Is Magic really the game Richard Garfield created anymore? We ask his AI Counterpart

SEATTLE, WA — Over the past few years of Magic: the Gathering’s history, a number of prominent changes have occurred which more established players have found foreign. The rise of complexity via FIRE design and Modern Horizon sets, the prominence in marketing towards the casual Commander format, and the inclusion of third party Universes Beyond sets have led many long time players to question their place in the game, if not leaving it entirely. As such, many have asked the question more in recent years: is Magic still the game Richard Garfield designed back in the early 90’s? We here at the Commander’s Herald wanted to ask Dr. Garfield himself, but were informed by his secretary that he was on “a personal project over the next few weeks” and wasn’t available for interview. Thankfully, due to Hasbro’s recent investments in CharacterOS, we were able to instead sit down with an AI-powered animatronic replica of him provided by the company instead to ask its thoughts.

Commander’s Herald: Dr. Garfield, thank you for your time talking with us.

Richard Garfield (AI): Hello. I am Richard Garfield, legendary game designer behind Magic: the Gathering and King of Tokyo. Please be mindful of token limits in your account when asking questions.

CH: Of course. So Dr. Garfield, what’s your thoughts on the game of Magic: the Gathering as a whole? How do you see the game today compared to what you released in 1993?

RG: Magic: the Gathering is in a wonderful place. In the first year of the game, we released just under 1000 cards. This year alone, there have been over 1100 Standard Legal cards printed, accounting for a 10% increase. As such, it is safe to say the game is still growing compared to when I first released it.

CH: Players are concerned with this ever-growing increase in the number of cards, as it seems to be adding undue complexity to every new set. Aren’t you worried about Power Creep?

RG: I am not concerned. The generation of power has been aided in recent years thanks to advances in renewable technologies such as Solar and Wind. Also, please do not call me a creep, that is disrespectful.

CH: I didn’t?

RG: You are right, you did not call me a creep. I’m sorry.

CH: Anyway, regarding Universes Beyond. Many players feel adding third party properties to the game waters it down from the original. What are your thoughts?

RG: I’m not opposed to Universes Beyond. It has been a great way to generate revenue for the company to keep the game running. In fact, Wizards recently put out a Universes Beyond secret lair about me — called “Magic as Garfield Intended” — featuring the titular cartoon cat. Other cartoon cats include SimzArt and Felix the Cat.

It was at this point an armed man in tattered clothing broke his way into the room. Much to my surprise, it was none other than the real Richard Garfield, who immediately lunged toward his animatronic doppelganger. The resulting fracas proceeded to level our interview area, as chairs and punches alike were thrown about between the human and machine Garfields. After a few violent moments, a revolver with a single bullet was kicked in my direction. The distraction had caused me to lose track of which Richard Garfield was which, as both had stopped choking each other to plead their cases.

Richard Garfield (Left): Don’t shoot, I’m the real Richard Garfield.

Richard Garfield (Right): No, I’m the real one, he’s the AI.

Commander’s Herald: Okay then. What’s something only the real Richard Garfield would know?

Richard Garfield (Right): I’m sorry, please add additional tokens to your

*BANG!*

CH: Dr. Garfield, thank you for your time.

Richard Garfield (Real): A pleasure as always. Fuck this AI bullshit.