Glad I could help mike it was a pleasure talking to a someone who genuinely loves the game and the hobby, that's why I chose to sell to you. Other youtubers actually offered a bit more but they did not have the love for the game that you do. It means alot that you decided not to open it. I hope it brings you the joy it brought me. From one brother to another, thank you.
My Dad was at one point a commodities trader and the president of the COMEX in NYC- really knows his stuff about markets and has a scary track record of everything from stocks to real estate (I wish he got into MTG!). He’s always told me that a market bottom doesn’t occur until everyone is feeling burned out and totally negative. I’m going to choose to frame your burnout as a great sign for the secondary market and old school Mtg in general. If the Alpha Hoarder is temporarily losing steam for hoarding… the pendulum is about to swing 😺 thanks for keeping me company on my commute home my friend; this hobby is a journey, not a destination. Feel free to rest a bit!
At the end of the day you gotta buy whatever you like, as you are the one who will own them. It does not matter what others think as long as YOU enjoy them.
Hey Mike, sorry to hear that you're feeling the burn out. I always find that I can renew my interest in something if I take a break from it for awhile. Even a brief respite via distraction from another hobby can alleviate that feeling of burnout. You're a smart guy and I know you probably understand that already. It's obvious how important the hobby is to you and many of us share that sentiment. We'll all still be here to watch your videos and share the love of the hobby when you get back if you wanted to take a break. You're always going to have that amazing collection!
I believe each of us enjoys the hobby as their own. You don't need anyones approval or disapproval for the decisions you make (ideally as long as it's not hurting you or your loved ones financially), so enjoy and embellish as you see fit. I agree that the 'dust' has started to settle with M30, and with ever reduced attention spans of the public at large, it truly doesn't matter what you choose to do with it. Those seeking to profit with M30 will continue their quest, as will those who relish in collecting. Yes, I also experienced Magic burnout....kept me out for about 10 years. I do regret selling some of my Alliance/Mirage/Visions rares during an impulse sell....but I largely kept my collection. And my collection was safely waiting for me when I returned. As always, great video.....I enjoy your rants!
@AlphaHoarder I had largely moved on from MTG after highschool; focus on college/cars/girls took precedence for quite a while. I would peek in from time to time to see what new sets had, but didn't collect or play anymore. Then I overheard some coworkers talking about MTG, and slowly started playing with them....learning about modern....and slowly the old memories of kitchen-table sessions with old friends kicked in......and here we are!
I still stand by buying cards from 30th feeds people buying boxes to flip, which in the end feeds the Corporate greed driving the hobby downward. As far as burnout, it’s healthy to take a break. Distance makes the heart grow fonder right?
I’m trying to work through the last step of that logic. My thought process is, this was their attempt to milk the secondary market equity of the hobby, and it failed bad. How is anything else that happens now, on the secondary market, changing the standing situation where they want (but can’t get) a piece of that pie? Does it matter if its revised duals or 30th boxes? Not saying it can’t… asking as I try to think though it….
@@AlphaHoarder Maybe: If Hasbro sees that the market is active, then they may do it again later. The less active the M30 market is, the less likely they will do it again. Even absent this monitoring by Hasbro, if they decide to do it blindly, the people that bought and then sold privately, probably at a profit, will be likely to buy again and that would signal to Hasbro that it is not as bad as people made it out. I do think buying M30 on the secondary market should be avoided if you want the message to stick.
I know exactly how this feels. It took me some time to figure out that my emotions made me biased in what I saw. Of course there are people quiting the hobby, but it was not as bad as I felt it. Almost sold my P9 after reading the M30 announcment. Today I look at my P9 and thank god daily that I have not sold them during my rage. I start seeing opportunities again to acquire more of the old stuff and recognized that many people are actually doing the same again. Just take a pause, relax and wait until the love for the cards is back :)
As a collector yes, I have felt burnt out. Last few months I have focused more on the game instead and the social aspect with friends. Currently playing cEDH with friends and all the new cards suddenly mean something to me. I recently picked up an Erhnam Djinn for the treasure shrine so the collector side still lives on inside despite the shifted focus
It sounds like a couple of people worked through their burn out in a similar manner… By returning to the game itself. That’s good advice I appreciate it.
Hey Mike, I went from having one alpha grey ogre to having over 30 Alpha cards just this year alone. A lot of people selling, yes, but a lot of new players like me taking advantage of this opportunity to hold positions. The only complain I have is some of the cards I purchased in jan and feb, are available in March and April at lower prices, but nobody can time the bottom. Great video!
My thoughts on Magic 30 changed once WOTC went through with sending the free product to the stores. If they had originally sold the product through local game stores I would have been partially ok with it to begin with.
It was good to see them follow through with that, especially because for a little while it looked like they were trying to bury that whole thing in the sand and hope we all forgot about it.
It is always important to separate the art from the artist. This is true in all things. The damage WotC/Hasbro did by the release of Magic 30 to the morale of the whole Magic hobby was massive. The incompetence exhibited was inexcusable. That said, there are signs it's going to recover. I try not to get emotionally involved in the hobby anymore -- it leads to rash decisions. Just have to roll with the punches and stay in the game, so to speak. Easier said than done, I know. First world problems.
I’m gonna hold you to content “eventually in the next week or two”, don’t let it be a month next time 😝. I relate a bit. When you said it’s like they’re standing there holding the knife and we are all just standing waiting to see what they’ll do.. man.. exactly right. I’m still plinking away slowly at completing my Alpha Commons set (feel like I keep seeing the same unsold cards just keep re-entering the marketplace and when I’m the only one to bid I’m like “am I complete moron for grabbing this?”) Been getting through my slump by focusing more on Pokémon with my son. Seeing his excitement for collecting has definitely reignited that spark for me.
That’s really awesome about your son, I can’t wait untill my kids are old enough to start showing them some of the stuff. Yeah, only two videos in the last two months… Not so good 😅
It’s funny you bring this up. When I first got back into collecting, I went on a buying tear over the course of a year. By the end of the year I did not even open the eBay app nor did I continue looking because I got burnt out myself. During those first six months, I was looking at what I could afford to put aside every month just to buy Alpha cards. That’s how excited I was to continue the chase. I took about a year and a half off of any TCG buying or collecting or news updates etc. I completely disassociated myself with the hobby. But guess what I start watching Rudy or your videos or Nerd and Proud of It. And all of those original excitements and feelings start flowing back and I’ve started buying again and it’s fun to me again. I think it’s totally fair and normal for what you’re feeling, considering the level of absorbing and purchasing you have done recently.
Solid take. I think the majority of collectors feel they have been put through a contentious divorce with WOTC. We thought we were madly in love 2 years ago and WOTC changed. We didn't but they started doing things without caring about how it affected us and our feelings and here were are. Emotionally bruised and battered after the last straw which was Magic30. They cheated on us and we never thought they would...but they did.
Hey Mike, nothing wrong getting burned out on a hobby. It goes in waves and if you never get burned out on something you're either a maniac or not invested deep enough. I think the chase is a big part of collecting, you scour through ebay, CKD, SCG find a rare item and you get stressed trying to BIN before someone else does, but when whales liquidate their collection and suddenly you can have any alpha card at your disposal it takes away from the hunt and the adrenalin kick. I think you talked about a similar scenario with disrupting scepter in one of your earlier videos. You certainly don't need to save packages for videos. The way you did your big alpha collection purchase was great, just stack of raw cards.
@@AlphaHoarder honestly for a few months I just focused on playing and brewing new decks. Do you play at all? I found doing that made me remember why like the cards so much and it made me focus my collecting on the cards that I needed for my decks rather that stuff that will just sit in a binder or a lockbox and rarely ever see the light of day… also I finished some complete sets that was fun.
I also love to hoard IC/ICE cards. I’ve never told anyone, but right before many ABU cards become expensive, I starting buying dozens of rares from these two sets. My reasoning was simple: they were ridiculously underpriced, unlike proxies they had the proper back [despite the squared corners], and would eventually be allowed in tournaments [due to cost, scarcity, and attrition rates]. During one of my last posts, I wanted to mention how if they’d offered the duals as individual cards, one of each, or play sets, even a $1,000 price tag for the latter option, maybe as a Secret Lair or side product, would have not seemed so exorbitantly priced. I will admit that watching players pay $500-600 per box, $3,5000 plus per case, or $5,000 plus for a Sol Ring having complained about Magic 30 does seem hypocritical. But that’s life! First, Hasbro destroyed the OS market, players will kill their wallets because of FOMO. Anyway, I love your purchase. I’m hoping to buy a VHP IC/ICE Black Lotus to put in a deck, restore, or admire from a distance. I could trade in a few complete Masters sets for it since I think overprinting will eventually erode their value. Since 2017 I bought almost one of each PreModern set since I saw a greater potential of growth than OS, which thus far, has been proven as a good decision. It’s always a sweet feeling when you buy most of your PRE-1997 cards in such a low that even if prices erode, like they’re doing now, your overall position is not affected. I don’t believe Magic is dead, finished, or in a comma; simply the rules have changed again and it’s time to adapt or leave! There’s nothing to be sad about, either way, as MTG was always a hobby/project of love. Thanking you for your posts. Many blessings. 🙏
That’s a really cool history you have with all those cards. You had astute insights! You are right, it is a project of love. That’s the thing to keep in mind when the Hasbro cloud hangs heavy.
if 30a becomes a huge secondary market success, it will definitely incentivize WOTC to try again. People didn't want to buy this at release because they didn't know how the market was going to react. But if these super high prices hold then WOTC knows that next time they do this, people will be way more likely to buy the product at release.
