The year is 2023, and Wizards Of The Coast has just made a groundbreaking announcement at its Gen Con panel. Not only did they disclose their plans for Magic: The Gathering (MTG) for the next few years, but they also revealed partnerships with three major gaming franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Final Fantasy, and Fallout. This move comes as part of MTG’s ever-growing Universes Beyond portfolio, which brings popular fictional worlds into the realm of the trading card game.
One of the highlights of the announcement is the introduction of Fallout into the MTG universe. Fans of the critically acclaimed video game franchise can look forward to a set of Commander decks set to release in March 2024. These decks will feature a mix of brand-new and reprinted cards, showcasing beloved characters, enemies, factions, and iconic locations from Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic saga. This collaboration follows the success of other non-WOTC IPs, such as Warhammer 40K and Doctor Who, in the Universes Beyond portfolio.
Assassin’s Creed: A Booster Set Spanning the Universe
The next gaming franchise to join the MTG family is Assassin’s Creed. In July 2024, a full booster set encompassing the entire AC universe will hit the shelves. Players can anticipate new and reprinted cards, all adorned with stunning Assassin’s Creed-themed artwork. However, the excitement doesn’t end there. WOTC assures fans that the new cards will be “mechanically unique,” promising an innovative and immersive playing experience. This booster set follows the recent success of The Lord Of The Rings: Tales Of Middle-earth in expanding the Universes Beyond lineup.
For fans of the legendary RPG franchise Final Fantasy, 2025 is set to be a monumental year. A full booster set expansion is slated for release, featuring cards that span the entirety of the mainline FF series. From the iconic original game to the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XVI, players will be able to collect and play with characters and elements from their favorite installments. What’s more, digital MTG enthusiasts can also join in the fun as the set will be available in Magic: The Gathering Arena.
As an additional treat for fans, MTG has partnered with Jurassic World to create a special subset of cards. This collaboration celebrates the 30th anniversary of the popular franchise and will be included in the Lost Caverns Of Ixalan expansion, set to launch later this year. Players can expect a thrilling blend of prehistoric creatures and MTG’s immersive gameplay.
Gen Con 2023 also brought forth several other exciting announcements for the future of MTG. Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store:
Modern Horizons 3 (2024)
The reprint set Modern Horizons is making a comeback, offering a refreshing twist with double-faced cards and the introduction of new Planeswalkers.
Ravnica Remastered (Q1 2024)
Fans of the plane Ravnica will be delighted as this reprint expansion ventures back to its roots. With cards from each Ravnica block, this expansion will emphasize the various guilds that make Ravnica a beloved favorite.
Murders at Karlov Manor (Q1 2024)
Murders At Karlov Manor brings a captivating murder mystery experience to the world of Magic: The Gathering. Players will engage in detective work, decipher clues, and unravel secrets in this unique addition to the trading card game.
Ravnica: Clue Edition (Q1 2024)
Combining the classic board game Clue with the captivating world of MTG, Ravnica: Clue Edition offers a standalone experience packed with intrigue and adventure.
Outlaws of Thunder Junction (Q2 2024)
Magic takes on the Wild West in this upcoming expansion. Notorious villains from MTG lore will make their appearance in a new world within the MTG universe.
Bloomburrow (Q3 2024)
Prepare to enter the enchanting plane of Bloomburrow, inhabited by anthropomorphic creatures such as frogs, squirrels, rabbits, and rats. This expansion brings a fresh experience to the MTG universe.
Duskmourn: House of Horror (Q4 2024)
Just in time for Halloween, Duskmourn: House of Horror sets the stage within a haunted mansion. Drawing inspiration from 1980s-era horror movies and games, this set promises a spine-chilling experience for players.
Innistrad Remastered (release date: 2025)
Similar to Ravnica Remastered, Innistrad Remastered compiles cards from all previous Innistrad expansions into one carefully curated set.
Codename: Tennis (release date: Q1 2025)
Tennis marks an exciting departure from the usual MTG themes. In this set, players will embark on a multiplanar death race across three different worlds, exploring a genre uncommon to Magic.
Codename: Ultimate (release date: 2025)
Ultimate takes players back to the plane of Tarkir for a full expansion, revisiting the world for the first time since 2015.
Codename: Volleyball (release date: 2025)
Set in a science fiction space opera, Codename: Volleyball promises an interstellar journey like no other within the MTG universe.
Codename: Wrestling (release date: 2025)
Returning to Lorwyn, Codename: Wrestling showcases the vibrant races of goblins, kithkin, faeries, and elves in a grand showdown.
Codename: Yachting (release date: 2026)
The academic plane of Strixhaven takes the spotlight in Codename: Yachting. Building upon the world introduced in 2021, players can expect an intellectual and magical adventure.
Codename: Ziplining (release date: 2026)
Wrapping up the overarching story that began with Wilds Of Eldraine, Codename: Ziplining offers an epic and thrilling conclusion to the MTG narrative.
With the recent announcements at Gen Con 2023, the future of Magic: The Gathering looks brighter and more expansive than ever before. The inclusion of iconic gaming franchises, such as Assassin’s Creed, Final Fantasy, and Fallout, into the Universes Beyond portfolio promises unique and immersive experiences for both new and veteran players alike. Additionally, the upcoming expansions and sets introduce captivating themes and continue to build upon the vast MTG universe. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the game, it is an exciting time to immerse yourself in the world of MTG.
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