As of December 2017, a half-dozen video games were in development for Magic: the Gathering, as part of Chris Cocks' effort to continue the expansion of the intellectual property.[1][2]
Cryptic ARPG[]
Development of a free-to-play Magic themed role-playing videogame was announced on June 7, 2017.[3]
Originally marketed as an MMORPG (massively-multiplayer online role-playing game) it was to be a collaboration between Wizards of the Coast, Cryptic Studios and Perfect World. Cryptic Studios is an American video game developer specializing in massively multiplayer online role-playing games.[4] It is responsible for the major MMO hits Star Trek Online, Champions Online and Neverwinter (based on WotC-owned Dungeons & Dragons).
| “ | Experience stunning visuals and sound as we bring Magic to life in this next generation MMORPG. As a Planeswalker, you explore amazing worlds, combat powerful creatures, and meet the legendary beings that shape the fate of the multiverse. | ” |
Cryptic Studios CEO Stephen D'Angelo explained that his "intent is to go forward with a Magic game that is not about the card game. It's about jumping into the world and the fiction of Magic: The Gathering." [5]
The name of the game, Magic: Legends, was officially revealed on December 12, 2019, at The Game Awards, a year and a half after the game was announced to be in development.[6] It will shut down on October 31, 2021, due to poor financial performance.[7][8]
Netmarble MOBA[]
On February 5, 2018, Wizards of the Coast and South Korean mobile phone giant Netmarble Games announced they were working on Project M, the codename for a new game for smartphones coming sometime in that year.[9] They called Project M a “multiplayer battling game” in which “players show off their creativity and strategy as they battle across the planes of the "Magic: The Gathering Multiverse", and “game avatars will be fully animated as they race across the battlefield to defeat their opponent.” The released video and images look like a multiplayer online battle arena, or MOBA.[10]
ManaStrike officially launched globally on January 30, 2020.[11] In November 2020, less than a year after its launch, a termination notice was posted in the game's official forum. The game servers remained open until February 24, 2021.[12]
Planesiege[]
On January 23, 2018, WOTC filed two new trademarks: "Manastrike" (later revealed to be the Netmarble game) and "Planesiege". The latter also specifically refers to electronic, online multiplayer gaming.[13]
Tuque Games[]
In October 2019, Wizards of the Coast acquired Montreal-based Tuque Games. Tuque had already been working on a game using Wizards' Dungeons & Dragons license and will continue to work on video games employing the tabletop gaming company's stable of brands.[14]
References[]
- ↑ Brian Crecente (December 27, 2017), "Chasing Innovation Inside the Company Behind D&D, Magic and Avalon Hill", Rollingstone.com
- ↑ Zac Clark (February 8, 2018). "Wizards of the Coast President Chris Cocks on MTG Arena and the Future of Digital Magic", Hipstersofthecoast.com
- ↑ Mike Minotti (June 7, 2017). "Magic: the Gathering is becoming an MMO". Venturebeat.com
- ↑ www.crypticstudios.com/magic
- ↑ Brandan Sinclair (June 7, 2017). "Taking an IP and making it your own". Gamesindustry.biz
- ↑ David McCoy (December 12, 2019). "Magic: Legends, an MTG MMO, Revealed at the Game Awards". Hipsters of the Coast.
- ↑ Steve Ricossa (Jun 29, 2021). "Magic: Legends Shutting Down October 31, 2021". www.playmagiclegends.com
- ↑ Walz Music and Sound (June 29, 2021). "Devastating news to share. Cryptic Studios has decided to cancel Magic Legends for poor financial performance.". Twitter.
- ↑ Project M (YouTube)
- ↑ Jason Wilson (February 5, 2018). "Magic: The Gathering and Netmarble announce ‘Project M’ for mobile", Venturebeat.com
- ↑ Gary Catig (January 30, 2020). "Magic: ManaStrike Globally Launched And Available Now". ComicCon.com.
- ↑ Manaecho (November 6, 2020). "Magic: ManaStrike gets terminated". Manaecho.com.
- ↑ New WOTC Trademarks and Domain Registrations
- ↑ Brendan Sinclair (October 29, 2019). "Wizards of the Coast acquires Tuque Games". Gamesindustry.biz/.
