In 2017, Wizards of the Coast, the esteemed publisher behind Magic: The Gathering, initiated a partnership with the Pinkerton detective agency. This collaboration, aimed at retrieving stolen card sheets from the Ixalan set, has stirred controversy within the gaming community, mainly due to Pinkerton’s past involving union-busting and aggression towards workers. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of this contentious partnership and the repercussions faced by Wizards of the Coast.
While the association between the two might seem unprecedented, the partnership’s origins trace back to a major security lapse in 2017 when an uncut sheet of the Ixalan set was stolen. This sheet, comprising unreleased cards, held immense value in secondary markets. Hence, Wizards of the Coast turned to the Pinkertons for assistance.
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Summary of wizards of the coast pinkertons
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Wizards of the Coast collaborates with Pinkerton agents to locate a stolen Ixalan card sheet. |
| 2023 | Pinkerton agents visit YouTuber Dan Cannon’s home over leaked cards. |
| 2023 | Early release of the March of the Machine: Aftermath expansion by Wizards of the Coast. |
| 2023 | Wizards of the Coast faces backlash for the Pinkertons partnership. |
The Wizards of the Coast and Pinkertons Collaboration
When a report from io9 emerged detailing the hiring of Pinkerton agents by Wizards of the Coast, many eyebrows were raised. The main bone of contention was the Pinkertons’ history, which dates back to 1850. Renowned for suppressing labor unions during the 19th and 20th centuries, their involvement brought forth questions about the lengths Wizards of the Coast might go to shield its intellectual property.
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The Ixalan set’s theft was just the tip of the iceberg, with Pinkerton agents indicating several such theft incidents that Wizards of the Coast wanted solved.
The Ixalan Card Theft Incident
This theft represented more than just a loss of potential profit for Wizards of the Coast. It spotlighted vulnerabilities within their security framework, inciting worries regarding the well-being of their employees. Thanks to Pinkerton agents, the stolen cards were retrieved, but concerns lingered.
The Controversial Visit to YouTuber Dan Cannon’s Home
Fast forward to 2023, another incident intensified the debate around the partnership. Pinkerton agents were dispatched to the residence of YouTuber Dan Cannon, known for his Magic: The Gathering content. They sought cards from the soon-to-be-released March of the Machine: Aftermath expansion, which Cannon had leaked on his channel.
This unexpected visit, especially its impact on Cannon’s wife, ignited a wave of indignation within the Magic: The Gathering community. Many fans reproached Wizards of the Coast for their perceived overreaction.
The Leaked Expansion March of the Machine Aftermath
Following the leak, Wizards of the Coast initially responded with a cease-and-desist letter to Cannon. But in a bid to limit the damage, they opted for an early release of the expansion. This episode underscores the tightrope Wizards of the Coast walks between safeguarding its assets and fostering goodwill within its community.
Public Backlash and Negative Press
Partnering with the Pinkertons brought along substantial negative press for Wizards of the Coast. Outcries from fans coupled with other contentious decisions by the company, like the OGL 1.1 incident, further tainted its image.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of the Wizards of the Coast and Pinkertons alliance offers no straightforward answers. While Wizards of the Coast’s desire to protect its intellectual property is understandable, the means employed have ignited debates on corporate responsibility and societal values. Such controversies serve as a potent reminder for gaming giants: transparency and accountability remain paramount.
FAQs
Q: Why did Wizards of the Coast partner with the Pinkertons?
A: In 2017, they hired Pinkerton agents to track down a stolen uncut sheet of cards from the Ixalan set.
Q: What caused outrage in 2023 related to this partnership?
A: Pinkerton agents visited YouTuber Dan Cannon’s home demanding he hand over leaked cards, causing a stir in the gaming community.
Q: How did Wizards of the Coast respond to the leaked expansion in 2023?
A: They chose to release the March of the Machine: Aftermath expansion early following the leak.
Q: Has the Pinkertons partnership affected the image of Wizards of the Coast?
A: Yes, the company faced significant negative press and backlash from fans due to this controversial partnership.
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