Mark why are so many sets being previewed all at once? I can't even focus on anything cause there's just so much. Id be happy for thoughtseize being reprinted if I could focus on it.

We used to just preview the next set. As with anything, we experiment to see if we can improve upon the process. So, we tried previewing farther ahead, showing more things. The feedback we got is the players mostly preferred the “show us more” version, so that is what we do.

The amount of cards being pumped out these days, from a gameplay experience perspective, is too overwhelming for me. What approaches are taken to ensure players can confidently grasp the entire scope of cards released, if any?

I don’t think enjoying the game is synonymous with understanding the totality of what exists, but for the fans that want that, there are databases that collect all the cards of each set that you can peruse at whatever speed you prefer.

Looking at cards like Supreme Verdict in the same set, why did Cyclonic Rift (and maybe some other Overload spells in RTR) not have an overload with two colors? Maybe (4)(R)(U)(U)? Was Commander in mind? Did the color pie trump flavor? Limited? Maybe something else?

We were just trying to execute the simplest version for the mechanic’s first outing.

On the topic of the punch out symbol tokens for Keyword abilities, given time (probably a lot of it) and continued usage of those symbols, could we potentially see those symbols be used to represent those abilities directly on cards? Specifically, I mean, if we use the "symbol" for flying for the next 5 years, could we theoretically see it replace the "word" on cards that naturally have the ability?

It circles back to the symbol overload issue. Symbols are significantly more intimidating to new players than words (which are already plenty intimidating).

With kicker being deciduous, are Strive and Overload type mechanics any less probable? If a lot of mechanics are "just kicker" and kicker is now more common, is it fair to expect less "just kicker" mechanics in the future?

It won’t change how often we use “renamed kicker” mechanics.

When creating a mechanic like Overload or Cleave that changes the card text, do you work with your localization team in advance to understand its impact on different languages? I did a little research and found that Overload cards in Japanese actually spell out the new effect in the reminder text, for example.

Of course.

Conceivably, could we see cleave and overload on the same card?

Such a thing is possible. The trick is finding a good design.

I'm going to cheat and ask two questions at once! Blasphemy! 1. Are there any plans on making any cards from Unglued, Unhinged, Unstable and Unsanctioned eternal legal to follow the example of Unfinity? 2. Do you think this might work: An entire set where the base cost of cards is generic mana, but utilizes color in the rules text (à la kicker, adamant, overload, activated abilities, etc)

1. We’re not doing it in conjunction with Unfinity, but if Unfinity does well, it’s something we might consider for the future.2. It would require the right set, but sure, it’s a possibility.EDIT: For #2, I believe it could be a theme. I doubt the whole set would be that as we don’t do “everything is ______” gimmick sets any more.

Hi Mark, I just wanted to let you know that Chris, the other host od our channel and I both really liked Cleave as a mechanic.
It reads kind of like Overload with the text changing, and it's easier to grok to! Solid work on the mechanic! Issue high fives please!

Will do.

When looking at popularity of products like Conspiracy 2 and Battlebond do you consider the effect of product overload? Battlebond sounded amazing to me as a draft fan and the one judge in town who actually loves two headed giant but the window was so short that since I was busy the weekend it came out I've never played it since no one wanted to play it once previews for the next thing were out. I just wonder if it's known what effect the particular timing had on its popularity.

We have a lot of metrics, so we can gauge various impact criteria. Also, market research hasn’t shown to be horribly influenced by product volume.