Shadows over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon hold a special place in the hearts of Magic: The Gathering players, especially those who have ventured into the world of competitive play. When the opportunity arose to lead the design team for a combined remaster set, the excitement was palpable. With the creative minds of Lukas Litzsinger and John Penick by our side, we embarked on a mission to deliver the best possible experience for both new and seasoned MTG Arena players.
Remastered Sets and Design Restrictions
Remastered sets present unique challenges for the design team. Several key restrictions guided our design process, ensuring that the remastered versions stayed true to the original sets while enhancing the gameplay experience. These restrictions included:
- No New Cards: The remaster set wouldn’t introduce new cards, preserving the nostalgic essence of Shadows over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon.
- Limited Changes to Existing Cards: Changes to existing cards were limited to adjustments in rarity, providing a fresh perspective on card availability.
- Tight Schedule: The timeline for creating the remaster set on MTG Arena was considerably shorter compared to traditional paper products.
Design Goals: Fun, Nostalgia, and Depth
Our design goals were clear from the outset: we aimed to create a Limited environment that would captivate players with its sense of fun, nostalgia, and strategic depth. Shadows over Innistrad, despite its fond memories, sometimes suffered from prolonged board stalls and underwhelming creatures. Many victories were determined by a few standout cards rather than the overall gameplay experience.
Enhancing the Limited Environment
To address these concerns, we took bold steps to elevate the Limited experience. One of our first moves was to aggressively downshift mythic rares, rares, and uncommons to replace weaker cards, significantly raising the floor of Limited decks. This adjustment not only improved the gameplay but also made room for more exciting Constructed cards at the top rarity slots.
Overcoming Challenges: Multicolor Uncommons and Green-Blue Mechanics
Some challenges required more careful consideration. We initially considered removing multicolor uncommons from the remastered sets, as they were not always clear signposts for drafters. However, after feedback from playtests, we realized that their absence left drafters feeling lost. Additionally, we faced the issue of green-blue having two different mechanics across the two sets. Through rigorous playtesting, we eventually made the decision to choose one mechanic over the other, streamlining the gameplay experience.
The Art Review and Additional Changes
The art review process brought forth new considerations and prompted several additional changes. As we dug through our art portfolios, we recognized the need for further adjustments. We boldly proposed the inclusion of all ten dual lands at the uncommon rarity, as we believed it would greatly benefit the remastered set. Thanks to the expertise and support of our producer Brandon Kreines, the necessary arrangements were made to fulfill this vision.
The Concept of Bonus Sheets
Throughout the design process, we held periodic check-ins with stakeholders. Seeking to go beyond the ordinary, the idea of bonus sheets emerged as a way to enhance the Limited experience and add value for collectors. Bonus sheets are an additional batch of cards that appear in a bonus slot within each pack, increasing the strategic depth and replayability of Limited.
Shadows of the Past: A Bonus Sheet
Given the wealth of desirable cards from the first Innistrad block, we approached Jay Parker and Ian Adams, the game director and card set product owner for MTG Arena, respectively. We proposed Shadows of the Past (SIS), a bonus sheet composed of handpicked cards from the original block. Although bonus sheets were not entirely novel, we sought innovation by including actual commons in the bonus sheet.
A New Approach: Inserting Commons on the Bonus Sheet
Traditionally, spectacular cards in sets like Strixhaven: School of Mages Mystical Archive started at uncommon rarity, limiting their impact on players’ decks. We wondered if it was possible to insert cards of all rarities, including commons, at the same drop rate as cards in the main set.
Overcoming Challenges: Rotation and Variety
To tackle this challenge, we consulted Yoni Skolnik, the set lead for Strixhaven: School of Mages. Through extensive number crunching, we realized that including a five-card common cycle in the bonus sheet would restrict the number of rare cards to approximately five, with even fewer mythic rares. While the inclusion of commons added gameplay influence, it came at the cost of reduced variety across repeated events.
A Rotating Bonus Sheet: An Innovative Solution
Driven by our constraints, which included a small sheet size, a need for variety, and the digital platform, we devised an almost too-obvious solution: a rotating bonus sheet to accompany the main set. This groundbreaking approach had never been attempted on MTG Arena, and its implementation within such a short timeframe was uncertain. However, after extensive discussions and input from the team, we gained the confidence to embark on this unprecedented endeavor.
Finalizing the Design: Themes and Weekly Rotations
With the green light from the design team, we, along with John, Lukas, and the entire team, delved into a new batch of cards. Understanding that each rotation would cover precisely one week, we carefully curated themes that would provide an engaging gameplay experience. To save time, we opted to avoid introducing new mechanics and focused on refining existing ones.
Fine-Tuning the Experience: Adjustments and Math
As we playtested each theme, cards shifted like puzzle pieces, ensuring the best possible gameplay balance. The main file adjusted accordingly to reflect trends on the bonus sheet. A realization that a DFC (double-faced card) slot per pack was necessary led us to reevaluate and recalculate. Through this iterative process, we neared the finish line. Notably, we indulged ourselves by including both Butcher’s Cleaver and Invisible Stalker on the sheet, generating excitement and nostalgia among players familiar with the original Innistrad.
As we reflect on this design journey, we are grateful for the opportunity to revive and reimagine beloved sets, providing both nostalgia and new experiences for players. Shadows over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon Remastered on MTG Arena stand as a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of the design team and their commitment to delivering an exceptional gaming experience.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for their support and enthusiasm. The journey continues, and we look forward to bringing more exciting and immersive experiences to Magic: The Gathering players worldwide.