Yeah, you know, I gave that scenario some thought. Who can say for sure, but I have my doubts. *This* was their attempt to grab secondary market value, and it flopped in a bad way. To try again comes with increased risk, and to do that based on a very low print run market as your data point strikes me as unlikely. But, it’s a really good point, and perhaps I need to give it more consideration 🤔
Gosh I remember in 1994 we made fun of our friend who bought a box of CE. “You could have almost bought a whole booster box for that!” To be fair it was pre-sleeves era and we were in elementary school, but man we got that one wrong 😅 I bought a single M30 card. It’s a common card that is a pet card of mine. Had to have it. Sorry everyone don’t hate me! 😬 Nice pick ups for your horde! 👍👍
i don’t necessarily agree with your reasoning, but i hear what you are saying. i think it is as different as it might first apprear to be. and the fatigue is real. if you wanna chat about it, let me know, buddy.
I know the feeling mate, just take a break and enjoy other life hobbys. MAgic is like drug, anytime your brain ask you to come back and feel the touch of an alpha card and then you'r up again for some months ;)
If Post buying that lotus AP was our euphoria top signal, then even you asking these existential questions is most definitely our despondency bottom signal. Blue skies ahead! - Your friend, Toronto :D
I hear you on burnout. I've played since the beginning but having a group of friends who like playing magic together will preserve the magic for as long as we keep gathering. I think enjoying the Magic 30 product is completely fine but I do disagree that holding the line on the sale date proved anything long term to Wizards. By buying these products at later dates as collector items we are just validating to the sellers and others in the hobby that these products can be used as an investment vehicle and therefore next time they'll be more willing to buy such products from Hasbro.
I enjoyed your comparison of 30th to Chronicles. They do have strong similarities, but they're opposites. With Chronicles, it was the people with difficult to find out of print cards, who were upset at the reprints reducing the card value. With 30th, it's the people who want everything to be cheap and easy to obtain, who are complaining about the high price and limited availability. I'm kind of old school, I enjoy when some cards are rare or difficult to obtain. It creates the thrill of the hunt. With 30th, it's done in a way that doesn't negatively effect players, because the cards aren't tournament legal, and they're all reprints anyway. There's nothing new there that a player needs to track down, and the existence of 30th isn't increasing the cost of other playable cards.
Hey Mike fellow collector here... I'm sure you do already a bit, but maybe branch out to the 4 horsemen sets a little more? I basically collect 4 horsemen sets only, and even w that I have also felt a little burnt out as well. I switch between magic and pokemon that keeps me entertained between the two. Just a thought, love the content keep it up
Glad you appreciate those! It’s my favorite card 🙂 I have an older video on the channel where I show all the printing’s, but it’s those early 9.5s that I keep in my display case and look at every day.
Ive lost interest in buying MTG. For last year all my purchases were pokemon sealed product. And that has waned. Sitting on 3% of my net worth in cards. No desire to buy or sell. Just let it ride for the rest of my life
For people saying the m30 market isn't real: Card Kingdom will pay you $10.4k in cash right now for a retro frame lotus. Crap on the product all you want but it has value. I actually bought a collector box of MOM and as soon as i ordered it i asked myself why i did it. I've been proxying all my commander decks so i don't need the cards, what's the point? Guess i just love cracking the packs but i'm burned out. I did however buy a Mox Sapphire as a reward for my work bonus...still working on the power 9 but aside from that newer stuff has worn me out. Awesome video as always, thank you!
I totally share your sentiment on the burnout, I love your outloud thinking on these topics and I agree with everything but the M30 secondary market sales. We know that wotc watches the secondary market and the fact that M30 is doing well (I think the desire is natural too) is their indicator that given enough time, Magic collectors will give up their principals just to get their hands on more product. I'm not saying this is you, I would have no idea one way or the other but Magic players are addicted and wotc knows it. I would guess they'll have a similar product at the end of the year. During the first and second M30 stream they suggested they can and will do whatever they want to celebrate the 30th for as long as they feel like and this year is the actual 30th anniversary. I'm a big proponent for separating the art for the artist as well but in this case I really do think wotc will use anything to prove their point. Honestly they may just try this again regardless and I'm probably paranoid but I don't want any part of M30 for the foreseeable future. Wotc just damaged the game for me. 25 years in a hobby is effectively a third of my life and none of it feels quite the same right now. I'm looking at Sorcery tcr to spark some of that playing and collecting passion.
I appreciate that perspective, you make good points. Several people are thinking along the same lines as you. I’m still trying to work out the piece where this one part of the secondary market becomes the metric they use, when the motivation for the set in the first place was to try and tap the equity that was building in the secondary market. In other words, it seems to me that the pressure on them to try this RL-backdoor is completely unchanged with or without the 30th set in circulation, because they want a piece of all of that secondary market equity already. They tried it, and it went terribly. Would they try it again? Maybe you’re right and they’re looking specifically at this set to make that decision… I’m going to think more on this as so many people have brought it up. I’ve heard really great things about sorcery and I am interested to see some people review it, so I can decide if I want to get involved.
I think buying that big collection sometime back probably contributed to your burnout. I notice part of appeal of being a collector in any hobby is in the chase, and digesting a big haul takes that away. I think besides slowing down for a period you can look sideways at other related stuff, like MTG Alpha art. Or any of the MTG paintings that appeal to you. I find that looking at a framed art without the need to taking the art out is really appealing on a daily basis.
Yeah, you are definitely right about that. I took a little time off to reload my budget, and when it was time to start the hunt again, I found all these feelings instead. Appreciate the suggestions.
How M30 effected me: I have a yearly budget for Magic. This year I was going to use it on LotR, but seeing the greed from Wizards, I think I'm just going to pass and use all the money for an other hobby. I'm glad you enjoy the cards that are already out there.
They rebounded pretty fast after the US Stores got their boxes and there was a small dip for a week or 2. I kind of disagree that Wotc has no benefits of a healthy secondary market for MtG 30th as prices seem to stay strong which should give more confidence for people investing into product like this as every yt channel was screaming they will become worthless. My burnout came from the constant Wotc/Hasbro bashing. I still believe the product is in no way as bad for the hobby as people make it out to be. I think a product where you can pull multiple 4 and even 5 figure cards is pretty cool and people seem to really enjoy themselves opening it. Would you rather have a Mtg 30th Tutor or UNL Tutor ? Or even Revised? I am kind of coming back after taking it really slow with MtG for the last months.
There’s definitely a mix of opinions in the comments here about how this specific market might be a signal to Hasbro. My thinking was, at this point, it’s just part of the secondary market and we all know they’re watching that. In fact, I would tend to think they feel less licensed to try a product like this again vs some other backdoor approach… but people raise good points, and I find myself uncertain. If I could only pick one, it would definitely be the unlimited for the combination of history, vintage, original art, and unique position as first white-border printing. If I didn’t have a revised copy, then that would be my next pick. I grew up when those cards were still in circulation, and so that is meaningful to me. 30th really only appeals to me because I already have the other ones, and I enjoy picking up the different variations that exist now.
I agree all around. I just don't like the way 30th looks personally. I think I actually prefer a modern card in a retro frame that never had a true retro version to a new version (or proxy really) of an old card with a retro frame. One feels pimped out and the other feels like fake antiquation. CE and ICE are genuinely antiquated cards from Magic's history and even though people may have their beefs about the printing of those, like you said they don't have the same sinister intentions attached to them as 30th. People are always going to feel some kind of way about that. Milking the secondary market by charging customers for all potential appreciation up front is greedy and short sighted and will come with long term consequences for the company. They either don't understand or more likley don't care that the reason this game got to this point and with this amount of credibility is because of a thriving secondary market. It's a problem with many more products than just 30th. But yeah, I think a lot of collectors, players, and investors alike are feeling burned out by the approach.
Yeah, it did, and because it was so expensive, I had to take some time off my normal buying routine. I think after breaking that habit, when it was time to look at getting back to it, I realized how much these feelings haf grown in between.
Burnout... Maybe you finally have enough Alpha cards? Consider trying something else for a change of pace. Maybe Arabian Nights? Perhaps you'd enjoy a sealed product collection? A few choice pieces would display nicely. Get empty boxes if you're on a budget. Or you could go off the beaten path to something exotic like pre-Alpha playtest cards. It's a serious challenge just to find cards to buy, and they're still iconic pieces of the game's history. In that arena, you can still discover new cards that you didn't know existed, which brings back some of the original magic of the game. If nothing else, spend some time with your local play group hanging out and jamming a few games. Just unwind and have fun.
Yeah, you’re def on to something. The two suggestions coming up the most are: branch out, and play more. I’ve dabbled with pre-alpha cards, I only have a couple, that is a very fascinating world but tickets to enter run 2x or 3x of alphas, at least 😅 still, I’d love to find a Tutor ….
I definitely agree with you on the magic 30 cards. I also don't care about the whole Hasbro/WOTC release of magic30, but I just really don't like the cards, the look, and the backs.
Yeah, the frame doesn’t seem like anything particularly special, but it doesn’t bother me. Same about the back. I just enjoy variants generally, so this fits into that category naturally for me.
Heya Mike, Long time no see! I was definitely not on board for much of the video, but *YA GOT ME* with that Thriller example! Hit me right in the ‘80’s feels, and I am definitely able to separate the song from the artist. M30 OTOH…gonna be awhile 🫤🫤🫤. Btw…do you have a moment to talk about…Flesh and Blood? 😅😂🤣
What does "global collection" mean? Also, I agree, the thing that makes these cards amazing has nothing to do with the current company or what they do. The power of the cards comes from the people and players and experiences we carried together with them. Just like basketball players could care less about who made the basketball they play with. It's memories of times in our lives. When we first experienced magic none of us were having experiences with who manufactured them. They can literally try to manufacture anything they want and it won't be making a significant impact on ABU, they will always be special to collectors. Don't let the temporary waves of hasbro drama rock your boat.
