Magic The Gathering is in trouble. 

It’s almost like a company sacrificing long-term growth for short-term gain eventually bites them in the ass. No one could have possibly seen this coming.

Hasbro: "Hey guys check it out we have 72 variants and then 16 different treatments for each variant plus one card out of 1000 is made out of solid silver! Magic's awesome!" Players: "Your game isn't fun anymore." Hasbro: "...game?"

Worst thing that ever happened to commander is that WotC noticed it.

I love how in one hour this has more views than any of the magic 30 panels

I remember when Magic only had essentially 1 product release per quarter. Was much easy to follow and keep up on. Last several years they have just gone insane with the amount of quantity of product.

I can't wait for the day when Rudy owns all of Hasbro. Magic twitter would loose it's mind

I have seen this before in collectibles, the companies followed the same path, pump so much out there they just dilute the values until collectors give up. They completely kill the customer base by trying to take too much of their money and lose it all. Baseball cards, comics, probably more.

MTG Players: "Magic is the best game in the world, run by the worst people in the world." Disney: "Allow myself to introduce myself...."

Imagine a toy company’s stock going down a month before Christmas lmao

Having Ruddy be so serious is the biggest sign that shit is very, VERY bad.

Magic was fine for 25+ years with just draft and starter boxes. Specialty decks were good flavor. But with dozens of new products every year and fast paced release of sets that you have to have, coupled with the lack of places to play for much of the country has killed the appeal. I started playing during fourth edition through alliances. I tried getting back into the game in 2019 with war of the spark when my son showed interest. Lasted about a year before wallet fatigue and trying to keep up, before I bowed out again. Just wasn’t fun for me or my son so was time to go.

I always look forward to the new secret lair alerts from the Prof.

A Prof/Rudy Shuffle Up & Play is what I'm looking forward to.

(not a joke) I had a dream last night that Rudy was in my basement with his hair sticking straight up, wandering around aimlessly. He noticed me walking down the stairs and jutted off like a gremlin. By the time I ran up and grabbed my shotgun, he was gone. Later in the dream, it was me wandering around aimlessly through an apartment store, except it was full of MTG boxes and memorabilia as far as the eye could see. Then I saw Rudy, just staring at me eerily, never speaking a word. Hair still sticking straight up. This dream has haunted me for quite some time.

It blows my mind they don’t have a group within the company voicing these exact concerns smh

Damn good call out to the Professor at TCC. He's been dabbling in Flesh and Blood and Yu Gi Oh now.

I wish Rudy would talk with the Brainstorm Brewery folks - I just finished watching their supposed “debate” show about Magic 30 and at the end, the two guests (and DJ) are all store owners, collectibles people, not players … and they all agreed Magic was in this great place because their bottom line was fine. It was so out-of-touch from my player perspective. I’m happy to see that Rudy can read the room and call it out. Long term sustainability is way more important for players than short term gold rushes.

What’s crazy is even the content creators who open or say they will open Magic 30th are getting heat. So many people are opposed to this. You could donate $1100 to a family to pay their rent, or get their kids Christmas gifts, or you can get $20 in value from 4, $250 packs… You’re right about Brian. He really does love and care about Magic. Even Dr Richard Garfield said it should “be about the game first0

“transitioning a traditional toy company over to more of a digital-media company” These the words of a Hasbro financial services managing director, I think that says so much

The fact their CFO is retiring probably means she sees the forest for the trees and is leaping for her golden parachute, or is being kicked out PR style. At this point, Rudy is probably upping their position in hopes of an upswing, otherwise they have plenty of inventory that will become 'rare' if Hasbro and WotC capsizes MTG.

That 40% is chunky, good job Hasbro. You had it all but it wasn't enough, consumer fatigue is a real thing, not giving your consumers (Who most of which love your product to death) time to enjoy said product before next release, is just self-sabotage, also spitting on their goodwill in addition to that? What did you think was going to happen? Stop printing so much, without time between each release, don't release product that so clearly spits on 80-90% of your player base...

Hasbro is just another example of our modern corporate world. No one really cares about long-term success, just quarterly returns. This is why several corporations are going to take a dive.

