The Writer, the Star and the Villain

Magic: The Gathering just celebrated its 15th anniversary. It’s awarded millions of dollars on it’s Pro Tour. But its greatest accomplishment was also its first: It launched an entirely new type of game, collectible card games (CCGs.) Mash the addictiveness of trading cards with the strategy and competitive spirit of chess and you’re certain to find something amazing.

There are three people who have built their reputations on the franchise. One is the head of its research and development team. The second is its champion, the name every competitive player knows. And the third is our story’s “villain.”

Mark Rosewater got a degree from Boston University before going on to pursue a career in television as a writer. He served as a staff writer for Roseanne and is even credited with two episodes. How, then, did he become the head of R&D for the granddaddy of all CCGs?

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