A global set is when you try to collect every printed version / variation of a particular card. Good comparison to basketball, I agree with your thinking.
On the burn out topic -- You describe the amount of inventory on the market as people disengaging or not being interested anymore. But it could be that people need to sell cards to raise cash b/c they got laid off. Lots of tech people who are MTG fans and probably low on savings aren't currently getting paid and so need to liquidate, which I would consider a buying opportunity rather than lack of interest. On your point RE: Hasbro, yeah that's legit. I think we all wonder about that right now. Lastly, have you considered that perhaps you've just finally scratched the itch? I've been on fire with different collectible themes over the years -- Batman, Universal Monsters, Godzilla, etc -- and then at some point I just kind of move on. Maybe that's part of what you're feeling.
Good point, there are a lot of reasons for the inventory. Perhaps I’m coloring some of this through my own lens. Interesting thought at the end there, I’ll have to ponder that.
I don't think there's anything wrong with buying the individual Magic 30 cards. Hasbro isn't going to try that again after the pounding they've taken. I don't think the cards have to be seen as a symbol of greed and idiocy. The cards could also be a reminder of the time the community came together and stuck it to the big corporation. I actually think these cards are more collectable because M30 failed. There's a real story behind the cards now rather than them just being generic reprints. It's interesting you should talk about being burned out. In Rudy's video yesterday he was talking about how he's become numb to the excitement of collectibles. I think it happens to all of us collectors and investors at some time or another. If you decide to take a break from Magic you could do more of the general life advice videos. "Journey before destination" was one of my favourites. I wouldn't worry too much about people falling out of love with the hobby. Every TCG has stages like this. The reason everyone isn't holding 1st edition Charizard is because a lot of people ditched Pokémon in the early to mid 2000's. Hasn't stopped Pokémon recovering and thriving. Weiss Schwarz went through a similar thing last year but the market is starting to stabilize. However I get what you mean about Hasbro. It's like being chauffeured by a drunk baboon. I think Alpha cards will be safe long term though. Hasbro can't reprint history. Anyway, great video as always Mike. Sorry about the massive ranty comment. Don't feel obliged to reply. 😂
I read every comment, especially the long ranty ones! They have the most insight, generally speaking. You’re right, I watched that Rudy video but didn’t really process that comment. Seems like his way of verbalizing a similar thing. Good points about the ups and downs of other collectibles. Maybe the hobby itself needs time, aside from anything I’m feeling. I love the idea that the cards are now the story of the community standing up to greed. Great framing, and likely to be the story that stands over time.
I respect collectors and the market niche of MTG30. I hold nothing against niche market as a whole. When collecting a global set you must acquire to 💯 of 💯 complete. I acknowledge this fact. IMO- personally in my goldfish bowl collector with all my neatly organized cardboard. No. Nope. Please keep it moving. No snake oil for me.
You should start playing with your cards more, like old school or vintage. Also, that huge purchase from Dan probably contributed to your fatigue. Whatever you do, don’t sell out. I’ve been there before and I guarantee if you put it down for a little bit the spark will come back you will regret selling.
Definitely not at the point of selling, and yes, you’re probably right the purchase from Dan forced me to break my buying cycle to realign my budget, and during that time, a lot of these feelings started settling in. Thanks for the advice 👍
But all this to say it doesn't change the fact that there are individuals who got Magic 30 boxes to flip, doesn't add to the hobby and enjoyment in it.
with the statements that were leaked about how leadership thinks about the consumer, do you really want to own their product and support them? i dont. used to want some of the abu stuff at some point, but thats gone now. im not selling my old stuff from back in the day, but im also not buying any
Initial question (likely another comment after watching thw whole video) Why no FBB demonic tutors? Those are original art with black borders? And to a lesser extend FWB? You at least need the german ones FBB amd FWB have different names!
Think it's like all the super hero movies. The first are awesome, but after 5, 10, 20 they all kinda suck. Even if they are made well. Speaking for myself, I see alot more people pumping on UA-cam, especially Pokemon cards. I'm going to keep watching for now, but plan to exit the majority of my collection at the first sign of trouble. I've been thinking that there are other 'investments' that don't rely on asset price increases and bring a more consistent revenue stream (and possible appreciation). I'm going to treat this as a ponsi scheme. Better to exit a little early than to get out late. I'll most likely just keep a few of my core holdings...just in case.
Yeah, that’s for sure. If you feel like you’re riding a wave towards a wall, you definitely want to jump before impact, even though the wave always continues to build right until it crashes. And you are quite right, there are plenty of other investments that produce cash flow and are certainly preferable to illiquid collectibles. In fact, the only case for collectibles is if you love them, IMO.
WE felt burned out - we decided to sell our collection buy land and plant trees for future generations everytime we walk trough that magical forrest we know we did the right thing.
Sorry about the burnout, just take a break! Eventually you will want to come back again and the Beauty of Old School format and original cards is that people will still value them and want to play. About MTG 30th... I won't touch it and I cannot support it. Sorry, my boycott against WoTC has to remain. Buying them supports a market and validates WoTC.
Good advice, thanks 👍 I’d be very interested in your expanded take on the link between supporting the secondary market and validating wotc, specifically for these cards, at this point. My thoughts are, they tried and largely failed to tap into secondary market equity with this set. I don’t see a clear line between further secondary market activity in the set, as distinct from the larger secondary market, and them deciding to try this again. Know what I mean?
@@AlphaHoarder the only thing they tried was to squeeze as much as possible from the players (especially the commander ones, it was so obvious that it was just ugly with the double printing on Sol Ring and the duals). And the second thing they tried, was to tap into the Reserved List. Luckily Edwin seem to have a good take on this that preserves both the players interest, and the collectors as well.
I don't think you can call the market organic when the majority of the cards on the market came from free product given to stores. It seemed Wizards was bidding up the price of Magic 30 (some Moxes) with 2 Ebay accounts before release. I wouldn't put it past them to be bidding up some singles now to show value. They still have tonnes of boxes in warehouses which if you purchase singles, means you are giving Hasbro the greenlight to do this to Arabian Nights/Antiquities and Legends in the future. They monitor single prices on the secondary market. They will make money from future sales of M30 boxes at future events. Hell, they could insert them into future booster boxes like they did for the lost Legends cards. Still, it's your right to buy what you want. I know I won't buy them and I think a lot of play groups won't accept them. You don't reward bad behavior.
I’m sure there are inorganic parts of the market too… manipulation is hard to get away from in an unregulated market, but I’ve interacted with enough people to at least anecdotally say, there are organic parts too. Also didn’t Wizards mulch their extra inventory in that landfill? Some of it, anyway. I’m interested in this perspective, where you draw the line from singles to 4-horse reprint sets. The secondary market equity that they’re trying to seize is from the transactions that take place with the original cards. I have a hard time figuring out why or how the secondary market of these 30th cards becomes a more important metric for them, or even one that registers on their radar, given its volume and market cap compared to the ABU sets that have the actual equity. The best argument I’ve heard so far is that a strong secondary market might make them think that the second time they tried this stunt, it would sell better… Maybe. It’s a fairly high risk proposition for them. The PR was not good and to walk into that again seems questionable. Then again, there’s certainly not above questionable choices. Appreciate your sharing your perspective.
@@AlphaHoarder Wizards destroyed Modern Horizons product that likely had a color issue and was scheduled to be destroyed. I believe Rudy did a video on it. They still have 30th Anniv boxes and gave them out to employees as Christmas presents as they couldn't sell it. Don't forget, there is nothing stopping them from reprinting Magic 30th. The didn't disclose print numbers. And I doubt they put in on the Reserve List, after breaking ....said Reserve List. It's a highly speculative product and it's an interesting investment play but don't forget what Hasbro is trying to do. Screw collectors and players by stealing equity from the secondary market with reprints. None of this is done for the playerbase or MTG collector, it's just to raise more money to cover Hasbro's underperforming departments.
As an Old School player, I have no interest in anything that wasn't printed in 1993 or 1994 so as far as I'm concerned, Magic 30 doesn't exist. I can understand your burn out though, but I figured that you would mention the glut of cards vs the prices that they are asking for them are not in sync. Waiting it out makes a lot of sense in that case.
Yeah, that’s a good point, even as the supply has gone up, the asking prices aren’t aligning. The difference is quite stark if you look at how auctions are ending, compared to buy it now listings.
Man you used to be so happy about your collection and mtg, honestly you got utube negativity!! Stay of the internet and the negative influencers you been attracted to by utube. Don’t give up on mtg !!
All the negativity around Magic 30 might have helped it because if the population of the total product is around 6k these cards could possible be as rare as Alpha's if not rarer like the Summer cards. Money and time often changes sentiment especially when scarcity is involved.
Yeah, I agree with that, and especially after we saw the extra supply was mulched in a dump, it means these things are damn rare now. They will definitely stand as one of those strange relics from magic history, of the sort that we haven’t seen in a long time, like uncut sheets, and summer magic and things like this. I saw one prediction that the surviving population could be as low as 7K boxes, which would imply possibly low three-digit counts for some of the retro rares. How desirable they might be in the future is an open question, but you’re definitely right about the role scarcity plays.
Off the top of my head, my print run count for 30th boxes is currently around 22.5k, with about 12.5k distributed and the other 10k held (possibly destroyed) by WotC. It puts retro rares at about 120 copies of each card in circulation (some still in sealed boxes), and about 100 more copies of each in the WotC stash (possibly destroyed). Double that number for retro duals. Retro commons are also around the 240 mark in circulation.
