Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a very different game from the role-playing fantasy of Dungeon & Dragons. However, MTG, which was created by Richard Garfield and released by D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast, does reveal countless influences from the tabletop favorite if you know where to look.
Many MTG cards are directly inspired by creatures, characters, spells, and artifacts found within Dungeons & Dragons lore. For example, dragons like Nicol Bolas and legendary artifacts such as the Sword of Dungeons & Dragons pay homage to iconic elements from D&D.
Magic: The Gathering’s cards often feature artwork that captures the essence of fantasy worlds akin to those found in D&D with some planes of existence, such as Dominaria or Zendikar, embodying themes and tropes commonly found in D&D. Gameplay mechanics also recall Wizards of the Coast’s classic tabletop favorite such as "equipment" (representing magical items) or "sagas" (representing epic quests) drawing upon the thematic elements of Dungeons & Dragons adventures.
In addition, the game’s developers have occasionally produced crossover products that blend elements from both games. This includes special MTG sets like "Adventures in the Forgotten Realms," which directly incorporates recognizable components from D&D's Forgotten Realms campaign setting into the card game.
Dungeons & Dragons’ influence can be felt in other forms of gaming, media, pop culture, and even healthcare, all over the world. Famously, New Line Cinema produced a trilogy of movies between 2000 and 2012 before rebooting the franchise in 2023 with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, starring Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez.
Elsewhere, in the United States, Matthew Mercer served as the Dungeon Master for the web series, Critical Role, a live play consisting of multiple D&D campaigns voiced by live actors. In the UK, the game influenced an episode of the hit sitcom, The IT Crowd, in which one of the characters makes his own D&D game.
Additionally, the fantasy adventure has had a huge impact on online casino games Canada hosts, with slots such as Dragon’s Fire and Dungeons & Diamonds being heavily influenced by D&D. Indeed, IGT developed Dungeons & Dragons Crystal Caverns, a five-reel slot that was directly based on the original tabletop game. Many video, arcade, and mobile games are also based on D&D including 2021’s Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Further afield, in Australia, a study led by Professor Lisa Given and Dr Sarah Polkinghorne found that playing D&D could have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing. As well as being a good tool for entertainment and escapism, the study found that playing relieved stress and could be used as a viable tool by the medical profession.
Magic: The Gathering’s intricate ties to Dungeons & Dragons highlight a profound and enduring relationship. The countless nods to D&D in MTG’s lore, mechanics, and artwork underscore how these two beloved games, both under the Wizards of the Coast banner, complement and inspire each other.
From thematic elements and creatures to crossover sets and shared fantasy artistry, D&D's influence pervades MTG’s world. This connection not only enriches the gaming experience but also underscores how D&D's legacy continues to shape and inspire various forms of entertainment.