1360296135817953511/image.png?ex=6801317f&is=67ffdfff&hm=f9633e257b211a070d83c77d25a7975f66dc557e44892ebaf98c325c8c35c658&

The Finisher

Tariff this, and tariff that. When is somebody gonna tear-off a punch line for the Finisher?

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First Pick

WotC Pulls Nile’s Ad:

https://bsky.app/profile/nilejoan.com/post/3lmfcltyy5s2f

Gather the Townsfolk

B&R Announcement:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/banned-and-restricted-announcement-march-31-2025

https://bsky.app/profile/bmkibler.bsky.social/post/3lloqrekuxk2n

https://bsky.app/profile/jupiterbrando.bsky.social/post/3llopwapoas25

https://bsky.app/profile/thequietfish.bsky.social/post/3llow75g3j22f

https://old.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/1jp26w5/weeklymtg_discussing_the_march_31_2024_br_stream/

https://bsky.app/profile/cube.april.social/post/3lltyewnirc24

Secret Lair X Deadpool:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/announcing-secret-lair-redacted

https://wpn.wizards.com/en/news/secret-lair-x-marvel-s-deadpool-available-in-wpn-stores-april-25

Arena State of the Game:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/mtg-arena/state-of-the-game-2025-spring-edition

Dad Takes Son to Magic Con:

https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a64088729/magic-the-gathering-for-parents/

LRR’s 50th PPR:

https://bsky.app/profile/loadingreadyrun.com/post/3llhc4lzxjs2a

Desperate Ravings

NRG Catches a Cheater:

https://bsky.app/profile/fireshoes.bsky.social/post/3lkwtovp6jk2t

https://youtu.be/nPp3fdsxVyE

Going Infinite

Maro’s Rabiah Ranking:

https://www.tumblr.com/markrosewater/779564303654289408/hi-mark-how-would-you-rank-these-planes-in-order

Splash Damage

Lorcana Bans Two Cards:

https://www.destructoid.com/disney-lorcana-banned-card-list/ 

Chris Perkins Leaves WotC: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisperkinsdnd.bsky.social/post/3llyvdjkphk2p

The Finisher

Tarkir Dragonstorm is now live on MTG Arena, Magic Online, and soon your friendly local game store. So now that the storm count is at 1, tell me: what’s the thing you’re looking forward to most with the new release?

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First Pick

Dragonstorm Roundup

Statement on Dragonback Assault:

https://bsky.app/profile/fireshoes.bsky.social/post/3lksxrjtb6k24

Kittenstorm:

https://bsky.app/profile/magic.wizards.com/post/3lkvytmxflv2e

Prerelease Delays in Malaysia and Indonesia:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/tarkir-dragonstorm-prerelease-events-delayed-in-malaysia-and-indonesia

Ambassadors:

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1354142821598105731/IMG_2830.png?ex=67e588c7&is=67e43747&hm=afcf17a41cd9b4031e052d9b704646e89d8c74d789d51b31ebbe07e8e23532e6&

Gather the Townsfolk

It’s Happ… ening:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XQpAnRh0IEI

Our Boss Is on Vacation Superdrop:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/secret-lair-our-boss-is-on-vacation-superdrop

Stickers:

https://www.tumblr.com/markrosewater/778744504027086848/hi-mark-i-saw-the-new-sld-stickers-and-they-look?source=share

Rian Gonzales Caught Copying:

https://www.comicsbeat.com/artist-rian-gonzales-caught-copying-anothers-work-in-debate-over-referencing-versus-tracing/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr6tUfXS8CI

Karl Kopinski Recovering From Stroke:

https://bsky.app/profile/mountainmagesigs.com/post/3lkgjjcjea224

Jim Davis Recovering:

https://youtu.be/8e_FwuRcaQ4

Desperate Ravings

Archidekt Removes AI Deck Poem Generator:

https://bsky.app/profile/archidekt.com/post/3llai4okbic2w

The Finisher

Archidekt has removed their poem generating A.I., for A.I. reasons not for poetry reasons. So now that there’s a job opening for a poet laureate at Archidekt, give me your best MTG prize poem.

