Humble Beginnings and Local Roots
In 1993 we saw the release of Magic: The Gathering. It's foundation was set much earlier. The creator of the now famous card game and company known as Wizards of the Coast, Richard Garfield had been a typical teenager. He loved to play games. Specifically board games, such as Dungeons & Dragons.
His concept for the game was heavily derived from an earlier game he had created for him and his friends called Five Magics. This name is likely indicative of were the 5 mana types came from in the game we have today.
However, he had what he described as a "eureka moment" while hiking in our neck of the woods, Multnomah Falls. This is when he realized that each deck could be unique as if it were it's own character similar to how Dungeons & Dragons is played.
His concept for the game was heavily derived from an earlier game he had created for him and his friends called Five Magics. This name is likely indicative of were the 5 mana types came from in the game we have today.
However, he had what he described as a "eureka moment" while hiking in our neck of the woods, Multnomah Falls. This is when he realized that each deck could be unique as if it were it's own character similar to how Dungeons & Dragons is played.
Pathway to Local Gamestores Everywhere
While Magic: The Gathering may have had humble beginnings it didn't take long for it to find it's place on many local game stores. A local game store or LGS is a place where tabletop gamers congregate as well as purchase various game pieces and products related to gaming. Card games, Board Games and many other types of games can be found in these stores.
Most of these shops were accustomed to board games and role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, but Magic: The Gathering sort of shattered the mold and produced an avalanche of card games. In fact, Wizards of the Coast also produced the earliest sets of Pokémon cards 25 years ago. These sets in particular hold significant value due to their limited printing, age and the nostalgia they invoke amongst the playerbase.
Most of these shops were accustomed to board games and role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, but Magic: The Gathering sort of shattered the mold and produced an avalanche of card games. In fact, Wizards of the Coast also produced the earliest sets of Pokémon cards 25 years ago. These sets in particular hold significant value due to their limited printing, age and the nostalgia they invoke amongst the playerbase.