With time, it is likely to become increasingly difficult for newer players to collect earlier versions of cards. Current packs will prioritize distribution of the latest season's inventory, with the chance of pulling prior season cards increasingly diminishing over time. When cards from earlier seasons are placed into an auction, this scarcity factor is likely to bid prices up, reinforcing the issue as rationing through affordability couples with rationing by supply.
To alleviate some of these issues, I suggest implementing some form of Special Edition mechanism, whereby the creators of the cards themselves (and ONLY the creators) could distribute non-market-based copies to their fellow players from earlier seasons. These SE Cards would exist in a separate rarity tier from the normal cards. They would not carry Market/Junk Value, could not be placed into Auction, could not be Gifted once received, and would not impact Deck Capacity or Deck Value.
Potential Benefits:
i. This would give players a sense of authority over the distribution of the cards they created to an extent they currently do not have, without impacting the market-based system as a whole.
ii. This could enhance the gameplay experience of those who primarily play as Collectors, who may not invest much time into Card Farming and thus lack sufficient Bank to avoid the Rationing thru Affordability problem.
iii. This could foster a further sense of shared community into the Trading Card mini-game, as to gain any given owner's SE cards, one would need to obtain their direct consent to be sent as a Gift.
iv. This may help to mitigate the Rationing thru Scarcity issue, as active owners with longevity could help to fill the collection needs of their fellow players who may have started playing long after (perhaps years after) a given season's card had organic distribution. Theoretically, a player active today could gift their Season 2 SE card to a player just starting in 2028.
To distinguish a Special Edition card in appearance from the regular card of a given season, an insignia of some sort could be attached (such as a unique border or perhaps a signature). Conceivably an owner could even attach a personalized message within or below the body of the SE card as a symbol of friendship.
As someone who plays as a Market Maker (not as a collector) this wouldn't negatively impact my style of play, and I'd be happy to distribute my SE cards to those who have a Collection-focused approach should such a process be implemented. Perhaps others who approach the game differently can see holes in the suggestion and/or potential shortfalls that could be augmented to make the idea better. Feel free to share your thoughts. All the best!
Farrakhan