Lol, Rudy somehow leveraging his knowledge of markets and magic into owning Hasbro would be insane 🤣

The high water mark for MTG was the day before the first collector box was released. It has been a snowball rolling down the mountain since. Prove me wrong kids, prove me wrong.

Rudy and Edwin play old school on Shuffle Up and Play on TCC. I'm wishing this into existence.

My objective is to short Hasbro to $40

I’ve been collecting and playing magic since 2007 . I’m not an investor by no means ... I don’t post a lot but been following u a long time Rudy . I have 4 draft boxes sealed of each set since khans … after the throne collectors box came out I stopped …. I knew things had changed then …

Hasbro: everything’s perfect! Also Hasbro: loses almost half of their company value in 2022

I just want my magic cards to look like magic cards. Ok going back to my adult chicken nugget happy meal. If Hasbro drops below 40 it will be taken over.

The prof dropped a secret lair video today, and it was equally glorious and depressing.

Someone is retiring soon or someone is about to get fired soon. Cause no one can be this bad at managing money after being established for this long while founding what we know as TCG's. Even in the lowest points of Pokemon which would be gen 3 and 5 - some of 6. They just cut the prints by a lot and held on that way and only made a limited amount of product. Idk, what Wizards is doing with this. Wizards is like, "hey guys, people dont have a lot of spare money right now. So whatever spare money they have lets have them spend money on Magic." is the only reasoning I could fathom with how they are acting rn.

News says that the CFO is "retiring" now. Quote from WSJ: “The new CFO will have to have a very good handle on transitioning a traditional toy company over to more of a digital-media company,”

And stores finally realize, that WOTC is leaving them on the sidewalk. Irrepairable damage.

I've learned a lot from you over the years Rudy, thanks for your knowledge, and advice. You've virtually changed my whole mindset for the better. Your channel has helped me through the hardest times of my life, and for that, I'm forever grateful for your presence. I appreciate you Bro

Hasbro is finally learning that those who are buying their products don’t have bottomless pockets

On the one hand I would like to say "Hasbro of the Coast gets what they sowed.", but on the other hand I guess they continue to make record-breaking profits, so I don't know why people even bother giving pity to WotC and Hasbro.

Brazilian Folks are here to share and spread the word

Good. The boxes are worth more if they stopped making the game. I’m wallet fatigued, frustrated by the election, 401k getting hammered, and the 30th anniversary secret lair and reprinting everything into oblivion on or off the reserve list. That’s where I’m at

It is easier for « Someone » to come in and take control over Hasbro. Go for it Rudy 😂❤

I was excited about brothers war after not having bought or touched my cards in about a year. The first set I played with was Urza's saga and its really nostalgic for me. After seeing some of the cards I pre-ordered 2 draft boxes (to draft with friends), 2 set boxes to open for the old frame artifacts, and a collectors booster to see if I could open anything really cool. After watching someone open a collectors box early, and seeing that ever pack had those stupid ass transformer cards I cancelled all but one of my set boxes. I'll just buy the singles I really want as I mostly play commander these days. I'll play MTGA for free instead. Take wizards private and make the game fun again.

The really big insanity will be when they release the MTG 100th set in like 18 months. I think Brothers War is the 94th release. It has like 5 versions, serial numbers, and Transformer Cards. DMU had like 5 versions and Lost Legends. They probably will have tokens that you can redeem with WoTC for old sealed product that they found in a warehouse.

I dont play anymore, but I still have tons of older and RL cards Im sitting on so I occasionally watch some of your vids still. You are awesome man. Never change.

Coming back to this video less than a week later is incredible. Thank you for documenting this

Rudy, we need a whiteboard video where you educate the Hasbro bigwigs on what they need to do to turn the ship around. Or has the Titanic already half sunk?😬

Here ya go Rudy, get in there buddy... On November 9, 2022, Hasbro, Inc. ("Hasbro" or the "Company") announced that Deborah Thomas has informed the Company of her intent to retire from her position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer after 24 years of distinguished service and leadership with the Company. The Company is conducting a process to identify her successor, looking at both internal and external candidates. Ms. Thomas and the Company plan for her to remain as Chief Financial Officer until her successor is in place, and as an advisor to the Company for a period thereafter to ensure a smooth transition. A copy of the press release announcing the retirement of Ms. Thomas is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference

I'm so sick of properties trying to overload their fans. I get it, there's a massive fight for attention. But like it's so taxing and draining to be a fan now. You gotta keep up with new cards, new secret lairs and more every single day. And I feel like so many games and properties are doing it, and it feels like it never lasts. Whether it's WoW or Marvel or otherwise.

