In 2023, Magic: the Gathering experienced both the best and worst sets in its 30-year history. The best-selling set is Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, which is expected to surpass Modern Horizons 2. On the other hand, March of the Machine: The Aftermath is considered one of the worst sets ever, receiving the lowest “top-two-box score” in 25 years. This failure is attributed to the lack of vision design, a core step in designing MTG sets. Vision design involves creating a core design document that crystallizes the set’s vision and mechanics. Without this process, sets may lack cohesive themes and an overall story. The Throne of Eldraine Vision Design Handoff Document, for example, includes detailed information about the set’s lore, mechanics, and abandoned ideas. The lack of vision design in March of the Machine: The Aftermath led to a lackluster set that did not make sense to customers. The article also discusses the potential solutions for mini-sets like March of the Machine: The Aftermath, suggesting that if mini-sets return, skipping vision design may not be a wise choice. Ultimately, the article highlights the importance of vision design in creating successful MTG sets and the potential consequences of skipping this crucial step.
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Unusually Terrible MTG Set Missed This Important Design Step!
