Wizards of the Coast Takes Over Commander Format Amidst Fan Backlash
The fallout following last week’s Magic: The Gathering turmoil continues as Wizards of the Coast has announced its decision to take over management of MTG’s Commander format, previously overseen by the volunteer-based Commander Rules Committee (RC). This change comes after an unprecedented wave of backlash from fans, which included personal threats directed at the RC over recent card bans.
The controversy centered around the banning of high-profile cards like Jeweled Lotus, Dockside Extortionist, and Mana Crypt, which sparked outrage in the Magic community. The threats prompted the RC to step down, with Wizards now taking full control of the format’s governance.
In a statement released yesterday, Wizards addressed the situation, condemning the threats and emphasizing that personal safety concerns had grown too large for the committee to handle. The company vowed to take action against anyone threatening harm to community members or employees.
Jim Lapage, a member of the Commander RC, shared his disappointment, stating that the transition to Wizards’ control was necessary to ensure both the well-being of the RC members and the ongoing care of the format. Wizards confirmed that while they are assuming responsibility, they intend to work closely with the community and former RC members to continue shaping the format.
As part of this new direction, Wizards is introducing a system to objectively categorize the power levels of Commander decks, with plans to involve the community in its development through an open beta process. The goal is to better balance games and create a shared understanding of power levels within the format.
While many fans called for the removal of the RC, it’s unclear if this outcome is what they envisioned. Wizards has assured the community that the spirit of Commander will remain intact and that further updates will be shared in the coming weeks.
This move marks a significant shift in how Commander will be managed, and it remains to be seen how the format will evolve under Wizards’ stewardship.