The green screen backgrounds just keep getting better and better

I love how this video has a hidden meaning of what's happening in the economy with the USA right now, thank you for saying this. The MTG community needs to calm down with buying, but there are too many players who "this doesn't effect me" and will still buy all secret lairs and the mtg 30th product and every edh product they make. The game will die before those players realize what they've done.

Not surprised, with the business decisions made as of late and the total disregard of the player base, it was only a matter of time.

We can't stay the course when wizard is excluding the very reason for their success.... The players and collectors, and local lgs. With secret lairs, shoddy very expensive product that is of less quality(box toppers, collectors boxes) no body wants to spend their money anymore on a game they've played, collected for the last thirty years.

Such a good point about the wealth gap.

I love how you relate current overall market conditions with the MTG market.

My 31 Cats all named Rudi are so fed up with WOTC that they have been cute and cuddly lately.......

You know as much as I think we have too much product, the insane number of alternate versions in each set has gotten out of control. Normal, borderless, full art, foil textured, etched, etc. I get a card, and I don't even know which one I have anymore.

Great video! I need to do some flat renovation. So I will hold off on hobbies a little bit. Also it is much easier with the disapoitment I have toward wizards at the moment.

love your videos Rudy! never go away. :) would love to see you and the Prof. do a round table on the state of Magic

Papa rudy treats me better then my own family does

Recent sets have really rubbed me the wrong way due to one simple thing: exclusive release cards. A set isn't just a set anymore. There are cards which are a part of the set, but only in one commander deck and you simply can't pack them randomly. It made me reluctant to buy any products other than the few singles I actually want. Currently I have no plans to purchase any further cards.

Your passion gives me passion, rudy. U and post need to talk, make that buyout happen with u at the helm

Rudy, the last line killed me. Stay golden ♥️

You know it's an important topic when Rudy actually gets serious during his monolog. If he struggles to find the right words to describe the bad scale of a situation, things are just really bad and everything comes down to a shitshow.

Growing up in the 90’s, I’d spend time at my LGS watching the older kids play and talk Magic. Pokémon hadn’t been released yet and that would eventually take over my life, but I was fascinated with MTG. I remember this kind dude had a Lotus and we all knew it was a big deal. Anyway, Rudy reminds me of that time where I just liked being at the card shop and listening to older kids go over rumors, talk shit, and ultimately have fun. Please keep making content ❤.

You have so much inventory. I am in awe. I hope you sale it all.

Something I think worth noting is the set not coming until next year: Phyrexia all will be one, is already available for pre-order. I have never seen any set this quickly available to purchase before its release. It's evident to me that Hasbro is putting all they can in their pockets in Q4 2022 and Q1 2023 for a big move. Whatever destruction they cause for this game is entirely intentional and will likely give a handful of people loads of cash and everyone else confusion and disappointment.

Sometimes you do a deep dive on a particular financial topic: I want you to talk us through HOW you think an LGS should best navigate the perceived unsustainable environment. You care, and it shows. I care about the local shop and Mom and Pop, and wonder what you think they can truly do.

I just want someone to love me like Wizards loves me... In other words I'm a sadomasochist...

I can honestly say I actually stopped playing entirely. I sold most of my cards and have uninstalled arena. I will not support companies that treat their consumers so poorly and have no ability to look inwards. I am happy to see them fail, you get back what you put out there. Hopefully players continue to realize the most powerful thing they can do is not participate until it gets better.

The Prof's Secret Lair alert is my ringtone. It goes off at just about the same rate too!

What really doesn't work for me anymore is that every single thing looks so different these days. It's all one f'ng big incoherent mess that looks like crap put together in a deck on the table

I haven't played magic for years and don't own any cards. However, I love these videos just because of the passion and personality this dude exhibits.

Double Feature was the initial shot across the bow. The curated set that turned out to just be two sets mushed together but with black/white filter on it.

Great vid Rudy. Had to drop a comment for this one.