The irony is MTG 30 would have been the preferred product to buy sealed. But obviously Rudy wanted his followers to buy his sealed dumps and player greed prevented an interesting investment opportunity. My question are the sellers long time holders or were they investors from the past 5-6 years? Regardless, you will get through this malaise; it's happened before and won't be the last. The closest I felt was around Ice Age/Mirage block. Magic was dying I felt pessimistic and as a result I made one of the dumbest trades ever. Look at this as an opportunity going from lean time to land of plenty. These cards will find a home. I will buy M30 but still gauging the supply and where the prices will settle down. The fact CK has a buylist of 10k for a retro BL has to mean something at this point in time.
@@AlphaHoarder Not so much trading out but trading down as I was trying to avoid paying for packs or boxes. I was actively buying thru Mercadian Masque 1999 and took a semi-break thru 2004. I first got back due to the sets. I liked Fifth Dawn, Kamigawa, loved Ravnica and Planar Chaos though I stopped playing since Ice Age with exception of drafting. I took a break with Llorwyn through Dragons of Tarkir (2007-2015). I got back in again thru a mutual acquaintance during the sets of Battle for Zendikar through Kaladesh (2015-2017). 2016 was when I first became aware how valuable RL dual were and realized what I probably traded away years ago. I completed a playlist of revised duals. I took another break after Kaladesh and got back in due to the set of Throne of Eldraine and stayed thru Kaldheim. This time I kept things sealed. With the exception of Neon Dynasty, Jumpstart, MH 1 and Commander Legends, I have not bought another set since. I realized then even buying sealed wasn't sustainable. In 2019 I began a vintage collection which is probably as complete as I can get now. Sept 2022 was my last major purchases where I bought a lot of commander staples. If I ever get back to playing it will be Commander and if you want to buy Modern singles, keep Commander in mind. I may continue to buy singles as it doesn't take much to accumulate a lot of chaff from opening boxes. Incidentally I just bought an ICE vesuvan that's been on my wish list for the longest. I can thank MTG30 fallout for that. I have detached completely from the concept of MTG Finance. I view MTG Finance with a certain contempt and disdain. Not an even playing field, market inefficiencies and more hype/speculation on what's a good or not. I would go broke if I followed any of those channels as entertaining some of them are. Buy what you love makes things so much simpler. Allows you to disregard all the negativity players bring forth to MTG 30 and if you truly don't mind it can all go to zero, then it doesn't matter about other players not wanting those cards anymore. I check CK from time to time on price/availability but that's about it these days. What Hasbro has done recently pales in comparison to the Fallen Empires to Homelands era. I think Commander format gave the game the legs to sustain MTG30 fallout and provide longevity to the game. This wound will heal.
The CK buylist prices for 30th, reflect that CK doesn't want to own a large inventory of 30th anywhere near the current retail value. They're only willing to participate in the 30th market if they're getting an amazingly good deal. They can't unload all their 30th inventory at the drop of a hat, so the big gap between buylist and retail value allows for the risk of market value swing. Retail, I've seen 30th Lotus selling for 20k and 22.5k.
At first, I hated M30. I still think it's an overpriced cash grab, and a slap in the face to the Reserved List. That said, I've picked some up on the secondary market for my global sets. I feel better about giving my money to individuals as opposed to giving it directly to Hasbro.
I agree on the last part, especially after having some conversations with those in the space and discovering many of them to be avid and passionate collectors, and not greedy flippers
I would suspect that most ppl that purchased M30 did it to make a profit. Buying from the secondary market reinforces their bad choices and WOTCs horrible decision to make the product. I won’t pick up an M30 proxy Magic ever. Yes to being burned out. Too quick of gains in 2020/21 made ppls collections feel more valuable than they are worth imo. Stay the course, just buy less. Like your content and channel.
I don't think original Collector's Edition was implemented very well. It was definitely much cheaper, yes, but that didn't make it a good product. Having all the cards together in one box at equal rarity, is antithetical to the concept of a Collectible Card Game. A Collectible Card Game is supposed to have randomized distribution and different rarities. Having all the cards available for such a low price was exciting for players, except that the cards aren't tournament legal. That's a fail. Collectors enjoy collecting things. Set a goal and work towards the satisfaction of completion one piece at a time. Collectors Edition came with all the cards in one box, so you finished the collection the same day you started it. Neat to look at, but not very satisfying to collect. Another fail. Like practically every 93-94 MTG set, CE sold out during wholesale preorder to stores, but once it arrived in the retail stores, it wasn't a big seller. That's why there's so many boxes still sealed today. Also some of the people who purchased, just left it sealed as an investment, but the value didn't do much for decades. At $50, the price was so low that the cards inside the box didn't have much value, less than 14 cents per card. They remained relatively low value and generally disliked until about 2017 when they became popular for playing in the Old School format. Even then, it's really only the popular playable cards which hold value, and they're still lower priced than ABU, and in some cases (duals at least) lower priced than Revised.
That’s a very interesting analysis, I hadn’t really considered it outside of comparing it to the way 30th was done. I suppose it does say something worth noticing that the price of the cards was basically nothing, until very recently. Grateful for your insights as always 🙏
@@AlphaHoarder I think I had m30 poisoning. Yuck 🤢. But if you stopped buying stuff for a couple months, you’ll miss it. And maybe play some games with buds
Yeah that seems to be the most salient advise from viewers. Play more games, back off buying. And sorry about the poisoning! I knew there’d be some of that, but I really wanted to think through this one out loud to get candid feedback from viewers.
I am perfectly ok with abolishing the reserved list. I believe it would be healthy for the hobby and the game. I am aware of the impact it would have on a few high dollar collectors, however it will make up for that by giving access to cards most players and collectors cannot obtain. That said I think WotC is irresponsible with their reprint policy and are bad stewards of the game. They reprint too frequently and in quantities that are too large. They need to find a much better balance to reach and engage with a wider audience. Destroying most of the value in cards is a bad move as a whole.
I’ve wondered about that, and I admit, I have my doubts. In terms of player accessibility, the vast majority of the reserved list cards fall at or below the price of modern re-printable staples as it is. We’re pretty much just talking about the dual lands, power, and maybe a dozen other cards. But then, even if they were to do away with the reserved list, they would not empty the equity out of these cards either, I suspect. In the end, I think your final point is the most important one… They need a better balance, and they can’t destroy peoples collections, or playing magic becomes an even more expensive subscription fee. Appreciate your thoughts on the matter!
Wow, Mtg people turn fast with the wind.....maybe this game deserves to die? Is that Okey to say now, people make the game, the game dont make The people
Making sense of blurry line between wizards and their product isn't so easy... perhaps I am flailing around more than many, but each of us who are emotionally invested into the hobby have to try and make sense of things, and that can involve some equivocation at times. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
MTG Burnout is a real thing my man, it's not easy when you played long enough to remember the company used to care about us
Only a historian still remembers those days 😩 Appreciate you dropping by, purp
Glad I could help mike it was a pleasure talking to a someone who genuinely loves the game and the hobby, that's why I chose to sell to you. Other youtubers actually offered a bit more but they did not have the love for the game that you do. It means alot that you decided not to open it. I hope it brings you the joy it brought me. From one brother to another, thank you.
I’ll take very good care of it good luck with everything 🤜🤛
That is the "barn classic car" of the Magic collector's dreams! What a cool thing to not only find, but be GIVEN by a friend.
My Dad was at one point a commodities trader and the president of the COMEX in NYC- really knows his stuff about markets and has a scary track record of everything from stocks to real estate (I wish he got into MTG!). He’s always told me that a market bottom doesn’t occur until everyone is feeling burned out and totally negative. I’m going to choose to frame your burnout as a great sign for the secondary market and old school Mtg in general. If the Alpha Hoarder is temporarily losing steam for hoarding… the pendulum is about to swing 😺 thanks for keeping me company on my commute home my friend; this hobby is a journey, not a destination. Feel free to rest a bit!
Great perspective from your father, I’d love to be the last domino to signal the bottom 😂 #JourneyBeforeDestination
@@AlphaHoarder 04/12/23 stamped in time. Let’s see what happens!
I've bought both Wild Growth and both Verduran Enchantress versions from Magic 30. I'm happy with them for my Global Collections.
Ohh, Enchantress, love that card!
At the end of the day you gotta buy whatever you like, as you are the one who will own them. It does not matter what others think as long as YOU enjoy them.
I was negative about mtg30 but honestly had a blast opening it
Hey Mike, sorry to hear that you're feeling the burn out. I always find that I can renew my interest in something if I take a break from it for awhile. Even a brief respite via distraction from another hobby can alleviate that feeling of burnout. You're a smart guy and I know you probably understand that already. It's obvious how important the hobby is to you and many of us share that sentiment. We'll all still be here to watch your videos and share the love of the hobby when you get back if you wanted to take a break. You're always going to have that amazing collection!
I appreciate that, thanks for the perspective
That is a crazy story. Total dream find. I almost got swept up at Magic 30 in Vegas and pulled the trigger on an opened Collector’s in a binder.
Yeah wild story! The cards are beautiful in good condition, and great in a binder. But not cheap I bet 😬
I believe each of us enjoys the hobby as their own. You don't need anyones approval or disapproval for the decisions you make (ideally as long as it's not hurting you or your loved ones financially), so enjoy and embellish as you see fit. I agree that the 'dust' has started to settle with M30, and with ever reduced attention spans of the public at large, it truly doesn't matter what you choose to do with it. Those seeking to profit with M30 will continue their quest, as will those who relish in collecting.
