10 Years, 10 Lessons | What I've Learned in a Decade of Magic: the Gathering Game Design

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In this quick interlude from Crimson Vow, it's... my 10 year Wizards anniversary! What a ride. Come join me as I tell you 10 things I've learned over the past 10 years!

Have a question? Post a comment! You can also catch me, Gavin Verhey, on the rest of the internet at:

Thumbnail background art is Aurelia, the Warleader from Gatecrash by Slawomir Maniak. Intro and outro background is Forest from Jumpstart, by Alayna Danner. Intro Song is "Cartoon Bank Heist" by Doug Maxwell/Media Well productions.

#magicthegathering #bethecoffeepot #commander

[GlichCentral]

The right cost for an instant that deals 3 damage is 7 mana. Ember Shot is where its at.

[manuelgomez]

Happy 10 years anniversary, Gavin! You're a great communicator when it comes to understanding WOTC job. You always manage to bond with the player base and you put so much effort and joy (I'll never forget how happy you were when you spoiled the new Sengir on the Command Zone). We really wish you the very best for the future 😊

[MTG]

Keeping a game like MtG alive and thriving for 25 years is remarkable. Kudos to you and all the WOTC employees that have achieved something so incredible. I will say, I was worried after Homelands came out.

[JO]

As someone who really enjoyed Maro's 20 in 20 and found it really cool and insightful, newfound respect for the man, I really enjoy you doing this.

Keep up the good work my man!

[fizzygig]

Wow, this was a fantastic episode. Always love to see behind the scenes of the actual process and thinking that goes into game design. Thank you so much for 10 years of great design Gavin!

[jayemdaewarehouse]

I love this allusion to Mark Rosewater’s 20 Years 20 Lessons, possibly my favorite presentation I’ve seen. Nothing teaches like experience, and after ten years designing the greatest game you certainly have that.

[Matteo_the_Plague_Doctor]

What a lovely video. Congrats on your 10 years Gavin. I have a special place in my heart with Battlebond. My best friend of 16 years and I played in that prerelease. I don't remember us doing very well, but I remember it for being able to play 2HG with him and the fun interactions we had drawing our cards and conferring with each other about our plays.

The "Be the coffee pot" lesson was a great one, and was my favorite takeaway from the video. Thanks Gavin!

[TheCommunistGamerTV]

As MaRo has gotten older I've often wondered who on earth could take his place when he inevitably retires. He's irreplaceable, but Gavin seems to be setting up to take his place a lead content man, and I'm very pleased.

[PieBandit]

Gavin for all of your boons, for all of your faults, for the home runs, for the foul balls, for the strike outs, with all the above, we appreciate you and we're happy for you

[ericmccormick]

You are the poster child for follow your dreams and pursue them with vigor. I’m so happy for you. Your pursuit has helped me let my daughter pursue her dreams instead of something safe.

[technole]

Battlebond is one of my fav sets, so you can make more than a card someone’s favorite too

[marcomesturino]

Having a mystery booster sealed showdown with my gf is the best mtg related memory I have, all thanks to you Gavin! You're an awesome designer and the community is lucky to have you!

[thyronebennett]

Boi, where dat Melissa Podcast.
Great vid btw, congratulations. I'll be here for the two decade iteration aswell

[Oon]

I think one of the most important lessons that you outlined here is the 'Coffee Pot' lesson. Very important to know what others think of you & what you are doing, the direction it is going & is it fitting the priority of the times.
Also, small differences can make a huge impact. Yes. Such as the recent Arena event where broken cards get tweaked. Such is the butterfly effect.
Thanks Gavin & the whole WotC team for all the work & the enjoyment given to the world. I know there are some decisions which does not sit well with the community at large recently... but a lot of us are still having fun if we do not focus on the negatives.
It is all about THE GATHERING, after all...

[bengenesis]

Just want to share that Ur Dragon is my favourite card. It hits the right spot of being an awesome mean dragon by itself and also having a commander ability which is always "on". This takes away the "feels bad" when Ur Dragon keeps getting hated on in the field.

[christina.morris]

Happy 10 years! This one was great, I can't get enough of design-adjacent stuff, and I also really appreciate the ways you're willing to talk about things you used to do or think about design, how those things have changed, and why. It's always thought-provoking! This channel has become one of my favorite on YouTube: it's always perfect for a little something interesting while I have lunch (or when I've got hours to kill, as with the card story streams or the recent Commander podcast).

[counsellour]

Wow! Just wow. I can't believe it has already been ten years. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was telling a new student about your time here at UW and how he might get to chat with you one day as you are so accessible to up and coming players and game designers. It felt like it wasn't that long ago that I asked you to sign your The Daily article. I can only hope that the next ten will feel just as smooth and swift in their passing.

[JarsCristobal]

I've been following your career even when you were a host on Monday Night Magic. Glad that you're one of the people creating my favorite game, and that you've been consistently a voice for casual and kitchen table magic players. Congratulations on your decaversary!

[zfjosmadhen]

Congratulations on your 10 years, Gavin!! Working at Wizards sounds like a dream come true!
This video was awesome, thanks for the insight.
Here's to another 10 year! Cheers!

[ralphio]

Great video! I've loved watching your GMM videos, seeing you at events over the years, and interacting with you on social media. It shows how much you care about the gathering part of Magic. Here's to the next ten years!