Magic: The Gathering Updates Amidst COVID-19
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world has changed. We’ve seen smaller changes like events being postponed to huge shifts like entire countries being shut down. In this uncertain time, many people are turning to hobbies. If you’re a fan of Magic: The Gathering, there are two important stories you’ll want to be aware of in the middle of the Coronavirus. While the outbreak may affect the launch of the new Ikoria card set, Magic: The Gathering Arena has more content for you during this time. Here are the two biggest stories around Magic: The Gathering cards at the moment.
Changes to Launch of Ikoria Card Set
The newest set of Magic: The Gathering cards, the much-anticipated Ikoria set, is due to release on April 24th and will prerelease April 17th through 19th. Typically, customers would head to the local game store to purchase the pre-release packs and then participate in an in-store event. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, publisher Wizards of the Coast is changing the standard.
Since there is a big emphasis on social distancing during the Coronavirus pandemic, Wizards of the Coast has decided to allow customers to buy Ikoria during the pre-release period and then head straight home instead of having to stick around for an event.
Ultimately, decisions will be up to the individual card stores, but Wizards of the Coast is hoping that this change will help businesses to make the right decision in protecting the health of their customers. If you’re planning to purchase the new set, contact your local game store first to see if they are putting any new rules in place during COVID-19.
Additional Content in Magic: The Gathering Arena
If you are already a fan of playing Magic: The Gathering cards but want to continue social distancing during COVID-19, check out Magic: The Gathering Arena. This digital version of the original card game is the perfect way to continue to play with your friends while keeping your health the main priority. The arena launched in September 2019 and has a nearly identical play to the physical card game, even featuring simultaneous release events with the cards.
Magic: The Gathering Arena is also a great way for those on a budget to start or continue playing, as you don’t have to spend any money to partake. You’ll have all the features and fun that you’re used to in the traditional card game, and you can also take advantage of the new features that are being rolled out amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Most notably, the Brawler’s Guildhall event is back and does not require an entry fee. Additionally, Theros: Beyond Death is a Ranked Draft for the current new set of cards that you can participate in along with the normal bi-weekly rotating Ranked Draft. Both of these changes will be in effect until at least mid-April, but as the Coronavirus outbreak continues to get worse, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see an extension of these events or extra content added altogether.
While you’re stuck at home, now may be a good time to see if you have any Magic: The Gathering cards worth money! If you’re going through your collection and are considering selling, contact Collectibles Investment Group for a free appraisal of your cards. When the Coronavirus outbreak dies down and we’re able to get back out into society, you will have a better idea of how much you can sell your Magic: The Gathering cards for. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your appraisal.