Yes, I also experienced Magic burnout....kept me out for about 10 years. I do regret selling some of my Alliance/Mirage/Visions rares during an impulse sell....but I largely kept my collection. And my collection was safely waiting for me when I returned.
As always, great video.....I enjoy your rants!
10 years is a long burn out! Were you completely out of the hobby at that time, or just more distant from it?
@AlphaHoarder I had largely moved on from MTG after highschool; focus on college/cars/girls took precedence for quite a while. I would peek in from time to time to see what new sets had, but didn't collect or play anymore. Then I overheard some coworkers talking about MTG, and slowly started playing with them....learning about modern....and slowly the old memories of kitchen-table sessions with old friends kicked in......and here we are!
I still stand by buying cards from 30th feeds people buying boxes to flip, which in the end feeds the Corporate greed driving the hobby downward.
As far as burnout, it’s healthy to take a break. Distance makes the heart grow fonder right?
I’m trying to work through the last step of that logic. My thought process is, this was their attempt to milk the secondary market equity of the hobby, and it failed bad. How is anything else that happens now, on the secondary market, changing the standing situation where they want (but can’t get) a piece of that pie? Does it matter if its revised duals or 30th boxes? Not saying it can’t… asking as I try to think though it….
@@AlphaHoarder Maybe: If Hasbro sees that the market is active, then they may do it again later. The less active the M30 market is, the less likely they will do it again. Even absent this monitoring by Hasbro, if they decide to do it blindly, the people that bought and then sold privately, probably at a profit, will be likely to buy again and that would signal to Hasbro that it is not as bad as people made it out. I do think buying M30 on the secondary market should be avoided if you want the message to stick.
I know exactly how this feels. It took me some time to figure out that my emotions made me biased in what I saw. Of course there are people quiting the hobby, but it was not as bad as I felt it. Almost sold my P9 after reading the M30 announcment. Today I look at my P9 and thank god daily that I have not sold them during my rage. I start seeing opportunities again to acquire more of the old stuff and recognized that many people are actually doing the same again. Just take a pause, relax and wait until the love for the cards is back :)
Glad you didn’t sell out of rage…! Appreciate the advice.
As a collector yes, I have felt burnt out. Last few months I have focused more on the game instead and the social aspect with friends. Currently playing cEDH with friends and all the new cards suddenly mean something to me. I recently picked up an Erhnam Djinn for the treasure shrine so the collector side still lives on inside despite the shifted focus
It sounds like a couple of people worked through their burn out in a similar manner… By returning to the game itself. That’s good advice I appreciate it.
Hey Mike, I went from having one alpha grey ogre to having over 30 Alpha cards just this year alone. A lot of people selling, yes, but a lot of new players like me taking advantage of this opportunity to hold positions. The only complain I have is some of the cards I purchased in jan and feb, are available in March and April at lower prices, but nobody can time the bottom. Great video!
That’s awesome! Glad you are taking advantage of the market!
My thoughts on Magic 30 changed once WOTC went through with sending the free product to the stores. If they had originally sold the product through local game stores I would have been partially ok with it to begin with.
It was good to see them follow through with that, especially because for a little while it looked like they were trying to bury that whole thing in the sand and hope we all forgot about it.
6:21: alpha and beta aren't the only option for original artwork with black border. there is also a foreign black border version of the demonic tutor.
Good point, I stand corrected. I have some of those as well, but man are they hard to get in 9.5!
It is always important to separate the art from the artist. This is true in all things.
The damage WotC/Hasbro did by the release of Magic 30 to the morale of the whole Magic hobby was massive. The incompetence exhibited was inexcusable. That said, there are signs it's going to recover.
I try not to get emotionally involved in the hobby anymore -- it leads to rash decisions. Just have to roll with the punches and stay in the game, so to speak. Easier said than done, I know. First world problems.
First world indeed! Appreciate the insight nonetheless.
I’m gonna hold you to content “eventually in the next week or two”, don’t let it be a month next time 😝.
I relate a bit. When you said it’s like they’re standing there holding the knife and we are all just standing waiting to see what they’ll do.. man.. exactly right.
I’m still plinking away slowly at completing my Alpha Commons set (feel like I keep seeing the same unsold cards just keep re-entering the marketplace and when I’m the only one to bid I’m like “am I complete moron for grabbing this?”)
Been getting through my slump by focusing more on Pokémon with my son. Seeing his excitement for collecting has definitely reignited that spark for me.
That’s really awesome about your son, I can’t wait untill my kids are old enough to start showing them some of the stuff.
Yeah, only two videos in the last two months… Not so good 😅
Sealed International collector box is pretty cool!
I love the old price tags!
It’s funny you bring this up. When I first got back into collecting, I went on a buying tear over the course of a year. By the end of the year I did not even open the eBay app nor did I continue looking because I got burnt out myself. During those first six months, I was looking at what I could afford to put aside every month just to buy Alpha cards. That’s how excited I was to continue the chase.
I took about a year and a half off of any TCG buying or collecting or news updates etc. I completely disassociated myself with the hobby. But guess what I start watching Rudy or your videos or Nerd and Proud of It. And all of those original excitements and feelings start flowing back and I’ve started buying again and it’s fun to me again.
I think it’s totally fair and normal for what you’re feeling, considering the level of absorbing and purchasing you have done recently.
Appreciate you sharing that experience
Solid take. I think the majority of collectors feel they have been put through a contentious divorce with WOTC. We thought we were madly in love 2 years ago and WOTC changed. We didn't but they started doing things without caring about how it affected us and our feelings and here were are. Emotionally bruised and battered after the last straw which was Magic30. They cheated on us and we never thought they would...but they did.
Yeah, good metaphor for the feelings.
Hey Mike, nothing wrong getting burned out on a hobby. It goes in waves and if you never get burned out on something you're either a maniac or not invested deep enough.
I think the chase is a big part of collecting, you scour through ebay, CKD, SCG find a rare item and you get stressed trying to BIN before someone else does, but when whales liquidate their collection and suddenly you can have any alpha card at your disposal it takes away from the hunt and the adrenalin kick. I think you talked about a similar scenario with disrupting scepter in one of your earlier videos.
You certainly don't need to save packages for videos. The way you did your big alpha collection purchase was great, just stack of raw cards.
Your completely right about the chase, I feel that’s a big part of it. Appreciate the input 👍
Hey man, you do you. Nothing wrong with being interested in the 30th cards. Everyone has their own opinion. You’re right, the message was sent.
I remember from your videos that you went through something like burn out a couple months back. How did you sort through that?
@@AlphaHoarder honestly for a few months I just focused on playing and brewing new decks. Do you play at all? I found doing that made me remember why like the cards so much and it made me focus my collecting on the cards that I needed for my decks rather that stuff that will just sit in a binder or a lockbox and rarely ever see the light of day… also I finished some complete sets that was fun.
I also love to hoard IC/ICE cards. I’ve never told anyone, but right before many ABU cards become expensive, I starting buying dozens of rares from these two sets. My reasoning was simple: they were ridiculously underpriced, unlike proxies they had the proper back [despite the squared corners], and would eventually be allowed in tournaments [due to cost, scarcity, and attrition rates].
During one of my last posts, I wanted to mention how if they’d offered the duals as individual cards, one of each, or play sets, even a $1,000 price tag for the latter option, maybe as a Secret Lair or side product, would have not seemed so exorbitantly priced. I will admit that watching players pay $500-600 per box, $3,5000 plus per case, or $5,000 plus for a Sol Ring having complained about Magic 30 does seem hypocritical. But that’s life! First, Hasbro destroyed the OS market, players will kill their wallets because of FOMO.
Anyway, I love your purchase. I’m hoping to buy a VHP IC/ICE Black Lotus to put in a deck, restore, or admire from a distance. I could trade in a few complete Masters sets for it since I think overprinting will eventually erode their value. Since 2017 I bought almost one of each PreModern set since I saw a greater potential of growth than OS, which thus far, has been proven as a good decision. It’s always a sweet feeling when you buy most of your PRE-1997 cards in such a low that even if prices erode, like they’re doing now, your overall position is not affected.
I don’t believe Magic is dead, finished, or in a comma; simply the rules have changed again and it’s time to adapt or leave! There’s nothing to be sad about, either way, as MTG was always a hobby/project of love. Thanking you for your posts. Many blessings. 🙏
That’s a really cool history you have with all those cards. You had astute insights! You are right, it is a project of love. That’s the thing to keep in mind when the Hasbro cloud hangs heavy.
if 30a becomes a huge secondary market success, it will definitely incentivize WOTC to try again. People didn't want to buy this at release because they didn't know how the market was going to react. But if these super high prices hold then WOTC knows that next time they do this, people will be way more likely to buy the product at release.
Yeah, you know, I gave that scenario some thought. Who can say for sure, but I have my doubts. *This* was their attempt to grab secondary market value, and it flopped in a bad way. To try again comes with increased risk, and to do that based on a very low print run market as your data point strikes me as unlikely. But, it’s a really good point, and perhaps I need to give it more consideration 🤔
Gosh I remember in 1994 we made fun of our friend who bought a box of CE. “You could have almost bought a whole booster box for that!”
To be fair it was pre-sleeves era and we were in elementary school, but man we got that one wrong 😅
I bought a single M30 card. It’s a common card that is a pet card of mine. Had to have it. Sorry everyone don’t hate me! 😬
Nice pick ups for your horde! 👍👍
I don’t think anybody could’ve anticipated how those things were going to edge in the end! Did you go for modern frame or retro frame?
I just picked up a modern frame one. Couldn’t find a retro frame at the time and they seem overpriced at this point.
i need to take my time for this one, mike! it s late, but i’ll watch it tomorrow! ❤️
wuss :-)
i don’t necessarily agree with your reasoning, but i hear what you are saying. i think it is as different as it might first apprear to be. and the fatigue is real. if you wanna chat about it, let me know, buddy.
