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In an unprecedented move, Wizards of the Coast has unveiled an exciting collaboration between Magic: The Gathering and the beloved Final Fantasy franchise, set to debut on June 13. This partnership, part of the expansive Worlds Beyond series, is poised to be one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the card game giant. With numerous surprises and significant enhancements in store, fans are eagerly anticipating what this crossover will bring.
How the collaboration came to life
The inception of this groundbreaking collaboration was influenced by several key factors, as explained by Zakeel Gordon, the Magic Tabletop Product Architect at Wizards of the Coast. One major aspect was the concurrent development of the set in both English and Japanese, tailored for their partners at Square Enix. This required extensive travel to Japan for playtesting sessions, worldbuilding workshops, and in-depth courses on Final Fantasy, allowing the team to grasp what elements were essential to their collaborators.
Gordon elaborated on the process: “We would present iterations of our designs, travel there, and receive feedback like, ‘We love this, but could you tweak this part?’ This constant dialogue helped shape the collaboration into something special. Moreover, this marks the second flagship launch of Worlds Beyond, following the success of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. We aimed to ensure that the final product would meet our high expectations and truly excite players, which required time and dedication to get it right.”
Long-standing discussions and fan engagement
The journey towards this collaboration began long before 2023, with discussions between Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix spanning almost five years. The excitement among the teams was palpable, especially as many key producers at Square Enix are lifelong fans of Magic. Gordon shared an amusing insight into their meetings: “After business discussions, we would often dive into games of Commander or chat about Legacy, showcasing our collections and sharing our love for the game.” This camaraderie undoubtedly played a role in the collaborative spirit that fueled the project.
Dillon Deveney, the lead narrative designer for Magic, outlined the challenges faced during the design process. The primary goal was to strike a balance between various elements within the set: mechanical requirements, narrative coherence, and fan expectations. They started by determining the number of cards to represent each game, followed by discussions on how many fans would want to see specific characters or elements from Final Fantasy. This meticulous planning ensured that every detail was thoughtfully considered.
Crafting an unforgettable experience
To ensure that the essence of Final Fantasy was captured, each chapter of the game was categorized into three levels of importance. Deveney explained this approach: “Level one encompasses the must-have elements, the evergreen components that all fans expect, such as Chocobo and Moogle. Level two caters to dedicated fans who might remember specific iconic mini-games, side quests, powerful weapons, or colossal bosses that posed significant challenges. Finally, level three is reserved for the most hardcore fans, featuring hidden gems that will elicit a sense of wonder and nostalgia, making them think, ‘I can’t believe they included this!'”
This comprehensive design philosophy not only aims to deliver a game that is mechanically sound but also emotionally resonant, celebrating the rich histories of both Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy. As anticipation builds for the launch, it’s clear that this collaboration is set to deliver a unique experience that honors the legacies of both franchises while inviting a new wave of players to explore their combined worlds.