Did you know that there are more than 150 digital collectible card games out there? Their number keeps growing because there are obviously many fans of such video games across the globe. However, several titles have stood the test of time and the pressure of new games, and Magic: The Gathering Arena is undoubtedly among them.
Based on one of the most famous tabletop games of the same name, the digital version of MTG was released in 2019. Today, players enjoy this exciting game on four operating systems: Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
In this article, we will look at why Magic: The Gathering Arena is still so popular.
It's Free and Accessible
Experienced players know that the traditional MTG game requires constant investment in the form of booster packs. Only in this way can you reach competitive collections. On the other hand, MTG Arena makes the financial part easy, at least as far as initial access to the game is concerned.
Players can download the game for free. They can also use multiple in-game mechanisms to create a competitive collection without investing money. You can get various rewards, including packs and gold, thanks to the daily quests. In addition, participation in specific game formats, such as Draft and Standard events, helps you get more resources and cards.
The free-to-play model lets you try MTGA, familiarize yourself with its depth, and even create a competitive deck without spending a dime. As a result, the fan base has reached colossal proportions, making it more vibrant compared to paid digital collectible card games.
Of course, let's not forget that MTG Arena enables you to buy additional cards if you want to.
Unpredictable, thrilling, slots-like gameplay
Almost every game brings some level of excitement to the players. After all, that's the point of games. However, many of the titles do not achieve success due to the low level of excitement they bring, as well as their repetitiveness and predictability. That's not the case with MTG. In some ways, MTGAs (as well as MTGs) can be compared to slots.
Each draw in MTGA introduces an element of uncertainty and surprise. You never know what card you'll get next, creating suspense and excitement. That's especially true when you're hoping to draw a specific card to execute a crucial play. The same goes for situations where you are top-decking for a potential win.
When you play online slots, every spin leads to a completely random outcome, just like MTGA draws. You don't know which symbols will land on the reels, creating a sense of anticipation. Of course, the excitement is even higher when you play slots for real money, as you get rewarded with real cash prizes based on Return to Player (RTP) percentages. In addition, Magic: The Gathering Arena and online slots often use virtual currency and provide microtransactions.
MTGA players can buy virtual cards and in-game items with real money. On the other hand, online slots, which often come in various themes, usually let players choose to play with virtual currency or real money.
Slot players can sometimes purchase bonus features through microtransactions. So, we're looking at two types of games relying on a freemium model. Players can play them for free but can also invest real money for enhanced experiences.
MGT Arena Stays True to Original in Gameplay
How many times have you witnessed book-to-movie or game-to-movie adaptations that weren't successful? The answer is probably many times. To the joy of fans, Magic: The Gathering Arena represents a faithful recreation of the physical card game.
So, MTGA looks and feels like a digital addition to the conventional game. This is best seen based in gameplay mechanics. So, players can summon creatures, use resources, enter combat phases, and cast spells to win in this game.
Of course, it's not just the mechanics that make the gameplay enjoyable. There is also the visual part. Experienced MTG players will notice that the cards are similar to the originals but are enriched with animations that make the gameplay more lively.
This is one of the main reasons why many fans of the physical card game switched to the digital version without any problems or objections. Of course, no one is stopping you from practicing both versions.
Regular Content Updates and Diverse Formats
Seasoned players know that as long as a game offers regular updates, players' interest won't wane over time. MTGA keeps players happy through a constant stream of fun new content and diverse formats.
The fact is that the physical card game also receives updates, but usually through new set releases. In the digital version, these updates are more substantial and regular. They come in the form of new cards, formats, and events.
It's great to know that your favorite game will offer something new to discover and explore occasionally. The new card sets mentioned above deliver fresh strategies, mechanics, and powerful cards.
In addition, MTG Arena provides various game formats, not just the standard. They can try historic, brawl, etc.
The fresh content you can get here and the rest of the reasons we analyzed above are some reasons why MTG stays on top in popularity among digital collectible card games.