Sony Interactive Entertainment is embarking on an innovative venture to integrate its beloved PlayStation game worlds into the realm of trading card games. This fresh collaboration with Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast introduces iconic PlayStation franchises into the celebrated Magic: The Gathering (MTG) collectible card game. Through this partnership, fans will have the opportunity to explore their favorite digital worlds in a new, tangible format, demonstrating Sony’s commitment to expanding the ways players interact with their favorite games beyond the confines of a PlayStation console.
Set to launch on October 27, the Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x PlayStation Superdrop will feature seven exclusive Secret Lair drops. Each drop includes a unique set of cards that depict characters and elements from renowned PlayStation games such as The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon Forbidden West, Uncharted, Ghost of Tsushima, among others. These cards will showcase iconic characters, key locations, and significant items, all thoughtfully reimagined as Magic: The Gathering cards. To ensure the authenticity of these representations, Wizards of the Coast collaborated closely with PlayStation Studios including Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Guerrilla Games, and Sucker Punch Productions. Their goal was to capture the essence and spirit of each game, bringing them to life through intricate artwork and special card mechanics.
Naughty Dog’s Contributions
Secret Lair x The Last of Us Part I
Revealed during MagicCon Atlanta, the Secret Lair drop featuring The Last of Us Part I includes cards of the game’s central characters, Joel and Ellie. These cards are designed to reflect the depth and complexity of the characters as seen in the critically acclaimed game. Players can use Joel and Ellie cards to either fight independently or collaborate as a formidable duo in Magic: The Gathering. The cards are designed to capture the dynamic survival elements of the game, providing players with strategic options that mirror the characters’ experiences.
Secret Lair x The Last of Us Part II
The second installment from Naughty Dog in this collaboration focuses on characters from The Last of Us Part II. This drop introduces cards for Abby and another version of Ellie, each reflecting their respective journeys and character developments. Abby’s card emphasizes resourcefulness amidst adversity, while Ellie’s card depicts her relentless pursuit of vengeance and the resulting path of destruction. Together, these cards narrate the intertwining stories of The Last of Us Part II, offering players a way to relive the game’s emotional depth through strategic gameplay.
Secret Lair x Uncharted
Nathan Drake’s daring escapades from the Uncharted series find a new home in the card game universe. This Secret Lair drop captures the essence of adventure and risk that defines Drake’s character. Each play with Nathan Drake promises an expedition full of challenges and rewards, mirroring the treasure hunts and perilous escapades that fans of the series have come to love. This set is a tribute to the thrill of discovery and the pursuit of the unknown.
Santa Monica Studio’s Contribution
Secret Lair x God of War: Greek
Santa Monica Studio partners with Wizards of the Coast to bring the epic saga of Kratos to life in card form. The first Secret Lair pack, themed around the Greek mythology era of God of War, presents Kratos as the embodiment of raw chaos and fury. The cards in this pack explore his origins as a relentless warrior driven by vengeance, capturing the intense battles and mythological elements that define this part of his journey.
Secret Lair x God of War: Norse
The Norse mythology era of God of War is explored in a second pack, focusing on Kratos’s transformation from a solitary warrior to a devoted father. The pack includes cards for both Kratos and his son Atreus, highlighting their evolving relationship and the wisdom Kratos imparts to his son. Atreus’s card reflects his growth and learning under his father’s guidance, embodying the themes of legacy and familial bonds.
Guerrilla Games’ Contribution
Secret Lair x Horizon Forbidden West
Guerrilla Games introduces the world of Horizon Forbidden West through a Secret Lair pack that features Aloy, the series’ protagonist. Aloy’s card emphasizes her resilience and strategic prowess, showcasing her ability to overcome formidable challenges through intelligence and determination. The card mechanics reflect Aloy’s journey as she navigates a world filled with both wonder and danger, capturing the essence of the Horizon series.
Sucker Punch Productions’ Contribution
Secret Lair x Ghost of Tsushima
The Ghost of Tsushima Secret Lair pack, created by Sucker Punch Productions, encapsulates the duality of Jin Sakai’s identity as both a samurai and the legendary Ghost. The card mechanics offer players the choice between honorable combat and stealthy tactics, reflecting Jin’s internal struggle and the strategic diversity present in the game. This pack is a tribute to Jin’s transformative journey and the rich, atmospheric world of Tsushima.
Reactions and Insights
Neil Druckmann, Studio Head and Head of Creative at Naughty Dog, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration. He noted that many team members at Naughty Dog are long-time fans of Magic: The Gathering, making this project a passion-driven endeavor. Druckmann highlighted the creative synergy between the teams, which allowed for a richly detailed and authentic representation of Naughty Dog’s beloved franchises in card form.
Cory Barlog, Head of Creative at Santa Monica Studio, shared similar sentiments. He praised the collaboration with Wizards of the Coast, emphasizing how the cards uniquely capture Kratos’s character arc across the God of War series. The interaction between Kratos and Atreus in the Norse pack, in particular, stands out as a testament to the thoughtful design and storytelling that went into these cards.
Ilya Golitsyn, Lead Artist at Guerrilla Games, expressed pride in how the Horizon Forbidden West pack reflects the series’ core themes. He emphasized the successful translation of the game’s elements into Magic: The Gathering, particularly how Aloy’s card embodies her role as a seeker and her connection to the world’s artifacts.
Jason Connell, Creative Director at Sucker Punch Productions, highlighted the importance of capturing Jin Sakai’s journey in the Ghost of Tsushima cards. Connell appreciated the representation of Jin’s iconic silhouette and the emotional depth of his transformation from samurai to Ghost.
Availability and Further Information
The Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x PlayStation Superdrop will be available starting October 27 at 9am PT / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST on the Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair website. Each Secret Lair drop is offered in both foil and non-foil versions, allowing collectors and players to choose their preferred style. For more details on this collaboration, interested readers can visit the Magic: The Gathering official website.
This collaboration represents a unique convergence of gaming and collectible card culture, offering fans a new way to engage with their favorite PlayStation franchises. By bringing these iconic game worlds into the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast are creating an exciting crossover that celebrates the creativity and storytelling of both mediums.
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