The effect of the pandemic in Magic: the Gathering gameplay is taking its toll on the chances of bringing back paper MTG events. Competitive events have now shifted to the online platforms, MTGO and Magic Arena, to cater for the tournaments and the schedule of the league. What makes me consider now is how to get the value of the new sets released on paper, if given that the local tournaments and also the likes of Grand Prix are not yet placed?

Gone are the days where you are eager to open booster packs, in order to get the components that you’d need. You would also rush to buy single cards from online sellers so that you can complete the deck before the tournament weekend in your local game stores.

What we are all missing in the competitive paper Magic environment can be related to my favorite phrase “Play the Game, See the World.” I miss going to Grand Prix abroad where you go on a tour not only to compete but also for vacation. I miss the feeling of meeting your favorite artist, bringing with you the cards with their artwork for them to sign. I miss checking on my friends’ match results, congratulating them if they won, and encouraging them when they lost.

Sigh, I just miss competitive Paper Magic..