I know the feeling mate, just take a break and enjoy other life hobbys. MAgic is like drug, anytime your brain ask you to come back and feel the touch of an alpha card and then you'r up again for some months ;)
amazing buy! We appreciate you sir. This video is great!
Thanks!
If Post buying that lotus AP was our euphoria top signal, then even you asking these existential questions is most definitely our despondency bottom signal. Blue skies ahead! - Your friend, Toronto :D
Haha I hope so!
I hear you on burnout. I've played since the beginning but having a group of friends who like playing magic together will preserve the magic for as long as we keep gathering.
I think enjoying the Magic 30 product is completely fine but I do disagree that holding the line on the sale date proved anything long term to Wizards. By buying these products at later dates as collector items we are just validating to the sellers and others in the hobby that these products can be used as an investment vehicle and therefore next time they'll be more willing to buy such products from Hasbro.
Fair take, appreciate that perspective. Seems like playing the game insulates people against this Hasbro crap
I enjoyed your comparison of 30th to Chronicles.
They do have strong similarities, but they're opposites.
With Chronicles, it was the people with difficult to find out of print cards, who were upset at the reprints reducing the card value.
With 30th, it's the people who want everything to be cheap and easy to obtain, who are complaining about the high price and limited availability.
I'm kind of old school, I enjoy when some cards are rare or difficult to obtain. It creates the thrill of the hunt.
With 30th, it's done in a way that doesn't negatively effect players, because the cards aren't tournament legal, and they're all reprints anyway. There's nothing new there that a player needs to track down, and the existence of 30th isn't increasing the cost of other playable cards.
You can buy all of the M30 rares for super cheap from china, and they look exactly like the “real proxies”. Better option to go there and only $50.
🤣 true, prob in better condition too. I’ve heard grumbling that these often have edge issues right out of the box.
If M30 is needed for a global set, so is every Chinese counterfait... ;)
Hey Mike fellow collector here... I'm sure you do already a bit, but maybe branch out to the 4 horsemen sets a little more? I basically collect 4 horsemen sets only, and even w that I have also felt a little burnt out as well. I switch between magic and pokemon that keeps me entertained between the two. Just a thought, love the content keep it up
Great idea… Maybe something to change the pace 👍
the demonic tutor collection , just wow. ty for sharing
Glad you appreciate those! It’s my favorite card 🙂 I have an older video on the channel where I show all the printing’s, but it’s those early 9.5s that I keep in my display case and look at every day.
Ive lost interest in buying MTG. For last year all my purchases were pokemon sealed product. And that has waned. Sitting on 3% of my net worth in cards. No desire to buy or sell. Just let it ride for the rest of my life
Sounds like we’re in a similar place with the hobby rn
@@AlphaHoarder I like your vids. You are very easy to listen to. Extremely clear. Thanks
For people saying the m30 market isn't real: Card Kingdom will pay you $10.4k in cash right now for a retro frame lotus. Crap on the product all you want but it has value.
I actually bought a collector box of MOM and as soon as i ordered it i asked myself why i did it. I've been proxying all my commander decks so i don't need the cards, what's the point? Guess i just love cracking the packs but i'm burned out.
I did however buy a Mox Sapphire as a reward for my work bonus...still working on the power 9 but aside from that newer stuff has worn me out.
Awesome video as always, thank you!
Nice pick up!! And good point about CK’s buylist.
I totally share your sentiment on the burnout, I love your outloud thinking on these topics and I agree with everything but the M30 secondary market sales. We know that wotc watches the secondary market and the fact that M30 is doing well (I think the desire is natural too) is their indicator that given enough time, Magic collectors will give up their principals just to get their hands on more product. I'm not saying this is you, I would have no idea one way or the other but Magic players are addicted and wotc knows it. I would guess they'll have a similar product at the end of the year. During the first and second M30 stream they suggested they can and will do whatever they want to celebrate the 30th for as long as they feel like and this year is the actual 30th anniversary.
I'm a big proponent for separating the art for the artist as well but in this case I really do think wotc will use anything to prove their point. Honestly they may just try this again regardless and I'm probably paranoid but I don't want any part of M30 for the foreseeable future. Wotc just damaged the game for me. 25 years in a hobby is effectively a third of my life and none of it feels quite the same right now. I'm looking at Sorcery tcr to spark some of that playing and collecting passion.
I appreciate that perspective, you make good points. Several people are thinking along the same lines as you. I’m still trying to work out the piece where this one part of the secondary market becomes the metric they use, when the motivation for the set in the first place was to try and tap the equity that was building in the secondary market. In other words, it seems to me that the pressure on them to try this RL-backdoor is completely unchanged with or without the 30th set in circulation, because they want a piece of all of that secondary market equity already. They tried it, and it went terribly. Would they try it again? Maybe you’re right and they’re looking specifically at this set to make that decision… I’m going to think more on this as so many people have brought it up.
I’ve heard really great things about sorcery and I am interested to see some people review it, so I can decide if I want to get involved.
I think buying that big collection sometime back probably contributed to your burnout. I notice part of appeal of being a collector in any hobby is in the chase, and digesting a big haul takes that away.
I think besides slowing down for a period you can look sideways at other related stuff, like MTG Alpha art. Or any of the MTG paintings that appeal to you. I find that looking at a framed art without the need to taking the art out is really appealing on a daily basis.
Yeah, you are definitely right about that. I took a little time off to reload my budget, and when it was time to start the hunt again, I found all these feelings instead. Appreciate the suggestions.
How M30 effected me: I have a yearly budget for Magic. This year I was going to use it on LotR, but seeing the greed from Wizards, I think I'm just going to pass and use all the money for an other hobby. I'm glad you enjoy the cards that are already out there.
Time off might be what I need too. What other hobbies are you in currently?
@@AlphaHoarder Collecting Finnish comics. :-)
They rebounded pretty fast after the US Stores got their boxes and there was a small dip for a week or 2.
I kind of disagree that Wotc has no benefits of a healthy secondary market for MtG 30th as prices seem to stay strong which should give more confidence for people investing into product like this as every yt channel was screaming they will become worthless. My burnout came from the constant Wotc/Hasbro bashing.
I still believe the product is in no way as bad for the hobby as people make it out to be. I think a product where you can pull multiple 4 and even 5 figure cards is pretty cool and people seem to really enjoy themselves opening it.
Would you rather have a Mtg 30th Tutor or UNL Tutor ? Or even Revised?
I am kind of coming back after taking it really slow with MtG for the last months.
There’s definitely a mix of opinions in the comments here about how this specific market might be a signal to Hasbro. My thinking was, at this point, it’s just part of the secondary market and we all know they’re watching that. In fact, I would tend to think they feel less licensed to try a product like this again vs some other backdoor approach… but people raise good points, and I find myself uncertain.
If I could only pick one, it would definitely be the unlimited for the combination of history, vintage, original art, and unique position as first white-border printing. If I didn’t have a revised copy, then that would be my next pick. I grew up when those cards were still in circulation, and so that is meaningful to me. 30th really only appeals to me because I already have the other ones, and I enjoy picking up the different variations that exist now.
That's a really nice Demonic Tutor collection.
Thanks! I have one of every official printing, but not all 9.5.
I agree all around. I just don't like the way 30th looks personally. I think I actually prefer a modern card in a retro frame that never had a true retro version to a new version (or proxy really) of an old card with a retro frame. One feels pimped out and the other feels like fake antiquation. CE and ICE are genuinely antiquated cards from Magic's history and even though people may have their beefs about the printing of those, like you said they don't have the same sinister intentions attached to them as 30th. People are always going to feel some kind of way about that.
Milking the secondary market by charging customers for all potential appreciation up front is greedy and short sighted and will come with long term consequences for the company. They either don't understand or more likley don't care that the reason this game got to this point and with this amount of credibility is because of a thriving secondary market. It's a problem with many more products than just 30th. But yeah, I think a lot of collectors, players, and investors alike are feeling burned out by the approach.
Strong agree about the fact the secondary market has been one of the engines of longevity for the game.
That big alpha collection buy recently should have rounded out your collection nicely.
Yeah, it did, and because it was so expensive, I had to take some time off my normal buying routine. I think after breaking that habit, when it was time to look at getting back to it, I realized how much these feelings haf grown in between.
A lot has seemingly changed or needs to be reconsidered and it can be a blessing to break free from the ritual habitual aspects of collecting.
First your grading cards and now buying M30. You are truely on the path to become a Sith Lord! :P
I’ve gone way off the rails haven’t I 🤣😅
Burnout... Maybe you finally have enough Alpha cards?
Consider trying something else for a change of pace. Maybe Arabian Nights?
Perhaps you'd enjoy a sealed product collection? A few choice pieces would display nicely. Get empty boxes if you're on a budget.
Or you could go off the beaten path to something exotic like pre-Alpha playtest cards. It's a serious challenge just to find cards to buy, and they're still iconic pieces of the game's history. In that arena, you can still discover new cards that you didn't know existed, which brings back some of the original magic of the game.
If nothing else, spend some time with your local play group hanging out and jamming a few games. Just unwind and have fun.
Yeah, you’re def on to something. The two suggestions coming up the most are: branch out, and play more.
I’ve dabbled with pre-alpha cards, I only have a couple, that is a very fascinating world but tickets to enter run 2x or 3x of alphas, at least 😅 still, I’d love to find a Tutor ….
I definitely agree with you on the magic 30 cards. I also don't care about the whole Hasbro/WOTC release of magic30, but I just really don't like the cards, the look, and the backs.
