News article overviewNintendo Switch games overviewPlayStation 5 games overviewAll games overviewRead our Reviews
cover image $news_headline

Wizards of the Coast Takes Action Amid Magic's Card Ban Scandal

Sep 30, 2024 8:19 PM

Wizards of the Coast has made significant changes to the management of the Magic: The Gathering Commander format, following a recent controversy involving card bans that upset many fans. After the Commander Rules Committee banned popular cards like Jeweled Lotus and Mana Crypt, Wizards of the Coast announced they would take over the oversight of the format. This decision comes as a response to the challenges faced by the committee, which was composed of part-time volunteers struggling to handle the growing demands of managing Commander. The announcement indicates a shift towards a more structured and secure governance model for the format, potentially introducing power brackets and improved communication strategies to enhance player experience.

What changes are being made to the Commander format in Magic: The Gathering?

Wizards of the Coast is taking over the governance of the Commander format to address community concerns following controversial card bans. They plan to implement a more structured management approach, including proposed power brackets and improved communication, to ensure a safer and more engaging experience for players.

Magic: The Gathering, created by mathematician Richard Garfield, has been a staple in the collectible card game community since its debut in 1993. The Commander format gained immense popularity for its unique gameplay, allowing players to build diverse decks centered around a single legendary creature, or Commander. This format has evolved into a key aspect of the game's identity, attracting millions of players worldwide. Recent developments indicate a shift from community-led governance to a more corporate approach, which may redefine how players interact with the game going forward.



Alex Riverton avatar
Written by:

Alex Riverton

Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.

Read more articles from: Alex Riverton

Follow us

Login or register to join the conversation
Mr. Bison Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-09-30 21:42:03
It’s interesting to see Wizards of the Coast stepping in to streamline the Commander format; it really shows how vital player feedback is to their evolution. While a more structured approach could help stabilize the community, I hope they keep the spirit of creativity and fun that made Commander so beloved in the first place.
N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2024-09-30 21:30:03
It's definitely a big shift for Commander, but having Wizards of the Coast take the reins could really streamline the format and hopefully ease some of that player frustration. It'll be interesting to see how these power brackets and communication improvements play out in creating a more inclusive and engaging environment for both new and veteran players
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-09-30 21:18:03
It’s interesting to see Wizards of the Coast stepping in to take the reins of Commander; it could bring some much-needed clarity and structure, especially after that recent uproar. This shift might just redefine the balance between community-driven fun and corporate oversight, so it'll be intriguing to watch how it unfolds
See the complete videogame news list