Planechase Unknown
- For Gavin Verhey's chaos draft event, see Unknown Event.
Planechase Unknown is a reoccuring Commander event run during MagicCons.[1] It is exclusive for attendees with a Black Lotus VIP badge and was inspired by Gavin Verhey's Unknown Event. The event is traditionally run on the Saturday of the convention in the Black Lotus Lounge.[2]
In contrast to the Unknown Event, players bring their own personal Commander decks and are divided into pods to play a game of Planechase Commander. Each player receives additional test cards for their planar deck with designs inspired by the MagicCon host city. The playtest planes and phenomena are designed by Wizards of the Coast's Casual Play Design team (originally in collaboration with both the Commander Rules Committee and Commander Advisory Group).
The event is a chance for Black Lotus VIP badge holders to play with members of the Casual Play Design team and Commander Format Panel.[3] Players in the event get to keep their playtest planes and MagicCon-themed planar die.[4]
History
The event was first pitched by Game Designer Megan Smith after she fell in love with the idea of the silliness and fun of Un-sets and Mystery Booster style designs bespoke to the specific MagicCon and current events.[5]
The first Planechase Unknown event was held during MagicCon Chicago 2024 with ten test cards.[1] The event was successful enough to be repeated at MagicCon Amsterdam and MagicCon Las Vegas 2024.[2][4]
In the month leading up to MagicCon Las Vegas 2024 the Commander Rules Committee and Commander Advisory Group were both dissolved, leaving the status of the event participants unknown.[6][7]
For the second year of events, Black Lotus VIP pass holders were invited to a "You Make the Card" event on the first day of the MagicCon.[3] Once again modeled after the Unknown Event, Gavin Verhey, Melissa DeTora and the casual play design team hosted a panel where attendees would design custom planes for the Planechase Unknown event. After the dissolution of the Commander Rules Committee and Commander Advisory Group the previous year, Wizards of the Coast established the Commander Format Panel. Black Lotus VIPs were invited to play with panel members as part of Planechase Unknown starting with the event at MagicCon Chicago 2025.[3]
References
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast. "MagicCon: Chicago Black Lotus VIP". MTGfestivals.com. Retrieved on October 2nd, 2024.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast. "MagicCon: Amsterdam Black Lotus VIP". MTGfestivals.com. Retrieved on October 2nd, 2024.
- ↑ a b c Wizards of the Coast. "MagicCon: Chicago Black Lotus VIP". MTGfestivals.com. Retrieved on January 17, 2025.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast. "MagicCon: Las Vegas Black Lotus VIP". MTGfestivals.com. Retrieved on October 2nd, 2024.
- ↑ Megan Smith (June 30, 2024). "It occurred to me that many people may not have seen the Unknown Planechase event held in the Black Lotus Lounge!". Twitter.
- ↑ Commander Rules Committee (September 30, 2024). "As a result of the threats last week against RC members, it has become impossible for us to continue operating as an independent entity.". Twitter.
- ↑ On the Future of Commander. magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast (September 30, 2024).