Yeah, the frame doesn’t seem like anything particularly special, but it doesn’t bother me. Same about the back. I just enjoy variants generally, so this fits into that category naturally for me.
Great video!! Thanks for your thoughts!!!
Appreciate you watching 👍
Burned out collecting Alpha? Up your game seeking out Alpha playtest! Me and Joel can get you started… Jump has The Incredible Hulk on it!
😅 I better fire up a third company if I’m going that way next!! Because, you are right, it doesn’t get much more epic that Hulk on a Jump card!
For me the Magic 30 cards will always represent that time Wizards/Hasbro spit in my face, and walked off like thinking no one would notice or care.
Yeah, I get that… totally fair. Although, after they turned to walk away, I think we kicked them square in the balls.
Heya Mike,
Long time no see! I was definitely not on board for much of the video, but *YA GOT ME* with that Thriller example! Hit me right in the ‘80’s feels, and I am definitely able to separate the song from the artist.
M30 OTOH…gonna be awhile 🫤🫤🫤. Btw…do you have a moment to talk about…Flesh and Blood?
😅😂🤣
Someone else mentioned Sorcery. Maybe a little time walking around the garden it warranted, to see what else is out there 🤔
What does "global collection" mean? Also, I agree, the thing that makes these cards amazing has nothing to do with the current company or what they do. The power of the cards comes from the people and players and experiences we carried together with them. Just like basketball players could care less about who made the basketball they play with. It's memories of times in our lives. When we first experienced magic none of us were having experiences with who manufactured them. They can literally try to manufacture anything they want and it won't be making a significant impact on ABU, they will always be special to collectors. Don't let the temporary waves of hasbro drama rock your boat.
A global set is when you try to collect every printed version / variation of a particular card. Good comparison to basketball, I agree with your thinking.
On the burn out topic -- You describe the amount of inventory on the market as people disengaging or not being interested anymore. But it could be that people need to sell cards to raise cash b/c they got laid off. Lots of tech people who are MTG fans and probably low on savings aren't currently getting paid and so need to liquidate, which I would consider a buying opportunity rather than lack of interest. On your point RE: Hasbro, yeah that's legit. I think we all wonder about that right now. Lastly, have you considered that perhaps you've just finally scratched the itch? I've been on fire with different collectible themes over the years -- Batman, Universal Monsters, Godzilla, etc -- and then at some point I just kind of move on. Maybe that's part of what you're feeling.
Good point, there are a lot of reasons for the inventory. Perhaps I’m coloring some of this through my own lens. Interesting thought at the end there, I’ll have to ponder that.
So has the refresh button worked for anyone yet?
😂
Time to sell the collection and try some new card games for fun
I'm looking forward to Sorcery Beta 🧐
Mike, you should try collecting pogs. Those slammers were spicy!
🤣 I miss my holographic slammers those things were awesome
I don't think there's anything wrong with buying the individual Magic 30 cards. Hasbro isn't going to try that again after the pounding they've taken. I don't think the cards have to be seen as a symbol of greed and idiocy. The cards could also be a reminder of the time the community came together and stuck it to the big corporation. I actually think these cards are more collectable because M30 failed. There's a real story behind the cards now rather than them just being generic reprints.
It's interesting you should talk about being burned out. In Rudy's video yesterday he was talking about how he's become numb to the excitement of collectibles. I think it happens to all of us collectors and investors at some time or another. If you decide to take a break from Magic you could do more of the general life advice videos. "Journey before destination" was one of my favourites.
I wouldn't worry too much about people falling out of love with the hobby. Every TCG has stages like this. The reason everyone isn't holding 1st edition Charizard is because a lot of people ditched Pokémon in the early to mid 2000's. Hasn't stopped Pokémon recovering and thriving. Weiss Schwarz went through a similar thing last year but the market is starting to stabilize. However I get what you mean about Hasbro. It's like being chauffeured by a drunk baboon. I think Alpha cards will be safe long term though. Hasbro can't reprint history.
Anyway, great video as always Mike. Sorry about the massive ranty comment. Don't feel obliged to reply. 😂
I read every comment, especially the long ranty ones! They have the most insight, generally speaking. You’re right, I watched that Rudy video but didn’t really process that comment. Seems like his way of verbalizing a similar thing. Good points about the ups and downs of other collectibles. Maybe the hobby itself needs time, aside from anything I’m feeling. I love the idea that the cards are now the story of the community standing up to greed. Great framing, and likely to be the story that stands over time.
I respect collectors and the market niche of MTG30. I hold nothing against niche market as a whole.
When collecting a global set you must acquire to 💯 of 💯 complete. I acknowledge this fact.
IMO- personally in my goldfish bowl collector with all my neatly organized cardboard. No. Nope. Please keep it moving. No snake oil for me.
Open that box.
You should start playing with your cards more, like old school or vintage. Also, that huge purchase from Dan probably contributed to your fatigue. Whatever you do, don’t sell out. I’ve been there before and I guarantee if you put it down for a little bit the spark will come back you will regret selling.
Definitely not at the point of selling, and yes, you’re probably right the purchase from Dan forced me to break my buying cycle to realign my budget, and during that time, a lot of these feelings started settling in. Thanks for the advice 👍
But all this to say it doesn't change the fact that there are individuals who got Magic 30 boxes to flip, doesn't add to the hobby and enjoyment in it.
There are definitely some people who used this as a money grab opportunity, as Hasbro themselves did.
with the statements that were leaked about how leadership thinks about the consumer, do you really want to own their product and support them? i dont. used to want some of the abu stuff at some point, but thats gone now. im not selling my old stuff from back in the day, but im also not buying any
I suppose that is part of the feelings that are looming over the hobby. Everything I used to enjoy feels a little bit less pure.
Initial question (likely another comment after watching thw whole video)
Why no FBB demonic tutors? Those are original art with black borders? And to a lesser extend FWB?
You at least need the german ones FBB amd FWB have different names!
I do have those as well, but they are soooo hard to get in high grade! Never managed to find a 9.5.
Think it's like all the super hero movies. The first are awesome, but after 5, 10, 20 they all kinda suck. Even if they are made well. Speaking for myself, I see alot more people pumping on UA-cam, especially Pokemon cards. I'm going to keep watching for now, but plan to exit the majority of my collection at the first sign of trouble. I've been thinking that there are other 'investments' that don't rely on asset price increases and bring a more consistent revenue stream (and possible appreciation). I'm going to treat this as a ponsi scheme. Better to exit a little early than to get out late. I'll most likely just keep a few of my core holdings...just in case.
Yeah, that’s for sure. If you feel like you’re riding a wave towards a wall, you definitely want to jump before impact, even though the wave always continues to build right until it crashes. And you are quite right, there are plenty of other investments that produce cash flow and are certainly preferable to illiquid collectibles. In fact, the only case for collectibles is if you love them, IMO.
WE felt burned out - we decided to sell our collection buy land and plant trees for future generations everytime we walk trough that magical forrest we know we did the right thing.
Sounds like you made excellent use of your exit- nice 👍
Sorry about the burnout, just take a break! Eventually you will want to come back again and the Beauty of Old School format and original cards is that people will still value them and want to play.
About MTG 30th... I won't touch it and I cannot support it. Sorry, my boycott against WoTC has to remain. Buying them supports a market and validates WoTC.
Good advice, thanks 👍
I’d be very interested in your expanded take on the link between supporting the secondary market and validating wotc, specifically for these cards, at this point. My thoughts are, they tried and largely failed to tap into secondary market equity with this set. I don’t see a clear line between further secondary market activity in the set, as distinct from the larger secondary market, and them deciding to try this again. Know what I mean?
@@AlphaHoarder the only thing they tried was to squeeze as much as possible from the players (especially the commander ones, it was so obvious that it was just ugly with the double printing on Sol Ring and the duals). And the second thing they tried, was to tap into the Reserved List. Luckily Edwin seem to have a good take on this that preserves both the players interest, and the collectors as well.
I don't think you can call the market organic when the majority of the cards on the market came from free product given to stores. It seemed Wizards was bidding up the price of Magic 30 (some Moxes) with 2 Ebay accounts before release. I wouldn't put it past them to be bidding up some singles now to show value. They still have tonnes of boxes in warehouses which if you purchase singles, means you are giving Hasbro the greenlight to do this to Arabian Nights/Antiquities and Legends in the future. They monitor single prices on the secondary market. They will make money from future sales of M30 boxes at future events. Hell, they could insert them into future booster boxes like they did for the lost Legends cards. Still, it's your right to buy what you want. I know I won't buy them and I think a lot of play groups won't accept them. You don't reward bad behavior.
I’m sure there are inorganic parts of the market too… manipulation is hard to get away from in an unregulated market, but I’ve interacted with enough people to at least anecdotally say, there are organic parts too. Also didn’t Wizards mulch their extra inventory in that landfill? Some of it, anyway. I’m interested in this perspective, where you draw the line from singles to 4-horse reprint sets. The secondary market equity that they’re trying to seize is from the transactions that take place with the original cards. I have a hard time figuring out why or how the secondary market of these 30th cards becomes a more important metric for them, or even one that registers on their radar, given its volume and market cap compared to the ABU sets that have the actual equity. The best argument I’ve heard so far is that a strong secondary market might make them think that the second time they tried this stunt, it would sell better… Maybe. It’s a fairly high risk proposition for them. The PR was not good and to walk into that again seems questionable. Then again, there’s certainly not above questionable choices. Appreciate your sharing your perspective.