Amazon doesn't use SKUs, they use ASIN numbers. Same effect but different categorization.

Something I found fascinating over the last year is how, while coming from completely difference stances, the videos of both Rudy and the Prof seems to be more and more often raising similar criticism to WotC. It's incredible how WotC/Hasbro have managed to annoy at the same time both collectors and players, not even by deliberately trying to put together a plan to achieve that exact purpose they would have managed so well at failing. But I think that most of the issues with WotC at the moment can be summarized in "short-termism": they had a model that was successful with only minor changes from 1993 to 2019, but then they moved to product overload with a realease of 5 different lines every month, 7 variants per card none of which means anything, perpetual spoiler season, Secret Lairs, non-MtG IPs, killing the competitve scene, cutting out LGS, etc... and guess what after less than 3 years a large chunk of their customer base feels fatigues, burnt out and disengaged.

Like the multiple comic book variant cover explosion of the mid to late 90’s heading into a ZERO. And miss me with the differences of a card game and a comic book - the collector side remains the same. Hold your nickel’s close friends - the whale’s are sneaking out the back door while most of us debate about this and that…

"Accumulation and solvency" 24:50

Rudy intros are rapidly becoming the intro to Bear in the Big Blue House.

Not even shocked. Too much being released in too short a time

accumulation year is the best way to describe this whole situation. also watching the one mox amber i pulled long ago creep to 100$ is wild. i wonder how many/few other cards are going to have similar value growth. there have been a few sets recently without even that one card

As just a fan and player of magic it is very interesting hearing this guys take on the business of things.

I feel these Secret Lairs and 30th Anniversary products are an attempt to pump the numbers up before the end of year, to get a better price from somebody who is about to buy Hasbro

Just when I start putting money into Hasbro and it crashes wth

Great video! Thank you!

I need an edit of rudy talking about the professor's secret lair alert while the thumbnail of his new secret lair video slowly fades in. then as he pivots to talking about the unhappiness just deepfry the hell out of it

Great video; you can speak from the heart and combine that with with expert knowledge😊. Btw the last magic product I bought was the very first jumpstart display. Since then I have not felt the need to buy another one. The new commander decks just dont feel „unique“ or exciting enough for their costs and WOTC still does not include arena codes in sealed products like challenger decks… so yeah I am neither buying paper magic nor buying (random) virtual cards on arena..

Keep in mind that the dip in Hasbro stock is not isolated. It's a systemic pullback in the whole equity market. A lot of companies are getting hit harder than Hasbro.

I like it when Rudy is close to the camera😚

I appreciate your honesty.

I’ve never heard Rudy so serious in six years. Yikes. 😢

From my perspective it makes no sense to think they are bouncing back without any positive move from them. If they come out with an apology and admit where they messed up and what they'll change going forward that's when I would consider supporting them / buying stocks. No change of direction from Hasbro / WotC: we are going down the toilet. I used to believe they were too big to fail in a way but not anymore. These last few weeks have really exposed how fragile and poorly sustained their ivory tower really is. It can all come crashing down in the blink of an eye and I don't really care anymore. If WotC dies the game can live without them. And right now you could argue their mere existence and greed is hurting players and every format more than producing good. So players are probably going to get rid of the parasite as a defense mechanism.

The Prof's "New Secret Lair Alert!" brings me joy too. I think it's the only good thing about Secret Lairs. Glad to know you dig them too Rudy! 🥰 ETA Rudy do you reckon you could do a video on hostile takeovers? I've never understood how they work. Whip out the whiteboard and the green visor pls! 😁

Thank you Rudy. I appreciate you. I learned a lot today.

this i why i watch your channel, you have no qualms telling things as it is, most who have criticism are not big investors and just players who love the game, but you are both. Your perspective is valuable.

Two sins any company usually commit: greed and lie.

I also love the New secret lair alert... crazy, Great video as always rudy, again... get a taco have a nice day.

What would it take for them to stop or backpedal to only draft boxes. I started to step back with the horrible printing quality and curling.

Been watching for years. This is definitely one of your best videos. Cheers man

The man, the myth, the Rudy

If no one else is having that kind of conversation, someone's got to say it. Good for him to point this out.

Great videos, seriously.