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First Pick

Tarkir: Dragonstorm Roundup Maro’s Teaser: https://www.tumblr.com/markrosewater/777738754267955200/maros-tarkir-dragonstorm-teaser?source=share Story Quick-Start Guide: https://bsky.app/profile/mtglore.com/post/3lk6q2ab3fc2w https://mtglore.com/the-tarkir-dragonstorm-story-quick-start-guide/ Pre-Prerelease: https://bsky.app/profile/loadingreadyrun.com/post/3lkeptc7tys22 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJz7ccIlppE Collecting: https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/collecting-tarkir-dragonstorm Red Mana Dorks: https://bsky.app/profile/bsweitz123.bsky.social/post/3lkp2hky75224

TDM Cards

Evan Strategic Betrayal Qarsi Revenant

PowrDragn Magmatic Hellkite Surrak, Elusive Hunter

Reuben Craterhoof Behemoth Voice of Victory

Gather the Townsfolk

Cats vs. Dogs Secret Lairs: https://secretlair.wizards.com/us/product/1151169/cats-are-better-than-dogs-foil-edition https://secretlair.wizards.com/us/product/1151171/dogs-are-better-than-cats-foil-edition https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1351221265381457950/Screenshot_2025-03-17_at_15.50.17.png?ex=67db909e&is=67da3f1e&hm=1724b3727f0d3b99c64c6511af74cebbd15aa380f8b13783aef33c127136960e& https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1351221265670869113/Screenshot_2025-03-17_at_15.50.32.png?ex=67db909e&is=67da3f1e&hm=77207a0a96524c0bb99dd23039cc0e6b3aaafd40bb610f130348bbab5340f411& Cats Win: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1351297460089262110/lAV8kTeGsl2025_chaosvault_top_banner_wtext_1920x500_v02_1920_500.jpg?ex=67dbd794&is=67da8614&hm=31d538795f4a2c790b46150bf2a11a2a6cab824113e29df83d79a9be76c8e49f&

MTG Worlds in Bellevue: https://bsky.app/profile/playmagic.com/post/3lk2afzujr22m

Secret Lair SpongeBob: https://collider.com/spongebob-magic-the-gathering-special-secret-lair-images/ https://bsky.app/profile/tylerwalpole.bsky.social/post/3lk4gmydns22m

Marvel Secret Lair Coming to WPN Stores: https://magicuntapped.com/index.php/news/confirmed-marvel-secret-lair-coming-to-wpn-stores-will-contain-mechanically-unique-cards

Splash Damage

Shadowverse’s $676k for First Place: https://twitter.com/fireshoes/status/1900152181937905859

The Finisher

Tarkir Dragonstorm previews are here, descending upon the countryside and burninating the peasants and all that. So as we continue to behold all the sweet new stuff, what draconic goodies are you hoping come out next?

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First Pick

MagicCon Chicago Wrap-Up

Gather the Townsfolk

Spider-Man Roundup

First Day of Toy Fair:

https://bsky.app/profile/kesswylie.bsky.social/post/3ljefhicesk2y

Retiring the UB Frame:

https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/1j1b6pl/retiring_the_universes_beyond_frame/

Collecting Spider-Man:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/collecting-marvels-spider-man

Maro Affirms Diversity Efforts:

https://www.polygon.com/mtg-magic-the-gathering/529744/mtg-mark-rosewater-dei-statement-magiccon-2025

Battle of Wits at China RC:

https://bsky.app/profile/frankkarsten.bsky.social/post/3ljgedysqtc2g

As we move on to Desperate Ravings.

Desperate Ravings

Arena Direct Boxes and Tax Season:

https://x.com/DJeffMTG/status/1895739392955965794

PleasantKenobi on FF Collector Box Prices:

https://bsky.app/profile/pleasantkenobi.bsky.social/post/3ljgbvoc7y22m

Splash Damage

Monopoly Movie:

https://deadline.com/2025/03/monopoly-movie-lionsgate-luckychap-john-francis-daley-jonathan-goldstein-1236311872/

The Finisher

Potato Head Beholder:

https://www.allspark.com/home/threads/d-d-icons-of-the-realms-potato-head-beholder-revealed.3343/

We have a surprising reveal from the GAMA Expo: WizKids is adding a Potato Head Beholder to their D&D Icons of the Realms miniature collection. Scaled to fit a D&D size, the set comes with eye stalks, rays, a big ol’ central eyeball, and then all the other Potato Head fixin’s. So tell me: what other toy icons are you hoping to see in your next D&D game?

