My son Griffin has been an avid MTG (Magic: The Gathering) player for years, and his enthusiasm has not always been contagious. At least for me it has not been contagious!
But life happens and events force our hand, and I now find myself in a position where I truly want to learn more about this collectible card game that my son finds so intriguing and interesting.
From MTG Skepticism to Acceptance
As a parent, I have been guilty of some misgivings about Magic: The Gathering. I feared it might encourage anti-social behavior or take up too much of Griffin’s time. My concerns were rooted in stereotypes—the image of the ‘nerd’ or the ‘grown man living in his parents’ basement’.
However, over time, I realized that many of these issues were my own misconceptions. Watching Griffin engage with the game and witnessing his joy and social interactions at the local game shop (LGS) have changed my perspective.
I still worry and about some aspects of this collectible card game, but it turns out that many of the conerns are about my son and his well-being and not necessarily about the game itself.
The Social Aspect of Magic: The Gathering
One of the most enlightening insights I’ve gained through our new project is the inherently social nature of Magic: The Gathering. The game involves strategic interaction, deal-making, and communal play, especially in formats like Commander, which is currently the most popular version played.
It’s not just about the cards; it’s about the conversations, the camaraderie, and the community. This realization has been crucial in easing my initial concerns and opening my mind to the positive impact of the game.
Griffin and I are recording our conversations and instructional sessions (long and short form videos) about Magic: The Gathering and these video calls and visits have become a bridge between the two of us, helping us understand each other better.
Griffin’s passion for the game is more than just a hobby; it’s a part of his identity and a means of self-expression. Recognizing this has helped me become a more supportive and understanding parent. The game provides us with an opportunity to bond, to share interests, and to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives.
Neurodivergence and Magic: The Gathering
As part of learning this game, Griffin and I also delve into the topic of neurodivergence in our discussions. Griffin has been diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in the past and is in the process of being evaluated for other forms of neurodivergence. For Griffin, MTG is more than just a game; it’s a structured yet flexible environment that aligns perfectly with his cognitive strengths and interests.
Griffin tells me that Magic: The Gathering offers a safe and inclusive space for neurodiverse individuals. The community within the game is diverse, welcoming, and supportive—an ideal environment for someone who may not fit some or many of conventional societal norms. His experience at his LGS has been overwhelmingly positive, as he finds acceptance and belonging among fellow players.
Dispelling Preconceptions: The Diverse MTG Community
The Magic: The Gathering community is not a monolith. It’s a vibrant and varied group of individuals from all walks of life. From the medical field to marketing to archaeology, the players Griffin interacts with are as diverse as the playing decks they build. This diversity is a testament to the game’s wide appeal and its ability to bring people together regardless of their backgrounds.
As part of our project, Griffin Fly MTG, Griffin and I have committed to this journey for at least six months, maybe even up to a year. I’m dedicated to exploring Magic: The Gathering, from its complex gameplay mechanics to the deeply personal stories of its players, obviously with my son being front and center.
Our goal is to share these insights with our audience, if there is one, demystifying the game and highlighting its positive impacts on mental health and neurodivergence.
Moving Forward: Teaching and Learning
We are just getting started, in late summer of 2024, and in our future episodes, Griffin will guide me through the basics of Magic: The Gathering. We’ll explore different card types, deck-building strategies, and gameplay mechanics. You are welcome to try and learn along with me as I try to embrace the challenge of learning a game that seems to have an infinite number of cards, rules and permutations.
I’m not really sure I am cut out for this game! But we will also be talking about family, mental health in general, neurodiversity and how those all tie back into MTG for Griffin, and I know for sure those are topics that I am deeply interested in.
If you are interested at all, feel free to follow along at the project website www.GriffinFlyMTG.com, or visit our YouTube channel.
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