Magic SpellSlingers

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Magic SpellSlingers is a Magic inspired mobile game developed by Pipeworks Studios and Seismic Games and published by Wizards of the Coast.^[1]^[2]

Description

Originally announced as Valor's Reach, inspired by the Kylem stadium of the same name where magical duels are fought, the game offers a new take on mobile CCGs by combining opportunistic bluffing and counterplay that delivers depth and strategy with mobile accessibility. Vertical gameplay allows for one-handed use for a unique experience in the genre. Valor's Reach will put the Planeswalkers right at the heart of the action by making them the focus. They have unique card types and playstyles, with pre-made decks that allow newcomers to at least be competitive right away. On the other hand, deck building and customization are still very much a part of the overall experience.

The game is free to download, with new cards obtainable via in-game quests and by opening packs. In-App Purchases will be involved, but while there are certain unavoidable pay-to-win aspects of any card game, Wizards of the Coast is minimizing them.

At a Hasbro investor's meeting at ToyFair in February 2020, Chris Cocks formally introduced the game as Magic Spellslingers.^[3] It was described as a card battler that's more accessible to everyday mobile gamers. The idea was to use Spellslingers as a monetizable entry point into the card game in a controlled all-digital environment. As gamers progress in Spellslingers, they might be more likely to jump into Arena--or simply keep playing Spellslingers and buying new cards. The WotC President said that Spellslingers would "reinvent the genre for the mobile-first generation."^[3] Together with MTG Arena, ManaStrike and Magic: Legends the game would form part of WotC's "Year of Digital Expansion".^[3] However, when it was finally fully released in August 2022, ManaStrike and Magic: Legends were already shut down. It wouldn't last long itself. On March 6, 2024, all in-app purchases were turned off and the games server were shut off on June 4, 2024.^[4]

History

March 25, 2019: Soft launch in the Nordic Region as Valor's Reach.^[5]
February 26, 2020: Formal introduction as Magic SpellSlingers.^[6]
February 25, 2021: Announcement of full implementation of the game in the second half of the year, as an all-new way to play Magic.^[7]
August 10, 2022: Full implementation and release for IOS and Android.^[8]^[9] "Opening Ceremony" (265 cards).
September 8, 2022: "D&D Icons" Expansion. 41 cards, including a new spellslinger in Drizzt, the introduction of the class system, and some changes to existing spellslingers Liliana and Ral.^[10]
November, 2022: Helvault Unsealed Expansion. 160 cards, introducing Moonlight flip cards and a new Miracle mechanic.^[11]
February, 2023: Addition of Mu Yanling.^[12]
June, 2024: Deactivation.^[4]

Gameplay

Magic Spellslingers is a spin-off of the actual tabletop magic game with different rules.^[13]^[14] Critics have described the game as Hearthstone pasted onto Magic.

Spellslingers are Magic: The Gathering’s most iconic characters, reimagined with expressive animations and colorful voice lines. Chandra, Jace, Liliana, Ajani, Vivien, and many more — all battling it out for bragging rights in an explosive mobile arena. You unlock more Spellslingers as you progress and master their playstyles and can unique decks. Each hero comes with their signature spell cards and special powers called Auras. Inspired by famous elements of Magic gameplay, the new attack and defense mechanics, customizable Land system, and bite-sized matches are made intuitive for mobile. You can use skill and strategy to battle your way to the top of the competitive ladder. You may join a team, or form one, to chat, swap strategies, and share victories.

There are no instants in Spellslingers, instead, they are replaced with "Traps" that have specific trigger conditions once you set them. Artifacts have a finite amount of uses which vary from card to card before they "break" and are sent to the graveyard after their charges run out.

Spellslingers has a reward system that is randomly generated. The rewards you get are ranging from gold and blue crystals to actual cards for free daily.

Trivia

In the Spellslingers Trailer. Vin provides commentary on the following battles:
- Ajani vs Chandra: Chandra wins by punching away Ajani to the sky.
- Vivien vs Chandra: Vivien wins via Astral Bear Chomp, which Vin commented "it's Grizzly".
- Title Fight: Jace vs Liliana: Liliana wins by Scorpion and Zombie pile-ups to gang up Jace.