A couple of weeks ago we was given the opportunity to do a Q and A mail interview with  Wizards of the Coast (the publishers of the Magic series) about Magic 2014 –  Duels of the planeswalkers (which are developed by Stainless Games). So i hope that you guys will enjoy our interview =)

Robin TGG:
First of all. Thanks for taking your time to answer our questions =)  Perhaps you should do a brief introduction of yourself and Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014? Then we can get down to the questions.

Adam Dixon, Brand Manager for Magic: The Gathering.

Wizards of the Coast:
Hi Robin, great to meet you! My name is Adam Dixon and I am the Brand Manager for Magic: The Gathering at Wizards of the Coast. This year gamers will have the opportunity to ignite their sparks. In Magic, the spark is a player’s potential to become a powerful mage known as a Planeswalker.

This summer gamers will realize their potential as they ignite their spark with the latest installment of Magic’s hit digital franchise, Magic 2014 – Duels of Planeswalkers and the Magic 2014 Core Set, and join a growing global community of over 12 million fans.

Robin TGG:
Please correct me If Im wrong now. But wasn’t Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013, released back In June last year? If so, how comes that ads, marketing ect ect Has started just now? Or perhaps I have missed them all? haha!

Wizards of the Coast:
Yes, we did release Magic 2013 – Duels of the Planeswalkers last year.  This year we are launching the next iteration in the franchise, Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers, and that is what you are seeing all the excitement building around.

Robin TGG:
I have to admit, It´s been quite a while since I picked up a  Magic game (Digital or physical Magic game cards). But, both me and my two younger brothers played Magic a lot In our youth. So I have somewhat forgotten all the rules and such over the years. That´s also why I have to ask the following question.

Must you be a Magic diehard fan to start playing Magic The Gathering Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014? Or Is It a game that pretty much anyone can sit down, play and enjoy?

Wizards of the Coast:
Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers is the best way for a new player, or someone like yourself that may be a bit rusty, to discover Magic and learn how to play the game.  It features a robust tutorial that allows you to learn as you play and has numerous hints and tips throughout that make the game accessible to everyone.

There´s a lot of cards that you can use in Magic 2014.

Robin TGG:
If Im not wrong now, then Planewalkers 2014 are available for both PC (Steam), iOS (App Store), 360 (XBL) and PS3 (PSN) right? Also,  Is there any significant difference between the different formats?

Wizards of the Coast:
Magic 2014 will be available on Steam, XBLA, iPad, PSN, and for the first time, Android tablet through the Amazon App Store and Google Play.

Robin TGG:
That also raises another question. Does Planewalkers 2014 have support for cross-platform and cross-play?

Wizards of the Coast:
Magic 2014 does not support cross-platform play.

Robin TGG:
I just noticed that Planewalkers 2013 have received quite some positive reviews since last summer. To name a few. IGN gave your game 8.5/10, Gamerankings.com 83/20% and Metacritic 80/100. That´s very good imo. So I think It´s safe to say that the card game genre are far from dead, right?

Wizards of the Coast:
Magic: The Gathering is enjoying an unprecedented level of popularity.  It combines incredible artwork, fantastic story elements, and an unparalleled depth of strategic gameplay that has provided it with lasting appeal to gamers.

Robin TGG:
Have the good reviews had an positive impact on the sales of Planewalkers 2013? (I sure hope so).

Wizards of the Coast:
We are very pleased with how Magic 2013 was received by both reviewers and gamers alike.  We hope to see even more excitement this year with the release of Magic 2014.

Robin TGG:
I do not know if I misunderstood the whole thing now. But are there both digital and physical collectible cards for Planewalkers 2014? If that´s the case. Then perhaps you could explain the whole thing a bit more? Like for ex, Are there any advantages In owning the actual physical cards? As far as the Planewalkers 2014 gameplay goes I mean.

Wizards of the Coast:
Magic 2014 shares many cards with the upcoming Magic 2014 Core Set, which will provide Magic 2014 players with a preview of those cards before they are available in stores.  It really depends on how you want to play.  Magic 2014 provides you with the flexibility to play whenever and wherever you want and is the only way for gamers to experience single player Magic.

On the other hand, playing Magic face-to-face offers an incredible social experience and provides a broader strategic experience for gamers.  Both offer great and unique ways to experience Magic.

Learn to manage your strengths, and weaknesses.

Robin TGG:
Could you name a couple of reasons why all the Gamers out there should pick up and play Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014?

Wizards of the Coast:
Magic: The Gathering is an unrivalled modern strategic fantasy gaming experience and Magic 2014 makes it accessible to gamers whenever and wherever they want to play regardless of skill level.

Robin TGG:
And so for the last question. What´s next for Magic The Gathering game series? Will there be a Planewalkers 2015 for PS4, 720 and OUYA for ex?

Wizards of the Coast:
We have not announced any plans beyond this year’s release of Magic 2014, but you can expect that we will continue to deliver great gaming experiences in the future.