Subject: 6th Edition
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 10:09:50 -0800
From: Lee and Andrea Burrows <lablaw@earthlink.net>
To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com

To: Frank
From: Lee Burrows - Anaheim Hills, CA
Topic: Issue
Re: Magic 6th Edition Rules Changes

This is an open letter to the Magic community.  Before I launch into the
tirade, I would like to congratulate you, Frank, on your page and the
forum it provides the Magic community for discussion of the game.

I've been watching the discussion on the development of 6th edition for
some time now and have been recently spurred to write by the
confirmation of the changes that Wizards is going to implement in the
next set.  In short, I am seriously concerned for the future of the
game, as Wizards also should be.

I've been playing this fascinating, complex card game since
Revised/Legends and have enjoyed both fun and competitive play.  The
game has grown significantly over the years, both in the number of cards
and the number of players.  Wizards has obviously benefited from the
growth and is now one of the world's largest game companies.

I know that I primarily became interested in playing Magic because of
its complexity.  I recall my fascination with the development of an
understanding of how the various card types interacted with one
another.  The card interactions were critical to the development of the
deck building strategies (including the creation of workable
combinations).  I honestly felt that Garfield's game was an inspiration.

Today, the game remains essentially the same.  The primary components of
Garfield's vision remain intact.  There have been slight modifications
to the turn sequence and various abilities have been added and removed
from the expansion sets, but it seems and plays like the same game from
the Revised/Legends era.

I must note, however, that I was appalled when Portal was released and
am now even more appalled that Wizards wants to "simplify" the main
set.  What is so "difficult" about interrupts?  They have been part of
the game for at least four (4) years and most of the serious players I
know understand the dynamics of the batch resolution.  If Wizards is
concerned, then shouldn't they develop a better approach to educating
the "new" player rather then change an original component of the game?

Further, since when did the damage resolution phase become unworkable so
as to require removal?  The programmers at Microprose even were able to
get a grasp of the concept.  The knowledge of timing rules and the
effects that can be played during the various turn phases often
separates the great players from the good players.  Now, it appears that
Wizards wants to take these "advantages" away.  I am sorry Wizards, not
all new players will grasp even the "simplified" version of the rules
immediately.

Finally, why do the basic rules concerning artifacts need to be
changed?  Who doesn't understand this rule?  Even the rookie players who
have read the rulebook once (Yes, even the poorly written rule book
included with the starter packs - which have certainly gotten better
over the years) understand this concept.  Is it just so they can reprint
all the old artifacts and force the players, that already have the
earlier version of the cards, to buy the new cards? (an ominous thought,
I know.)

Wizards continues to state its "it should be just like chess" philosophy
on the internet and everywhere else that it can be heard.  Please stop
the flag waiving.  Magic is a complex/combination oriented card game, as
it was designed to be - remember?  Everyone should keep in mind that
Wizards is a corporate entity which has, as its main purpose, its
continued financial growth.  Wizards makes money by selling cards (and
now other gaming merchandise due to its continuing expansion) and by
changing rules, Wizards will sell more cards - even to its built in base
of Magic players.

Watching the progression of the game and the growth of Wizards, I came
to the realization that at some point the two interests would diverge.
It appears that the time has come.  The best interests of the game and
the Magic gamers are no longer being pursued in conjunction with
Wizards' drive for growth and financial prosperity.  Wizards, of course,
will counter by saying that they have to keep the best interests of the
game in mind because Magic is the company's "life blood".  A good
argument, however, the better argument is that financially, it is better
to push the envelope to sell product and alienate a few while possibly
attracting a greater number to the product.  I'm afraid that this is the
reality.

What's good for the game is the continued development of the rules
within its original parameters.  What's good for the game is for the
devlopment of abilities that operate properly within the original
parameters of the game.  What's good for the game is the continued
growth of a player base comprised of individuals who have developed an
interest and love of the complexities of the game, not a player base
that needs the rules to be "simplified" so that they can understand the
game immediately.  What's good for the game is the continued promotion
of the game as an INTELLECTUAL sport/activity and the continued
promotion of the pro-tour.

I honestly hope that Wizards is watching and taking note.  Even more, I
hope Richard Garfield is paying attention to what is being done to his
game - a game that has developed a large following of individuals from
all over the world.  Could it be because the game, as it exists, is a
great game that doesn't need fixing????

Best wishes to all for a happy holiday season.

Lee Burrows
Xaos Games, Anaheim