Magic: The Gathering Drive to Work Podcast

Back in 1999, the Magic rules had the biggest change in the history of the game in conjunction with the release of Sixth Edition. In this podcast, I walk through the major changes that happened.

My father, Gene Rosewater, died on April 17. In this podcast, I share stories about him that relate to Magic. Warning: This one's a bit of a tear-jerker.

Exploring the complexities of A/B mechanics in Magic: The Gathering, from madness to proliferate. Delving into host augment mechanics and balancing challenges. Understanding mechanics dependency and design considerations for different formats.

Back in 2018, we ran the Great Designer Search 3 (GDS3). Part of that event was a multiple-choice test many contestants took to qualify for the next part of the qualification. One question from that test, question number 28, proved to be controversial. The topic recently returned to social media, so I decided to record a podcast about it. I talk about the history of the GDSs, the reasons why there's a multiple-choice test, and get into the specifics of question 28.

In this podcast, I sit down with Outlaws of Thunder Junction Lead Play Designer Jadine Klomparens to talk about the play design of the set.

Exploring the concept of 'same but different' in Magic set design, balancing innovation with familiarity. Highlighting gameplay adaptability and strategic dynamics, comparing the spree mechanic to kicker. Emphasizing the importance of balancing familiarity and innovation in Magic: The Gathering sets to keep the game exciting.

In this podcast, I sit down with Dave Humpherys, set design lead for Outlaws of Thunder Junction, to talk about the set design of the latest expansion.

In honor of Outlaws of Thunder Junction, I did a card-by-card design podcast on cards with creature type Mercenary.

Exploring the design of a multifaceted set uniting characters from different universes, initially themed around villains before evolving into Gatewatch narrative. Design challenges of balancing card interactions in a vast pool, creating cards for outlaws, mercenaries, warlocks, and pirates. Inclusion of legendary villains from various planes invokes nostalgia and offers a fresh experience. Uncovering the lore of a desolate plane linked to other worlds through the Omen Pass, detailing the heist operation to uncover hidden treasures.

From Arabian Nights to Ixalan, the podcast explores the development and design of various Magic: The Gathering sets, including themes, mechanics, and impact. Dive into early expansions, innovation like hybrid mana and color alliances, and the evolution from monocolor sets to gold sets. Learn about unique elements introduced by sets like Cold Snap, Return to Ravnica, and Rise of the Eldrazi.