Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » Interviews » INTERIVEW: Magic The Gathering – Jumpstart with Product Architect Mark Heggen

INTERIVEW: Magic The Gathering – Jumpstart with Product Architect Mark Heggen

Collier "CJ" JenningsBy Collier "CJ" Jennings10/26/20204 Mins ReadUpdated:11/18/2024
Magic: The Gathering-JumpStart Header
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Magic: The Gathering-JumpStart Header

Magic: The Gathering will feature a new mode of play with its upcoming Jumpstart set. Jumpstart is fairy easy: players open two booster packs, shuffle them together, and start a new game. The set features a variety of themes to mix and match, including several Planeswalkers and even Cat and Pirate cards. It also has 500 reprinted cards, as well as 37 new cards. The set ties into Core Set 2021, but is able to stand on its own.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

I spoke with Product Architect Mark Heggen about the creation of Jumpstart and his role as a product designer. We discussed how Jumpstart appeals to old and new players, as well as the inspiration for the set and his favorite cards.


But Why Tho?: Hello Mark! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Can you discuss your role as a game designer?

Mark Heggen: Hello. I’m a product designer at Wizards of the Coast, so I help figure out what we should be making and how it should fit into our overall line-up, and what might be new and exciting things we should be trying. But when it comes to designing the individual cards and mechanics, that’s handled by our world-class game design group. It’s an inspiration to be able to partner with them every day.

But Why Tho?: Tell us a little bit about how Jumpstart works.

Mark Heggen: One of the great things about Magic is how players can mix and match their cards to create new decks and new gameplay. Jumpstart is a way to get that experience quickly and easily – just shuffle together any two packs and play.

But Why Tho?: How did Jumpstart come into being? What was the inspiration behind the design?

Mark Heggen: We wanted to build an experience that felt new every time, allowed for rich gameplay, but was also super accessible. After a lot of experimentation, we landed on the concept of themed boosters that were balanced to make it possible to just mix any two and play, and that’s Jumpstart.

But Why Tho?: How does Jumpstart appeal to both new and old players?

Mark Heggen: The great part about Jumpstart that we’ve seen is how experienced Magic players are using it to help get their friends into the game. The concept of shuffling two packs together and just playing is immediately understood by less experienced players, and the response we’ve seen about the concept in Jumpstart has been great.

But Why Tho?:  Are there any new cards that players should look out for?

Mark Heggen: Well, Jumpstart has 37 new cards in it along with over 500 reprinted cards. There are definitely a lot of cards to look out for, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise for anybody that might want to have that thrill of discovery on their own.

But Why Tho?: What is your favorite card in the Jumpstart set?

Mark Heggen: Tinybones, Trinket Thief is a new legendary creature that headlines the “Discard” deck. I’m building a Commander deck around him right now – I just love the little guy.


Overall, I’m really impressed by Jumpstart. It allows players of all skill sets to jump right into the game. Jumpstart can also lead to some unorthodox decks with its wide range of themes. I’d highly recommend this set to fans getting into the game, as well as seasoned Magic: The Gathering players. I’m a Magic: The Gathering fan myself and I definitely going to check out this game. I’ve kind of fallen out of the game due to changing jobs and the COVID-19 pandemic limiting contact with others, but Jumpstart sounds like the perfect thing to reel me back in. I can definitely see myself buying a set and having an online match with friends.

Magic: The Gathering Jumpstart packs are available to purchase on Amazon or at your local game store. Magic: The Gathering fans will also want to be on the lookout for the Magic: Legends RPG and the Magic: The Gathering anime from Netflix.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleScream Has the Best Final Girl: Gale Weathers
Next Article REVIEW: ‘His House’ is Terrifying in More Ways Than One
Collier "CJ" Jennings
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)

Born and raised in Texas, Collier “CJ” Jennings was introduced to geekdom at an early age by his father, who showed him Ultraman and Star Trek: The Next Generation. On his thirteenth birthday, he received a copy of Giant Size X-Men #1 and dove head first into the realm of pop culture, never looking back. His hobbies include: writing screenplays and essays, watching movies and television, card games/RPG’s, and cooking. He currently resides in Seattle.

Related Posts

NOMELON NOLEMON

Nomelon Nolemon Share Their Favorite Mech, What They’re Watching And More At AX205

07/03/2025
Madden NFL 26 Miami Dolphins presentation

Madden NFL 26’s Dev Explains Franchise Mode’s Largest Update In a Decade

07/02/2025
Dylan O'Brien and River Gallo star in 'Ponyboi'

River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien Discuss Good Vibes and Shooting ‘Ponyboi’

06/27/2025
Possessors promotional key art from Heart MAchine and Digital Devolver

Why Anime Like Jujutsu Kaisen & Bad Relationships Inspired ‘Possessor(s)’

06/27/2025
61st Wardeame In Warframe's Isleweaver update

The 61st Warframe Oraxia is Gorgeous – We Asked The Devs How She Came To Be

06/26/2025
Diablo Immortal Druid promotional image

‘Diablo Immortal’s’ Druid May Be the Best Diablo Druid To Date

06/26/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer First Look Image From Prime Video News

Prime Video Unleashes Teaser for Prequel Series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

By Kate Sánchez07/04/2025

The first Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer was released today by Prime Video. The series…

Together (2025) still from Sundance
8.0
Film

REVIEW: Have A Grossly Good Time ‘Together’

By Kate Sánchez01/27/2025Updated:07/04/2025

Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Together (2025) is disgustingly funny, genuinely ugly, and just a good time at the movies.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here