Comments on: MVP044: Round Table – Will Magic Digital Next Make Magic an E-Sport

By: Thomas Traplin

Thomas Traplin — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:04:34 +0000

In reply to A D Jameson. That's an interesting way of looking at the situation that I hadn't thought of. I think part of the reason for that is because I haven't been very impressed by the way Wizard's has handled their digital products so far. MODO has been a disaster for the last decade or so, but if Wizard's can turn that around and really invest in MDN than I think you might be right. They could be looking at a platform that could modify or replace a lot of the existing Premier Play structures they have right now and somewhat solve their judge issue at the same time. Time will tell if they manage to create something up to the task but at the moment, their past efforts don't give me much confidence they will be able to pull it off.

By: A D Jameson

A D Jameson — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 05:18:00 +0000

In reply to Tomtraplin. I have the impression that Magic Digital Next is a code name, and that the final name will foreground the Planeswalker IP. (FWIW, D&D 5.0 was code named "D&D Next.") Also, Wizards appears to be investing so much in MDN, it's reasonable to imagine tournaments will showcase the platform. I imagine high-level Magic tournaments will shift to using it. That slide indicates that MDN is meant to appeal to competitive players, and presumably also facilitate "Premier Play." What's more, switching to a digital platform solves Wizards' judge compensation problem (not the way I'd like it to be solved, but Wizards would be foolish if they weren't considering this).

By: Tomtraplin

Tomtraplin — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 05:23:00 +0000

In reply to Kyle. Great point Kyle, I think you're right. Wotc could definitely do more to add production value to a broadcast of a Magic tournament and they would have plenty of good examples to look to like poker. I would bet they won't go that route though because of the added costs to an operation they already view as not worth the effort. Maybe Magic Digital Next (what a terrible name by the way) will be the solution that makes it cheap and easy for them to make better broadcasts but we'll have to wait and see.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:26:00 +0000

I feel like they could digitize a physical event. You don’t want to get rid of the poker-esque physical presence of the players, because that showmanship, gamesmanship, and personality is a part of the game and can draw in viewers. But, just like how televised poker shows you what’s in everyone’s hand and shows you percentages etc etc, Magic could do that too. Magic Digital Next could facilitate that.