@@AlphaHoarder Wizards destroyed Modern Horizons product that likely had a color issue and was scheduled to be destroyed. I believe Rudy did a video on it. They still have 30th Anniv boxes and gave them out to employees as Christmas presents as they couldn't sell it. Don't forget, there is nothing stopping them from reprinting Magic 30th. The didn't disclose print numbers. And I doubt they put in on the Reserve List, after breaking ....said Reserve List. It's a highly speculative product and it's an interesting investment play but don't forget what Hasbro is trying to do. Screw collectors and players by stealing equity from the secondary market with reprints. None of this is done for the playerbase or MTG collector, it's just to raise more money to cover Hasbro's underperforming departments.
As an Old School player, I have no interest in anything that wasn't printed in 1993 or 1994 so as far as I'm concerned, Magic 30 doesn't exist. I can understand your burn out though, but I figured that you would mention the glut of cards vs the prices that they are asking for them are not in sync. Waiting it out makes a lot of sense in that case.
Yeah, that’s a good point, even as the supply has gone up, the asking prices aren’t aligning. The difference is quite stark if you look at how auctions are ending, compared to buy it now listings.
Man you used to be so happy about your collection and mtg, honestly you got utube negativity!! Stay of the internet and the negative influencers you been attracted to by utube. Don’t give up on mtg !!
All the negativity around Magic 30 might have helped it because if the population of the total product is around 6k these cards could possible be as rare as Alpha's if not rarer like the Summer cards. Money and time often changes sentiment especially when scarcity is involved.
Yeah, I agree with that, and especially after we saw the extra supply was mulched in a dump, it means these things are damn rare now. They will definitely stand as one of those strange relics from magic history, of the sort that we haven’t seen in a long time, like uncut sheets, and summer magic and things like this. I saw one prediction that the surviving population could be as low as 7K boxes, which would imply possibly low three-digit counts for some of the retro rares. How desirable they might be in the future is an open question, but you’re definitely right about the role scarcity plays.
Off the top of my head, my print run count for 30th boxes is currently around 22.5k, with about 12.5k distributed and the other 10k held (possibly destroyed) by WotC.
It puts retro rares at about 120 copies of each card in circulation (some still in sealed boxes), and about 100 more copies of each in the WotC stash (possibly destroyed).
Double that number for retro duals.
Retro commons are also around the 240 mark in circulation.
@@TavisKingsChannel Well, their is no arguing with the King. Of all the numbers I have seen those sound the most accurate.
You just need to buy a sealed alpha starter to get your juices flowing again
🤣 Maybe openboosters will run a two-for-one deal from his alpha brick one if these days
Never forgive, never forget. Those cards belong in a dumpster right next to hasbro stocks.
😂 Love the intensity. Remind me never to cross you
The irony is MTG 30 would have been the preferred product to buy sealed. But obviously Rudy wanted his followers to buy his sealed dumps and player greed prevented an interesting investment opportunity. My question are the sellers long time holders or were they investors from the past 5-6 years? Regardless, you will get through this malaise; it's happened before and won't be the last. The closest I felt was around Ice Age/Mirage block. Magic was dying I felt pessimistic and as a result I made one of the dumbest trades ever. Look at this as an opportunity going from lean time to land of plenty. These cards will find a home. I will buy M30 but still gauging the supply and where the prices will settle down. The fact CK has a buylist of 10k for a retro BL has to mean something at this point in time.
After you traded out in Mirage, what brought you back around? Just time away?
@@AlphaHoarder Not so much trading out but trading down as I was trying to avoid paying for packs or boxes. I was actively buying thru Mercadian Masque 1999 and took a semi-break thru 2004. I first got back due to the sets. I liked Fifth Dawn, Kamigawa, loved Ravnica and Planar Chaos though I stopped playing since Ice Age with exception of drafting.
I took a break with Llorwyn through Dragons of Tarkir (2007-2015). I got back in again thru a mutual acquaintance during the sets of Battle for Zendikar through Kaladesh (2015-2017). 2016 was when I first became aware how valuable RL dual were and realized what I probably traded away years ago. I completed a playlist of revised duals.
I took another break after Kaladesh and got back in due to the set of Throne of Eldraine and stayed thru Kaldheim. This time I kept things sealed. With the exception of Neon Dynasty, Jumpstart, MH 1 and Commander Legends, I have not bought another set since. I realized then even buying sealed wasn't sustainable. In 2019 I began a vintage collection which is probably as complete as I can get now. Sept 2022 was my last major purchases where I bought a lot of commander staples. If I ever get back to playing it will be Commander and if you want to buy Modern singles, keep Commander in mind. I may continue to buy singles as it doesn't take much to accumulate a lot of chaff from opening boxes.
Incidentally I just bought an ICE vesuvan that's been on my wish list for the longest. I can thank MTG30 fallout for that. I have detached completely from the concept of MTG Finance. I view MTG Finance with a certain contempt and disdain. Not an even playing field, market inefficiencies and more hype/speculation on what's a good or not. I would go broke if I followed any of those channels as entertaining some of them are. Buy what you love makes things so much simpler. Allows you to disregard all the negativity players bring forth to MTG 30 and if you truly don't mind it can all go to zero, then it doesn't matter about other players not wanting those cards anymore. I check CK from time to time on price/availability but that's about it these days. What Hasbro has done recently pales in comparison to the Fallen Empires to Homelands era. I think Commander format gave the game the legs to sustain MTG30 fallout and provide longevity to the game. This wound will heal.
The CK buylist prices for 30th, reflect that CK doesn't want to own a large inventory of 30th anywhere near the current retail value.
They're only willing to participate in the 30th market if they're getting an amazingly good deal.
They can't unload all their 30th inventory at the drop of a hat, so the big gap between buylist and retail value allows for the risk of market value swing.
Retail, I've seen 30th Lotus selling for 20k and 22.5k.
At first, I hated M30. I still think it's an overpriced cash grab, and a slap in the face to the Reserved List. That said, I've picked some up on the secondary market for my global sets. I feel better about giving my money to individuals as opposed to giving it directly to Hasbro.
I agree on the last part, especially after having some conversations with those in the space and discovering many of them to be avid and passionate collectors, and not greedy flippers
I would suspect that most ppl that purchased M30 did it to make a profit. Buying from the secondary market reinforces their bad choices and WOTCs horrible decision to make the product. I won’t pick up an M30 proxy Magic ever.
Yes to being burned out. Too quick of gains in 2020/21 made ppls collections feel more valuable than they are worth imo. Stay the course, just buy less. Like your content and channel.
Thanks for that perspective. #StayTheCourse
I don't think original Collector's Edition was implemented very well. It was definitely much cheaper, yes, but that didn't make it a good product.
Having all the cards together in one box at equal rarity, is antithetical to the concept of a Collectible Card Game.
A Collectible Card Game is supposed to have randomized distribution and different rarities.
Having all the cards available for such a low price was exciting for players, except that the cards aren't tournament legal. That's a fail.
Collectors enjoy collecting things. Set a goal and work towards the satisfaction of completion one piece at a time.
Collectors Edition came with all the cards in one box, so you finished the collection the same day you started it. Neat to look at, but not very satisfying to collect. Another fail.
Like practically every 93-94 MTG set, CE sold out during wholesale preorder to stores, but once it arrived in the retail stores, it wasn't a big seller. That's why there's so many boxes still sealed today. Also some of the people who purchased, just left it sealed as an investment, but the value didn't do much for decades.
At $50, the price was so low that the cards inside the box didn't have much value, less than 14 cents per card. They remained relatively low value and generally disliked until about 2017 when they became popular for playing in the Old School format. Even then, it's really only the popular playable cards which hold value, and they're still lower priced than ABU, and in some cases (duals at least) lower priced than Revised.
That’s a very interesting analysis, I hadn’t really considered it outside of comparing it to the way 30th was done. I suppose it does say something worth noticing that the price of the cards was basically nothing, until very recently. Grateful for your insights as always 🙏
I feel sick
An unfortunate side effect of my content… 😬
@@AlphaHoarder I think I had m30 poisoning. Yuck 🤢. But if you stopped buying stuff for a couple months, you’ll miss it. And maybe play some games with buds
Yeah that seems to be the most salient advise from viewers. Play more games, back off buying. And sorry about the poisoning! I knew there’d be some of that, but I really wanted to think through this one out loud to get candid feedback from viewers.
You sound gloomy. I hope you hit refresh! :)
What the hell do you do with all those plastic cases 🤣
I have so many lol but I started putting all of my rares into binders that hold top loaders so I’ve been using a bunch of them for that
I am perfectly ok with abolishing the reserved list. I believe it would be healthy for the hobby and the game. I am aware of the impact it would have on a few high dollar collectors, however it will make up for that by giving access to cards most players and collectors cannot obtain. That said I think WotC is irresponsible with their reprint policy and are bad stewards of the game. They reprint too frequently and in quantities that are too large. They need to find a much better balance to reach and engage with a wider audience. Destroying most of the value in cards is a bad move as a whole.
I’ve wondered about that, and I admit, I have my doubts. In terms of player accessibility, the vast majority of the reserved list cards fall at or below the price of modern re-printable staples as it is. We’re pretty much just talking about the dual lands, power, and maybe a dozen other cards. But then, even if they were to do away with the reserved list, they would not empty the equity out of these cards either, I suspect. In the end, I think your final point is the most important one… They need a better balance, and they can’t destroy peoples collections, or playing magic becomes an even more expensive subscription fee. Appreciate your thoughts on the matter!
Wow, Mtg people turn fast with the wind.....maybe this game deserves to die? Is that Okey to say now, people make the game, the game dont make
The people
Making sense of blurry line between wizards and their product isn't so easy... perhaps I am flailing around more than many, but each of us who are emotionally invested into the hobby have to try and make sense of things, and that can involve some equivocation at times. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