Changes in the World of Prereleases

[Wallace]

Wizards is making changes to the pre-releases, the changes aren't a big deal. From what I can tell from skimming over the article is they are just changing the dates of the events and adding more locations for the events. NBD.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/20080618

[Watcher487]

Wizards is making changes to the pre-releases, the changes aren't a big deal. From what I can tell from skimming over the article is they are just changing the dates of the events and adding more locations for the events. NBD.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/20080618

Hey the ability to drive less than 10 miles to go to the closest pre-release is just amazing.

[TheAardvark]

Well, there is a bit more to it. If you're one of the people who likes the big prereleases, you might be upset to learn they they are pretty much not going to occur anymore. The changes allow any store that can run FNM to run a prerelease.

I don't really care either way. I stopped going to prereleases because the one I am closest to is run by a TO I can't stand, and the next closest is run by one I hate even more, along with a million other factors. In addition, this gives people who have to drive 100+ miles normally to get to a prerelease much better options to actually attend one.

I dunno. I can see people being upset about it, I suppose, but it makes sense in its own way, and will be beneficial for a lot of players.

[technogeek5000]

Wizards is just trying to build a larger competitive playerbase with the new play network. This is just one of their ways to reach the casual players. I like it. Their probably gonna use their Rules and tips cards they stuff in packs to advertise the hell out of this in eventide.

[Ebinsugewa]

This sucks for card buyers like me, but from a non-biased standpoint it's a lot better for players AND Wizards, so you can't really lose.

[Versus]

This sucks for card buyers like me, but from a non-biased standpoint it's a lot better for players AND Wizards, so you can't really lose.

Yeah, no more rolling in to the pre-release and getting playsets of chase rares. I was able to get 3 Thoughtseize on LOR day. Doubt that will happen in a store of 20-30 people. Not to mention, it's bad enough at an FNM playing at an 8ft table with 6 people orr worse yet on the counter or floor. Oh well, I'll manage.

[mercenarybdu]

Well beats trying to locate most convenstion halls.

[OffTheWall]

As a TO I am excited about being able to run a prerelease, but I don't really think it is the best idea on wizards part. The prerelease is now only a week early, instead of 2. The promo card they give out will now be extremely easy to find ie: Vexing shusher from the Shadowmoor release. Also, they will all be run on the same day, which means lots of events in the area= low to marginal attendance to all of them.
At least now hopefully people won't have to pay jacked up prices for their packs at a prerelease.

[TheAardvark]

I figured regional TOs would take a hit, but it might actually put some out of business, at least in some areas. The reason: WotC will no longer donate product for prereleases. Thus, the cost to hold a large prerelease will go up immensely. To read a little more about this, click it or lick it (http://www.sc2gg.com/magic/index.php?showtopic=16&st=0&p=25&#entry25).

[Janos_Wuryon]

I think this is an awful Idea.

1.The stores have to put up there own prizes which means people who normaly were able to predict what they would have to pay to play and what they could expect as prizes will be at the mercy of the individual store. If the local store in your area is poorly run or overly greedy you could be in for a rude awakening come tournament day.
2. What happens if the stores start having poor turnouts or turnouts that exceed there ability to handle them? This will only serve to aggravate the casual player and work to drive them away. Worse yet the lack of attendance could cause store owners to avoid prereleases in the future.
3. the Pre-release is a unique magic experience. Most players never partake in events with hundreds of other players. I see people at the pre-releases that I wouldnt see otherwise and for many causal gamers this is there means of getting to intereact with the larger community as a whole. that will no longer be the case.
4. Each player has differing levels of participation at pre releases. some play one event others try to play many. others come to play pick up games and trade. Either way there is always others at large events who share your interest and everyone is rewarded. What now happens when the local player shows up and cant draft cause his store doesnt have enough people who want to or worse yet the store doesnt want to run drafts? The list of issues here is extensive.

Ultimatly the decision has been made and until wizards sees a financial impact they wont likely change their minds. Im glad to see that the OP folks have stuck by there plan to keep in touch with the community when planning such changes.

[on1y0ne]

From Wizards, regarding requirements for Core Level Facilities (to run Pre-Release events in the future)

Must have a permanent structure with bathroom facilities.

I guess that leaves out Altered States (Play the Game). They have a bathroom but no access is allowed to players. Oh, the joys of walking 1/4 mile to the nearest bathroom.

[Janos_Wuryon]

It is a real shame that there couldnt be some level of cooperation between our local stores and Grey Matter to still put on a massive Pre Release. Im guessing that Grey Matter will just stop organizing events in syacuse and Altered and Comiz zone will Contend for players. And seeing that neither facility is terribly accomodating to large crowds ( comix zone holds 50 at max, and playing in the mall's hallways sucks) the overall size and quality of our local releases will suffer considerably.