Magic has been, for the most part, a "sleeper" hit...many people play, but most learn of the game from a friend, or a friend of a friend, who was into comic books and saw either the cards, or someone playing the game, and picked it up at the local comic shop. Since Hasbro acquired Wizards of the Coast, a few television commercials were produced using (embarassingly) cheap rubber suits.
Though I understand the desire for Hasbro to attempt to push Magic is the same way as it's other products, I, for one, was more impressed by the old commerical with the guitar music, astute narrator, and empasis on the fact that Magic is a strategy game. The new ads, though mildly comical the first time, seemed to me more suited for the ReSaurus figurines (that were, ironicly, scrubbed when Hasbro acquired WotC).
Had you the power to control Hasbro's marking department, in order to increase general public knowledge and popularity, would you...
a) Produce more ads in the vein of the original TV campaign.
b) Produce more ads such as the ones spawned by Hasbro.
c) Attempt to increase exposure in written media, such as third-pary magizines. (By third-party, I mean those not focusing on CCG/Comic themes).
d) Try to get retail sales again, despite Wal*Mart's, as well as some other store's, cancellation of your product due to satanic accusations from relgious organizations. Considering the numerous, and often surprising, places I've seen Pokémon cards crop up, selling Magic might not be much of a stretch.
e) Try to nurture current players and thier introduction of new players via an incentives program, perhaps something like the Guru program, but with better rewards?
f) Something totally different?
Thank you for your time.
