The ongoing digitalization of “Magic: The Gathering” (MTG), one of the most influential trading card games (TCGs) in the world, provides an opportunity to examine the interactions between traditional game structures and modern digital platforms. The Covid pandemic in the early 2020s and the resulting contact restrictions in many regions made analog play of TCGs almost impossible. As a result, the demand for existing digital alternatives increased. However, the authenticity of the gaming experience, the preservation of strategic depth and the social dynamics that characterize the physical game pose a major challenge for these digital adaptations.

The goal of the master’s thesis is to analyze past and current digital adaptations of Magic: The Gathering in terms of players, target groups, mechanics, game experience and general user experience. Both the interactions with the game resulting from the set of rules and the interpersonal interactions that arise inside and outside the game space are considered. In addition to empirical work, qualitative research methods in the form of interviews are also used. Based on these methods, as well as a consideration of the historical development of MTG and a comparison with other analog and digital TCGs, the following questions will be answered:

On what basis can Magic: The Gathering be adapted to digital platforms?

What influence does the switch to a digital platform have on the gaming experience of the respective Magic: The Gathering adaptations?

What opportunities does the ongoing digitalization of Magic: The Gathering offer for players and developers?