Hasbro is stepping into the spotlight once again, celebrating how the Final Fantasy crossover with Magic: The Gathering is breaking sales records. This collaboration is not just a hit among fans; it’s reshaping the financial landscape for Hasbro in a big way.
In a recent earnings call, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks revealed that the Final Fantasy set, launched just over a month ago, has fueled a remarkable 23% increase in Magic sales over the last quarter. This surge comes as the company navigates a $1 billion write-down due to ongoing tariff complications. It’s a clear indicator that Magic: The Gathering is attracting new players and rekindling interest among veterans.
1. The Impact of the Final Fantasy Set
The Final Fantasy set has been met with enthusiastic praise for how well it incorporates elements from the beloved RPG series. Notably, this also marks the first “Universes Beyond” crossover set to be legal for play in Magic’s standard format. However, the excitement hasn’t been without its controversies; many players express concern that these collaborations may overshadow Magic’s unique storytelling and original lore.
2. Challenges in Acquiring Final Fantasy Cards
Due to increased demand, securing Final Fantasy cards at their retail price has become quite a challenge. For example, premium collector-focused booster packs are seeing aftermarket prices soar above €940 ($1,000) at events like MagicCon Las Vegas, where they were originally priced at around €410 ($455). Even with the upcoming release of Edge of Eternities on August 1st, demand for Final Fantasy packs remains high.
3. What’s Next for Magic: The Gathering?
Hasbro has ambitious plans to keep the momentum going with multiple major crossovers on the horizon. After Edge of Eternities, fans can look forward to releases featuring Spider-Man in late September and Avatar: The Last Airbender in November. These crossovers are expected to contribute significantly to Hasbro’s revenue, given their existing relationships with major franchises.
4. Are More Crossover Sets Coming?
Yes, there is a growing list of crossover sets in development. During the earnings call, CEO Cocks referenced not only Spider-Man, but also hinted at future expansions with Star Wars and Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting an exciting pipeline that blends well-known franchises into the Magic ecosystem.
5. How Is Magic: The Gathering Adapting Its Mechanics?
The mechanics in Edge of Eternities are evolving to complement these new themed sets, making it easier to integrate large franchises into the game. Players should expect a seamless blend of Magic’s core gameplay with the excitement of these popular universes.
Are there other popular crossovers on the horizon? Absolutely! Hasbro is clearly positioned to keep fans engaged and expand their reach in the gaming community.
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