Rich Stein

Chief Hipster

@RichStein13

A Left Turn at New Benalia

No Kings: A Look at Monarch and Monarchs in Magic and Final Fantasy

Take a look at the role of the Monarch in Magic, and their cultural role in Final Fantasy and Magic Lore, and real world resistance.

Breaking News

TCGPlayer Announces Plans to Relocate Authentication Operations from Syracuse to Kentucky

On Thursday, TCGPlayer announced plans to relocate authentication operations from Syracuse, NY to Kentucky. What does it mean for TCGUnion?

What We Learned

An Early Assessment of Final Fantasy’s Impact on Standard

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for… I dunno, a long time at this point, you’re probably aware that […]

Breaking News

$900 Early Bird Black Lotus VIP Passes Sell Out in 15 Minutes for MagicCon: Las Vegas 2025

Early bird sales of Black Lotus VIP badges for MagicCon: Las Vegas 2025 sold out in 15 minutes. A new world record?

Card Kingdom

Lightning-fast shipping, exceptional customer service, unique MTG products, and general awesomeness since 1999.

What We Learned

The Magic Story Hits New Highs with Tarkir: Dragonstorm

Rich dives into the Tarkir: Dragonstorm story and talks about Friday’s massive revelations. (Warnings: Spoilers inside)

What We Learned

DEI: The Gathering at MagicCon Chicago 2025

Rich reflects on the DEI efforts on display at MagicCon Chicago 2025 and whether or not Wizards has made a safe community yet.

What We Learned

The MagicCon Chicago 2025 Recap

Rich returns from MagicCon Chicago with a renewed energy and passion for returning to content publishing.

Around the Multiverse

An Overview of the Economics of Magic Content in 2024

How does Magic content get made? Just like how human babies get made, it isn’t cheap. Rich’s new column takes a high level look.

Breaking News

The Future of CubeCon

CubeCon may look a little different in 2024 as the ownership group splits in two directions. Learn more about what caused the separation.

Breaking News

TCGPlayer Union Victorious as NLRB Finds eBay Violated Union Rights

eBay and TCGPlayer were accused of various violations of union employee rights including refusal to bargain and making threats.

What We Learned

Hasbro Layoffs Hit Wizards of the Coast and Magic the Gathering Right Before Christmas

With exactly 10 days until Christmas Eve, Wizards of the Coast began layoffs today with direct impacts to Magic:: the Gathering.