How Many Magic Cards Are There
Magic: The Gathering, commonly known as Magic or MTG, is a popular strategy card game created by Richard Garfield in 1993 and published by Wizards of the Coast. The game has gained immense popularity and holds the title of “Most Played Trading Card Game.” It is currently published in multiple languages and has a strong digital presence through platforms like Magic Online and MTG Arena.
Total Unique Magic Cards
According to Wizards of the Coast’s Gatherer database, there are approximately 22,630 Magic cards with their own unique names and in-game rules text. However, the total number of unique Magic cards is a bit more complex to determine due to various factors such as reprints, alternate art versions, and foil variants. For instance, a single card like Remove Soul has been reprinted in 10 different Magic sets, resulting in 10 distinct printings for counting purposes.
When considering the total unique printings, including different art, expansion symbols, and foil variants, the number adds up to roughly 78,122 unique in-game cards. Additionally, there are 5614 unique foil and non-foil out-of-game extra cards, such as art cards, tokens, and checklists, bringing the total to 83,736 Magic cards.
Consideration of Magic Card Translations
It’s important to note that the discussion so far has been focused on the English-language version of Magic. The game is also localized into 10 other languages, and non-English printings with unique art and characteristics need to be included in the grand total. For instance, there are 36 stunning alternate-art Japanese versions of existing cards, along with other miscellaneous alt-art non-English cards, which bring the grand total to 84,108 total collectible Magic the Gathering Cards.
Magic: The Gathering – A Brief Overview
Magic: The Gathering is a game system that shares a set of rules and game components, mainly cards. Each player takes on the role of a powerful, magic-wielding being known as a planeswalker. The game is commonly played with two players, and the objective is to reduce your opponent’s life total to zero. With over 27,000 unique Magic cards and hundreds being added each year, the game offers a diverse and ever-evolving gameplay experience.
Trading Card Game and the Colors of Magic
Magic is recognized as the first product to combine randomized, collectible cards with deck construction and interactive gameplay, pioneering the trading card game genre. The game revolves around five colors for mechanical purposes: white, blue, black, red, and green, each with characteristic strategies, mechanics, and philosophies. The mana system serves as the primary resource for playing spells, drawn from lands and other permanents, adding depth and diversity to the gameplay.
History and Competitive Play
The game’s history dates back to the release of the first Magic core set, Alpha, in 1993, followed by numerous expansions and updates over the years. Competitive play has been a significant aspect of Magic, with the introduction of major tournaments and the Pro Players Club, rewarding players with different benefits based on their performance. The game has also made strides in the esports arena, with the introduction of MTG Arena and Magic esports events.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Ending Professional Play
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Magic events, leading to the cancellation of in-person gatherings and a shift to online competitions through platforms like MTG Arena. In response to the pandemic, Magic Esports announced a return to in-person play post-COVID-19 for the 2022–23 Players Tour Season. However, the 2021–22 Players Tour Season was announced to be the last season featuring the MPL and the Rivals League, with a shift in organized play resources.
$1 Billion Brand and Future Outlook
Despite challenges and changes in the competitive landscape, Magic: The Gathering has grown into Hasbro’s first $1 billion brand, showcasing its enduring popularity and success. The game continues to evolve and adapt, balancing various aspects of organized and casual play, digital platforms, and in-person events to cater to a diverse player base.
FAQs
1. How many unique Magic cards are there?
There are approximately 22,630 Magic cards with their own unique names and in-game rules text. However, when considering reprints, alternate art versions, and foil variants, the total number of unique Magic cards adds up to roughly 84,108, including non-English printings with unique art and characteristics.
2. What are the primary colors of Magic and their significance?
Magic recognizes five colors for mechanical purposes: white, blue, black, red, and green. Each color has characteristic strategies, mechanics, and philosophies, adding depth and diversity to the gameplay experience.
3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Magic events?
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of in-person gatherings and a shift to online competitions through platforms like MTG Arena. While there were uncertainties about the future of in-person events, Magic Esports announced a return to in-person play post-COVID-19 for the 2022–23 Players Tour Season.
4. What is the future outlook for Magic: The Gathering?
Despite changes in the competitive landscape, Magic: The Gathering has grown into Hasbro’s first $1 billion brand, showcasing its enduring popularity and success. The game continues to evolve and adapt, balancing various aspects of organized and casual play, digital platforms, and in-person events to cater to a diverse player base.
5. What are the different card types in Magic: The Gathering?
The main card types in Magic: The Gathering are artifact, creature, enchantment, instant, land, planeswalker, and sorcery. Some objects may have more than one card type, and cards may also have supertypes or subtypes, adding complexity and variety to the gameplay.
6. How has Magic: The Gathering contributed to the trading card game genre?
Magic: The Gathering is recognized as the first product to combine randomized, collectible cards with deck construction and interactive gameplay, pioneering the trading card game genre and setting the stage for the evolution of the genre over the years.