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By Its 30th Anniversary, Magic: The Gathering Expands Its "Universes Beyond" Line with Renowned Video Game Franchises

By Xueyang
Aug. 8, 2023 updated 01:40

In an ambitious expansion of its "Universes Beyond" collection, Magic: The Gathering has unveiled plans to integrate popular video game franchises into its card decks. This announcement came during the game's 30th-anniversary panel, revealing that by 2026, fans can expect themed sets based on iconic video games like Fallout, Final Fantasy, and Assassin's Creed.

Bethesda's post-apocalyptic world of Fallout will be first to grace the Magic cards, with Commander Decks slated for a March 2024 release. These cards, crafted in partnership with Bethesda, promise to immerse players in the diverse factions of the Wasteland, allowing them to replicate memorable Fallout scenarios. The full panel detailing this collaboration can be viewed below.

Two other giants of the gaming world, Square Enix's Final Fantasy and Ubisoft's Assassin’s Creed, are also joining the Magic universe. While the Final Fantasy collection, releasing in 2025, will encompass themes from its entire series range, the Assassin’s Creed set, scheduled for July 2024, will offer "mechanically unique" cards and distinct art reprints. Notably, this set will span across all Assassin’s Creed titles, including spin-offs, offering fans a comprehensive collection. The Final Fantasy series has an added allure; it will be incorporated into the digital realm of Magic: The Gathering Arena.

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Moving beyond the digital realm, the "Universes Beyond" series has some intriguing collaborations in store. An upcoming November expansion, Lost Caverns of Ixalan, will resonate with fans of Universal’s Jurassic Park movies, featuring artwork inspired by iconic scenes and characters, inclusive of the Jurassic World trilogy. Early 2024 will see the Ravnica block offering a unique experience reminiscent of the Clue board game.

But it's not all collaborations; Magic: The Gathering is brewing several original releases. Starting with Wilds of Eldraine this September, a captivating arc will unfold over the years, spanning 2025 projects intriguingly codenamed "Tennis", "Volleyball", and "Wrestling". This narrative will culminate in 2026 with "Ziplining", which is hinted to rival past expansions like March of the Machine or War of the Spark. Devotees can stay tuned for more specifics on these projects in the future.

Source: Twitter