Magic: The Gathering’s tentpole Marvel sets will not be coming toMagic: The Gathering Arena. Later this year, Magic: The Gathering will launch one of its biggest crossovers ever, withmultiple Marvel-themed setsplanned for release over the course of the next few years. The first of these sets will bea Spider-Man-themed setdue for release in September. However, Wizards has stunningly announced that these sets will only be available to physical collectors and not to players of theMagic: The Gathering ArenaorMagic: Onlinedigital clients.
Wizards of the Coastconfirmed the news in an announcement posted to its website as part of a wider announcement about its Universes Beyond plans for the rest of 2025. Instead of the upcoming Spider-Man set,Magic: The Gathering Arenaand its sister clientMagic: Onlinewill get a mechanically identical set calledThrough the Omenpathsthat will feature characters and creatures native to Magic: The Gathering’s multiverse. More details about theThrough the Omenpathsset will be announced at a later time.
Why Magic: Arena Is Possibly Skipping Out On The Marvel Sets
Marvel Snap And Other Digital Card Apps Could Be Why
Today’s announcement is something of a stunner, simply because of how centralMagic: Arenais to the Magic business model.A majority of Standard play occurs throughMagic: Arenaand it remains a top moneymaker for Wizards of the Coast. WhileThrough the Omenpathsensures that players can keep using relevant cards,Magic: Arenaalmost assuredly won’t see a surge in interested newcomers looking to snatch up Spider-Man cards.
Wizards of the Coast did not elaborate as to whyMagic: ArenaandMagic: Onlinewere skipping over the Marvel sets, which will almost certainly be major sellers. However, it’s likely a licensing rights issue. Upper Deck currently runs a popular digital trading card app that uses Marvel characters, andMarvel Snapis a digital card game that competes directly withMagic: Arenain the digital card game space.It’s possible thatMarvel Snapis the reason for the hold-up,although we may never know the exact reasons.
Our Take: A Resurgence In Physical Magic Cards Upcoming?
It will be interesting to see how the Magic community reacts to the newThrough the Omenpathssets onMagic: Arena. Since Marvel-themed Magic cards are likely on the schedule for multiple years, we’ll see if the physical exclusivity drives new interest in the physical game. Given how much play takes place onMagic: Arena,I’m honestly shocked that Wizards couldn’t work out a deal to get Marvel cards onto their digital platforms, and it could mark a major shift inMagic: The Gathering.
