In a striking indicator of evolving player perceptions, a monthly survey conducted by Magic Data Science has captured a pronounced downturn in approval ratings for Wizards of the Coast's stewardship of Magic: The Gathering. The October 2025 results, drawn from 508 respondents, reveal levels of dissatisfaction that surpass previous benchmarks, with a majority expressing strong disapproval of the company's current direction.
The survey poses three straightforward questions to gauge sentiment: approval of Wizards' production efforts, whether Magic: The Gathering is on the right track, and if now is a favorable moment to invest in MTG cards. Historically, responses have hovered in a range of consistent negativity, providing a stable pulse on community views. However, this month's data marks a clear deviation. A record-high proportion of participants selected "strongly disapprove" for Wizards' performance, underscoring a deepening rift.
Only 6.2% of respondents indicated that Magic: The Gathering is heading in the right direction, the lowest figure recorded in the poll's run since January 2024. On the purchasing front, a mere 19.1% viewed the present as a good time to acquire cards, contrasted sharply by 51.2% who deemed it a poor one. These figures, while based on a sample typical for the survey's scope, highlight a tangible erosion in confidence amid recent developments.
This shift arrives on the heels of Wizards of the Coast's comprehensive reveal of the 2026 release slate during the MagicCon: Atlanta Preview Panel in late September. The announcement outlined an ambitious lineup blending core Magic: The Gathering expansions with expanded Universes Beyond collaborations. While the diversity aims to broaden appeal, the emphasis on crossover contentβfour Universes Beyond sets against three standard MTG setsβhas amplified concerns over the balance between franchise-original storytelling and licensed integrations.
The timing of the poll's negativity aligns closely with these disclosures, suggesting that the 2026 calendar's structure is a focal point. Traditionally, Wizards has maintained parity between original multiverse sets and external partnerships, but the upcoming year's tilt toward Universes Beyond represents a strategic pivot. This approach prioritizes high-profile collaborations to drive revenue, a model that has yielded successes like the record-breaking Final Fantasy set earlier in 2025. Yet, it also risks diluting the game's foundational identity for some observers, as evidenced by the survey's stark metrics.
Compounding this is the mixed reception to the recently launched Marvel's Spider-Man Universes Beyond set, which has underperformed in prerelease attendance and limited play metrics. The innovative Pick-Two draft format introduced for the set, intended to enhance accessibility, has not offset broader perceptions of weaker overall design. Such outcomes may contribute to the poll's pessimistic outlook, particularly as Magic: The Gathering navigates a quieter fall schedule following a spate of high-stakes releases.
Expected Magic: The Gathering Sets in 2026
As Wizards of the Coast charts its course for the new year, the 2026 schedule features a robust seven main sets, including three core Standard-legal expansions and four Universes Beyond titles. This lineup promises a mix of returning planes, academic intrigue, superhero spectacle, and epic fantasy adaptations, with several details still under wraps. Key releases include:
Lorwyn Eclipsed: January 23, 2026 (Standard-legal expansion returning to the fae-infused plane of Lorwyn with a darker twist)
Unannounced Universes Beyond set: March 2026
Secrets of Strixhaven: April 2026 (Standard-legal set delving into the arcane university's hidden lore)
Marvel Super Heroes: June 2026 (Universes Beyond collaboration featuring iconic Marvel characters in MTG mechanics)
The Hobbit: August 2026 (Universes Beyond adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's prelude to The Lord of the Rings)
Reality Fracture: October 2026 (Standard-legal set exploring multiversal rifts and dimensional chaos)
Star Trek: This Universes Beyond set takes players on an adventure through the stars. Arriving in November 2026, it brings together iconic characters, stories, and starships from across the entire Star Trek universe β a true treat for every fan!
This cadence maintains Wizards' commitment to frequent content drops, supporting organized play, digital platforms like MTG Arena, and collector engagement through booster packs, Commander decks, and Secret Lair drops.
Looking ahead to the immediate horizon, Magic: The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender stands as a beacon of anticipation before the 2026 onslaught. Scheduled for worldwide release on November 21, 2025, the Universes Beyond set will immerse players in the elemental world of bending masters like Aang, Katara, and Zuko. Prerelease events kick off November 14-20, allowing early access to drafts and sealed play, while full spoilers begin rolling out on October 28 via WeeklyMTG streams. Available in collector boosters, play boosters, and themed Commander decks, the set promises bending-inspired mechanics alongside foil treatments evoking the show's iconic art style, positioning it as a capstone to 2025's crossover experiments.
Source: Magic Data Science on X & Bsky
