Wizards Play Network announces major overhaul for WPN Premium

Wizards of the Coast has announced a broad overhaul of the Wizards Play Network (WPN), the global network of stores responsible for organizing official Magic: The Gathering events. The change creates a new tier system for participating establishments, alters the metrics used to evaluate store performance, and introduces new tools for tracking event participation data. The changes are scheduled to be fully implemented by the end of 2026.

The main change involves the introduction of a tier system, which will now classify participating stores into six different levels within the program. Currently, the WPN essentially divides establishments between standard network participants and stores with Premium status, a category granted to locations that meet stricter criteria regarding structure and event organization.

With the overhaul, this structure will be replaced by a progression with multiple intermediate levels. The Premium status will continue to exist but will now be integrated into this new hierarchy within the network.

The company also announced changes in how it evaluates store performance. Until now, the program was primarily based on two indicators: the total number of event registrations and the number of recurring players. In the new framework, Wizards states that it will use a broader set of metrics to analyze the development of local communities and the activity of participating stores.

To track this information, the company will also launch a new administrative dashboard for store owners. The tool will allow stores to view their metrics, monitor their progress within the tier system, and access data related to event participation.

Another change involves the distribution of benefits within the program. In the new model, rewards will be unlocked based on the tier the store achieves in the network. Among the benefits mentioned by the company are permission to run specific events, new promotional materials, marketing initiatives, and programs that connect in-person events to the game's digital ecosystem. One of the initiatives mentioned includes digital rewards within Magic: The Gathering Arena for players who participate in events organized at stores.

According to Wizards, the implementation of the new model will be gradual. The company states that the structure will be introduced in stages before being expanded to the entire global network of participating stores.

Source: Wizards Play Network