The team behind the upcoming Magic: The Gathering expansion, which features a collaboration with Final Fantasy, is filled with excitement for its launch. Principal designer Gavin Verhey revealed how they felt driving up to a convention center where a giant screen prominently announced the new set, acknowledging that this moment marked the culmination of a four-year development journey.
As they reflected on the process, Verhey and his colleagues, including executive producer Zakeel Gordon, principal game designer Dillon Deveney, and senior game designer Daniel Holt, shared their enthusiasm about designing iconic cards like Summon: Bahamut. They laughed over nostalgic references to Final Fantasy, showcasing how their collaboration with Square Enix would resonate with fans. The Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy set is set to release on June 13.
During a recent panel, Verhey described some of the creative challenges they faced. For instance, when creating the card for Absolute Virtue from Final Fantasy XI, he experienced a moment of inspiration when he woke from a nap at his desk, leading to the design’s memorable mechanics. Tensions arose, however, during discussions about which cards to include, as both Deveney and Holt had differing opinions about characters from the long-running series.
The team aimed to maintain authenticity across the various Final Fantasy titles represented in the expansion. Commander decks were designed to showcase the unique narratives of FF6, FF7, FF10, and FF14, with Holt revealing that they could explore deeper themes specific to each game.
An interesting aspect of the expansion is the involvement of notable artists who have previously illustrated Final Fantasy work. Some were eager to experiment with new characters while others focused on revisiting beloved designs. The arrival of unique artwork, such as Amano’s rendition of Kefka, was deemed a memorable moment for the design team.
Additionally, the set will feature a chase card known as the Headliner. The team chose the beloved Chocobo, given its significance throughout the Final Fantasy series, with a limited run of only 77 printings to enhance its exclusivity.
The expansion will also include a bonus sheet titled Final Fantasy: Through The Ages, comprising 64 cards that pay tribute to each mainline Final Fantasy game. These cards draw from a vast archive of over 5,000 pieces of art, enriching the storytelling experience for players.
As the press preview concluded, host Richard Hagon noted the unique experience this set offers, combining the essence of Magic: The Gathering with the nostalgic feelings associated with Final Fantasy. The anticipation now rests on players who will engage with and celebrate this new crossover when the set becomes available.
