Magic: The Gathering Arena has recently experienced a surge in player count, reaching an all-time high largely due to the introduction of a new Final Fantasy set. This collaboration, which honors the iconic franchise developed by Square Enix that has captivated gamers since its initial release in 1987, saw Arena surpass its previous peak of 12,000 players, hitting an impressive 17,261.
This record spike has led fans to speculate that the success of this partnership might pave the way for future sets featuring other franchises, such as Xenoblade and Mortal Kombat. Magic: The Gathering, which debuted in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast, has evolved into one of the most popular collectible and tabletop card games globally.
Known for its complexity, the game draws inspiration from various fantasy RPGs, including Dungeons & Dragons. The Final Fantasy set was launched under MTG’s Universes Beyond series, celebrating the series’ 16 mainline games.
With this collaboration, card collectors and gamers have been treated to a nostalgic experience that many hope signals the direction for future remakes, especially following the popularity of Final Fantasy 7. Shortly after the digital release of the Final Fantasy set, player activity on Steam spiked significantly.
A Reddit user shared a screenshot from the “magicTCG” subreddit highlighting the player count skyrocketing just one hour post-launch. Despite the substantial increase among Steam users, there’s an understanding that many more players engage with the game on iOS or Android platforms, which means the true player count could be even higher.
In addition to nostalgia, some fans have noted elements in the game that hint at potential storylines in future releases, specifically referencing a Sephiroth card linked to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This connection not only adds excitement to the MTG offering but also bridges two beloved gaming universes.
As the physical release of the set approaches on June 13, 2025, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Magic: The Gathering and its continued integration with the beloved worlds of Final Fantasy.