We asked the new, scarily accurate AI, ChatGPT whether it thinks we should play MTG.... and why we might not want to...
Hye ChatGPT, why do people play MTG?
There are many reasons why people play Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a collectible card game that has been around since 1993. Here are a few possible reasons why people might play MTG:
- Strategic gameplay: MTG is known for its deep and complex gameplay, requiring players to carefully build their decks and make strategic decisions about when to play certain cards. This can be intellectually challenging and rewarding for players who enjoy strategy games.
- Social connections: MTG is often played in groups, either in person or online, and can be a great way to connect with other people who share a common interest. Many players enjoy the sense of community that comes from playing the game with others.
- Collecting and trading: Like other collectible card games, MTG involves collecting and trading cards, which can be a fun and rewarding hobby for some players. Collecting rare or powerful cards can be exciting, and trading with other players can help build connections within the community.
- Creative expression: MTG allows players to build their own decks using a wide variety of cards with different abilities and attributes. This can be a creative outlet for players who enjoy deckbuilding and experimenting with different strategies.
- Escapism and entertainment: Like other games, MTG can be a way for people to escape from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy some entertainment. The colorful artwork and immersive gameplay can be engaging and enjoyable for many players.
These are just a few of the many possible reasons why people might play MTG. Ultimately, whether or not someone enjoys the game depends on their individual interests and preferences.
I love this answer from ChatGPT. It highlights so many of the key reasons people keep coming back to Magic – it could be you just want to engage your brain in some strategy, but a lot of people play because they get to meet other people (but then, you could do that over a board game), and also because you have some creative control over the deck you’re building. When you win, you’re not only a good player, you’ve created something that has allowed you to win. But I didn’t end there – I felt ChatGPT has more to give…
Are there any other reasons?
Yes, there are many other reasons why people might play Magic: The Gathering. Here are a few additional reasons:
- Competitive play: MTG has a robust competitive scene, with tournaments and events held regularly at local, regional, and national levels. Players who enjoy competitive gaming may be drawn to MTG for the challenge of testing their skills against other top players.
- Sense of accomplishment: Winning a game of MTG can be a satisfying and rewarding experience, particularly if the game was challenging or required creative problem-solving. Many players enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering the game and winning against tough opponents.
- Nostalgia: MTG has been around for nearly 30 years, and many players have been playing the game for a significant portion of their lives. For these players, MTG may hold a special place in their hearts as a beloved hobby that has been a part of their lives for many years.
- Educational value: MTG can be a valuable tool for teaching critical thinking, math, and reading skills. The game requires players to read and understand complex rules and card interactions, make strategic decisions based on probability and risk analysis, and perform mental math to calculate damage and life totals.
- Sense of community: The MTG community is known for being welcoming and inclusive, with players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels coming together to enjoy the game. Many players enjoy the sense of belonging that comes from being part of this community.
These are just a few more examples of the many reasons why people might play MTG. Each player is unique, and what draws one person to the game may not be the same as what draws another person to the game.
I love that ChatGPT has drawn out the educational benefits of games like MTG – perhaps a shame that it left it to number 9 as we know it isn’t just young people that value this, but games like this also keep brain activity sharp in older people too. We certainly see people coming back to play with us thanks to the nostalgia element too, and Wizards of the Coast (who make MTG) sometimes lean heavily into this by returning to some classic planes. But are there any reasons we wouldn’t want to play?
These are really great ideas, but what stops people playing MTG?
There are several reasons why someone might choose not to play Magic: The Gathering or stop playing the game after having played it before. Here are a few possible reasons:
- Cost: MTG can be an expensive hobby, particularly for players who want to collect rare or powerful cards or compete in tournaments. Some players may find that the cost of building and maintaining a deck is too high to justify the time and money investment.
- Complexity: While many players enjoy the strategic depth of MTG, others may find the game too complex or overwhelming to learn. The game has a steep learning curve, and players must understand a wide range of rules and interactions to play the game effectively.
- Time commitment: MTG games can take a long time to play, particularly in a tournament setting where matches can last several hours. Some players may not have the time or energy to commit to playing the game on a regular basis.
- Unwelcoming community: While the MTG community is generally known for being welcoming and inclusive, some players may have negative experiences with toxic or unwelcoming players or communities. This can make the game less enjoyable or even drive players away from the hobby altogether.
- Changing interests: As with any hobby, players’ interests can shift over time. Someone who once enjoyed playing MTG may simply lose interest in the game or find that they prefer other hobbies or activities instead.
These are just a few of the many reasons why someone might choose not to play MTG or stop playing the game after having played it before. Ultimately, whether or not someone enjoys the game depends on their individual circumstances and preferences.
Man, this list is pretty true – or at least can be. We’ve all heard horror stories of unwelcoming communities, people being put off by changes made to the game, or people who’d love to play priced out of the events. There’s some things we can do about this though, that’s why we run our Intro League (Friday Nights from 6:30pm at LilyAnne’s Coffee Bar). With an upfront cost of £15 and then a weekly cost of £6, you know exactly how much it’ll cost. We’re still aware this can be a lot of money for some people, but our format of playing with the cards you’re given from booster packs means there’s no impetus to spend money searching for the rare card. The intro league has a fantastic community around it, and because it’s only very gently competitive, the community stays friends. That’s not to say we don’t have a place for competitive MTG, we do, but there’s less chance of someone taking is super-seriously here. This limiting of cards to the boosters you’re given also means the learning curve is fairly gentle.
We did something similar with YuGiOh too…. check back later this week to find out what ChatGPT has to say about it!