However, since its conception 34 years ago, Magic: The Gathering has grown exponentially, and with it its fanbase. While the trading card game still primarily holds its place in public zeitgeist as a de facto dork hobby, like Dungeons and Dragons, there has been a definite movement beyond this limiting circle. As the hobby has begun to spread to a more mainstream audience, it has become a powerful social tool, allowing people to meet, interact, and learn about others far beyond the scope they typically would. But why does the game work so well as a networking tool?
In the game’s conception, Garfield’s design philosophy was to make design and play infinitely customizable, which still sits at the core of the game to his day. The creation/"building" of a deck is as much optimization as it is self-expression; the way one plays the game is up to the player, and their deck serves as an extension of the self. Whether the player’s deck focuses on direct conflict, controlling the battlefield, or niche interactions, there is a lot you can learn about a player simply by the design decisions they make.
Magic is inherently a social hobby, meaning that players will always be searching for fellow enthusiasts. The process of the game, too, is unique in that it typically involves a unique mix of communication, interaction, and collaborative table politics. Conflict management, threat assessment, and bargaining are all real skills honed and showcased through play. The play of the game serves as a great way to meet new people, showcase your passion and creativity as a hobbyist, and flex your social/communication abilities whilst experiencing others doing the same.
Since 1993, the game has shifted and evolved with the times to both grow and remain relevant. The game now has many official and unofficial resources that help new players learn and heavily reduce the initially harsh learning curve of the game that once isolated it from more general play (MTG Agent, Moxfield, EDHREC). With the countless modern collaborations with huge IPs as varied as Godzilla, SpongeBob, The Hobbit, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and Hatsune Miku, there really is something in the game for anyone. While we wouldn’t recommend trying to force yourself to learn/play the game to network, we would recommend giving the game a shot. There are a lot of unique aspects and great people within the community -- Joe Manganiello, Seth Rogen, and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn are all passionate players of the game. If you enjoy strategic gameplay, intricate design or social strategy, Magic: The Gathering has a lot to offer!
