Through the work of Richard Garfield and company In 1993, Magic: The Gathering was born, marking the exploration of a new genre of gaming. For the first time, players could bring their unique strategies to the table rather than relying on prepackaged ones. This innovative approach sparked a revolution, leading to the development of other games like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and the more recent release from Disney, Lorcana.

I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today we're looking at why Magic: The Gathering is the greatest game of all time. Although many games have followed in its footsteps, I truly believe that Magic: The Gathering remains the greatest game of all time for three key reasons: the color pie, the diverse formats, and the vibrant community.

The Color Pie

One of the main challenges in collectible card games is motivation. How do you prevent players from just using the absolute best cards, leading to every deck looking the same? To address this, Richard Garfield, the creator of Magic, introduced the color pie--a system that not only divides cards into five distinct factions but also incorporates different philosophies, strategies, and identities into the game. Players deeply connect with these colors. In fact, one of the greatest feelings you can have in Magic is determining which color or colors you really connect with when playing.

I've written about this before, but there's a difference between being a fan of a specific series of cards in a game, like Blue-Eyes White Dragon in Yu-Gi-Oh!, and feeling a connection to the color blue in Magic because it resonates with your desire to learn and strive for perfection. This philosophy, combined with unique mechanics, is truly a work of art--especially when colors are mixed to create something new.

One of my favorite examples of this is the plane of Ravnica. For those unfamiliar, Ravnica is a city-plane divided into 10 guilds, each representing one of the color pairs in Magic. Each guild has its own deep lore and philosophy, distinct from the others. For instance, the Azorius Senate, representing blue and white, are strict, law-abiding individuals who aim to control the game by locking down opponents. In contrast, the Gruul Clans, representing red and green, are more primal, valuing survival of the fittest. They aim to overwhelm opponents with sheer size and speed. Playing a deck from Azorius and then switching to Gruul can feel like playing an entirely different game.

The Formats

Most games have only one specific way to play, with a finite number of cards, resources, or pieces, and a single objective. While this builds consistency, it can also make the game feel stale. In tournament settings, if there's only one format and the best deck isn't your style--perhaps you find it annoying or boring--you're stuck with it until the meta shifts or something gets banned.

Fortunately, Magic offers a variety of formats to suit different playstyles. If you enjoy a battle royale feel or something akin to a board game, there's Commander. Want to keep costs low? Try Pauper. Only interested in the latest cards? Standard is for you. If you crave more explosive or competitive play, formats like Modern and Legacy are available. No matter your style, there's likely a format that fits. The only thing Wizards of the Coast hasn't quite figured out yet is a true co-op version of Magic, though the 3-on-1 Archenemy format comes close.

The Community

Finally, let's talk about what puts the "Gathering" in Magic: The Gathering: the community. This game brings together people from all walks of life to showcase their decks and sling some spells. At one local game store I frequent, you'll find teachers, medical professionals, factory workers, students, and even mechanics all playing in the same group. There aren't many activities that can unite such a diverse crowd, allowing them to learn from each other and have fun.

If you ever get the chance to attend a CommandFest or even a larger event like MagicCon, you'll see this community in action. People from all walks of life connect over a shared passion. It's truly remarkable. Of course, like any large fandom, there are some flaws. As Magic has grown in popularity, a small minority of fans can be negative or even toxic, seeking to make others miserable. It's unfortunate, but it's a reality in any large community. However, remember that the loudest voices don't always represent the majority. Most people in the Magic community are laid-back and just want to enjoy the game, often going out of their way to help others.

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn in by the strategic depth of the color pie, the variety of formats, or the camaraderie of the players, there's something in Magic for everyone. It's more than just a game--it's an experience that has connected millions of people around the world for over 30 years. And in my opinion, that's what truly makes it the greatest game of all time. Until next time, happy gaming.