

Magic: The Gathering Drive to Work Podcast
Mark Rosewater
Join Magic: The Gathering Head Designer Mark Rosewater as he shares stories, insights, and more while driving to work. Listen and learn more about how Magic is made!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2025 • 31min
#1272: How Magic Grew
In my podcast on Igniting the Spark (the new Magic documentary), I talked about doing a podcast that covered something the documentary didn't. How did Magic grow from a one hundred million-dollar game to a billion-dollar game?

Aug 29, 2025 • 34min
#1271: Structuring Sets
In this podcast, I talk about a key component of design: set structure.

Aug 22, 2025 • 35min
#1270: Prophecy
This is another podcast in my ongoing quest to record a podcast about every expansion. This episode is all about Prophecy, the third set in the Mercadian Masques block.

Aug 22, 2025 • 31min
#1269: Igniting the Spark
A documentary about how Magic debuted at Gen Con. I had the pleasure of participating in it, and this podcast talks all about that.

Aug 15, 2025 • 32min
#1268: Nemesis
This is another podcast in my ongoing quest to record a podcast about every expansion. This podcast is all about Nemesis, the second set in the Mercadian Masques block.

Aug 15, 2025 • 32min
#1267: State of Design 2025
Discover the exciting mechanics shaping the future of Magic: The Gathering in 2025! From innovative concepts like Offspring and Valiant to new gameplay strategies such as 'exhaust' and 'endure', the discussion covers it all. Learn how player feedback is crucial in balancing creativity with practical play. The exploration of unique game tokens—like Chocobos and wizards—illustrates their impact on various playstyles and themes. Tune in for unique insights and design knowledge!

Aug 9, 2025 • 31min
#1266: Mercadian Masques
This is another podcast in my ongoing quest to record a podcast about every expansion. This podcast is all about Mercadian Masques.

5 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 30min
#1265: Group Design
Magic is made not by a single designer but by a large group of people. In this podcast, I talk about how that affects game design.

Aug 1, 2025 • 31min
#1264: San Diego Comic-Con 2025
In this podcast, I talk all about my trip to this year's San Diego Comic-Con.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 35min
#1263: Flux
Explore the thrilling evolution of a trading card game where new card releases spark excitement and innovation. Discover the concept of 'Flux' and how player feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the game. Through clever metaphors, such as crispy hash browns, the discussion highlights the excitement of discovery versus the need for memorization. Uncover the collaborative dance between developers and the community that drives future game design, making each expansion a unique experience.