Magic: The Gathering Drive to Work Podcast

We design a lot of mechanics. Most don't make it to print. Why? That's my topic for this podcast.

This podcast talks about a tool we use to playtest new mechanics.

Someone on my blog asked me if I ever designed any Magic formats. It turns out that I have, so I spent a podcast episode talking about them.

In this episode, I walk through many of the design issues that occur during vision design.

In this podcast, I talk about times we decided to reuse mechanics and times we chose to tweak mechanics into something new.

Explore the fascinating process of creating game mechanics for custom sets, highlighting the importance of player needs and effective development strategies. Discover personal anecdotes that illustrate the art of designing mechanics, along with the vital role of playtesting in enhancing gameplay experiences. Delve into the iterative development process that refines new abilities, ensuring players enjoy a robust and engaging game.

In this episode, I walk through the history of Magic and talk about how communicating with players has changed over the years.

Dive into the final five mechanics deemed the worst in Magic: The Gathering, with a spotlight on Radiance from Ravnica. Discover the design hurdles faced while creating Boros guild mechanics like Convoke. Explore how flavor and functionality impact player experience, along with a deep dive into complex mechanics that baffled many. The hosts reflect on player reception and valuable lessons learned in game design, closing out a fascinating series on the evolution of gameplay mechanics.

In this engaging discussion, the host dives into complex mechanics like Miracle and Forecast, revealing their logistical nightmares. Various mechanics, including Suspend and Cleave, are analyzed for their design flaws and player reception. The conversation takes a critical look at unmemorable mechanics like Conspire and Support, exploring why they miss the mark. A particular spotlight is on the Epic mechanic, weighing its powerful effects against the pitfalls it creates. The host also shares insights from Fateful Hour and Day Night, balancing excitement with gameplay practicality.

Dive into the world of Magic: The Gathering as the host unpacks the 20 worst mechanics ever devised. Starting with the infamous 'stickers' from Unfinity, the discussion reveals the design challenges and player frustrations these mechanics have incited. Listeners can expect a humorous yet critical analysis that sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of other lackluster mechanics in the series to come.