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First Pick

Final Fantasy:

https://www.ign.com/articles/magic-the-gathering-final-fantasy-commander-deck-reveal-spoilers

https://bsky.app/profile/gavinverhey.bsky.social/post/3lifb46fass2l

https://bsky.app/profile/gavinverhey.bsky.social/post/3life27okic24

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/collecting-final-fantasy

Gather the Townsfolk

TCC’s Fundraiser for Trans Lifeline $540K total!

https://bsky.app/profile/tolariancommunitycollege.com/post/3lhzlyi3goc2s

https://bsky.app/profile/germangaryoak.bsky.social/post/3li6kva5gzc2h

https://bsky.app/profile/tolariancommunitycollege.com/post/3li6lui2tz22v

https://bsky.app/profile/tolariancommunitycollege.com/post/3liagcgeyjs2y 

Rachel Weeks Reworks Commander Brackets:

https://bsky.app/profile/rachelweeks.bsky.social/post/3liaihvemes2m

Kai Budde Not Attending PT Chicago:

https://bsky.app/profile/kaimbudde.bsky.social/post/3lihrz7lmvc26

Desperate Ravings

Gamestop Hosting FNM:

https://www.gamestop.com/fridayNightMagic.html

The Finisher

Final Fantasy is finally reality, and so is a universe beyond our own coming to Standard legality. So tell me: what U.B. I.P. are you rooting for to come to Type 2 next?

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First Pick

It’s Time for a Game Changer! (I’ve Been Here the Whole Time!):

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1338935512068653196/image.png?ex=67ad8d1e&is=67ac3b9e&hm=3c7564916359fd1e534c87dd4bbc6656b73b22581d1b71b4a6341704be8bf788&

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1338936641825542184/image.png?ex=67ad8e2b&is=67ac3cab&hm=020cd1afa8c499b09a2109a75fb7201cd74fe1da3a0782e7adefcac469559c4c&

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/introducing-commander-brackets-beta

https://youtu.be/Wa4u8cLWMSs?si=zC6qw5QXvpAQ_wDP

https://edhrec.com/articles/wotc-introduces-new-bracket-system-for-edh

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1338985798032162816/Screenshot-2025-02-11-095859.png?ex=67adbbf3&is=67ac6a73&hm=d465a9fb67cac83654256a3555acd6a8fb85350bfe34325f5d38859f927fde95&

And we move out of the First Pick to: Gather the Townsfolk thanks to our sponsor Mana Traders! The best tool to enhance your Magic Online experience. Use the code “MAGICMICS_08V” for 10% off your next subscription with Mana Traders.

Gather the Townsfolk

Aetherdrift Feedback; 

Evan’s Thoughts From Preview Event:

https://youtu.be/_Tp_UVdgQVw

Arena Announcements:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/mtg-arena/announcements-february-10-2025

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/410942703623208960/1338946605264539719/Screenshot_2025-02-11_at_18.54.31.png?ex=67ad9773&is=67ac45f3&hm=72e6d39cec34abe8f9d2c0ffa0656f788a3dfba58b058348bccddf877b0cb455&

Year of the Snake Promos:

https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/earn-sweet-year-of-the-snake-promos-at-your-local-game-store

Mtg.wiki:

https://old.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/1ifhrna/the_mtg_wiki_is_now_at_mtgwiki_hosted_by_scryfall/mag7fn9/

Prof’s Masters Masters:

https://bsky.app/profile/tolariancommunitycollege.com/post/3lhynomnofk2s

Affinity Errata:

https://old.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/1io4epd/gate_colossus_now_has_affinity_for_gates/ 

Friday Nights Premiere:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUvPa6gKE2s 

Desperate Ravings

Brandon Sanderson Talks MTG’s Storytelling:

https://www.wargamer.com/magic-the-gathering/brandon-sanderson-hat-sets

Going Infinite

Mana Dorks in Red?:

https://www.tumblr.com/markrosewater/774068709766594560/howdy-mark-question-about-red-mech-color-pie-i?source=share

The Finisher

Well that’s it for today’s episode of Game Changer. So with the new bracket system, what are you looking forward to being added to the system next?

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