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Wizards of the Coast Explains Why ‘Magic’ Secret Lairs Will Stay Frustratingly Hard to Get

Wizards of the Coast Explains Why ‘Magic’ Secret Lairs Will Stay Frustratingly Hard to Get

In modern Magic: The Gathering, there are few things more certain than death, taxes, and Universes Beyond crossovers: whenever the queues open up for the latest collector drops on Secret Lair, you get stuck in an hours-long holding pattern only to eventually find out everything’s sold out by the time you get in. That wasn’t always the case, but despite years of fan requests to return to a more available format for Secret Lair, Wizards of the Coast is sticking with it.

“The short answer—and again, not a sexy one—is that this one is better for business,” Lindsay Bartell, Wizards of the Coast’s senior director for Secret Lair, recently explained on the WeeklyMTG livestream (via Polygon). “The last thing we want is, ‘Oh, Secret Lair had to get in there, so now Final Fantasy is going to be late.’ We don’t want to be that guy.”

“This one,” as Bartell put it, is Secret Lair’s current approach to drops, a limited-print model that means once a set is gone, it’s gone (she also firmly pushed back on the chance of Wizards ever re-releasing past Secret Lairs, arguing that part of the appeal of the program is its collectability). But that’s not always been how Wizards has approached Secret Lair. When the program kicked off back in 2019, it actually operated on a print-on-demand model, meaning Secret Lairs would be up for pre-order for a set period of time, and then whoever purchased it in that window was guaranteed a drop.

According to Bartell, citing the fact that the nature of print-on-demand meant that users ended up waiting months and months to actually receive their cards, Wizards then tried a hybrid approach that kept the on-demand preorder window but also sought to get cards in collectors’ hands quicker by pre-printing a large amount of Secret Lair products. Except predicting the popularity of each drop was difficult, meaning there would be situations where a ton of excess stock sat around disrupting the company’s supply chains, which could in turn affect the printing and rollout of main Magic releases.

So now the limited runs are here to stay, much to the chagrin of anyone who’s ever wasted an hour queuing only to not get the cards they wanted. But it’s clear Wizards sees it as the nature of the collecting beast and the least-worst option they have available (even if we’ve seen in recent months that other companies in a similar space, like Games Workshop, don’t agree).

At the very least, Wizards is trying to cut out some of the frustrating FOMO that comes with Secret Lair operating in this way. While most drops through the program reprint available cards with new art, some contain unique cards with new mechanics (like the recently revealed Fallout Secret Lair)—but Bartell noted that Wizards now finds ways to both make drops with unique cards available for longer and eventually get them released in other ways. As for queue times, Bartell acknowledged the issue but defended that while they’re still long, they’re not as bad as they were when Secret Lair initially moved to limited-run releases.

“It is never okay for me for people to be waiting five hours for their drop,” she said. “That absolutely does not meet my standard, was absolutely embarrassing, and is not something I ever want to see again.”

Bartell’s explanation is unlikely to be a popular one, but it’s still interesting to see Wizards explain their approach to collectors in this way. The next test of Secret Lair’s current model will come next week, with a massive drop of Secret Lairs inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. May your queue times be as lucky as your dice rolls!

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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                                                            TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for .99 (reg. .99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.
    
    
    
        
                                        
                                        
                    
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If you’re always untangling cords or looking for the right adapter, this small upgrade can make travel or your daily routine a lot easier. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC cable is built to replace a handful of cables and tools with just one compact pick, and it is currently on sale for .99 (reg. .99).It’s a 100W charging cable, so it can handle everything from your phone to your laptop. All you have to do is just plug into a compatible charger. You’ll get faster charging than standard cables, plus quick data transfer when you need to move files.
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The 8-in-1 comes from all the added features. You get universal connectors like USB-C and Lightning, so you can charge most devices without carrying extra cords. There’s even an LED display for a quick check to see if your device is charging.Aside from charging, it makes everyday transport easier. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable tangle-free, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip to a bag or keychain. There’s also a bottle opener and a small, safety-designed cutter tucked into the design for quick, practical tasks.This kind of all-in-one cable makes the most sense for people who travel often, commute with multiple devices, or just want to cut down on clutter. Instead of carrying separate cords for your phone, laptop, and accessories, you’ve got one cable that covers most of the basics.At .99 (reg. .99), the GoCable is an easy way to streamline your setup without spending a lot on multiple chargers. If you’re ready to stop digging for the right cable, this quick swap helps keep things organized.
        
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GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.


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If you’re always untangling cords or looking for the right adapter, this small upgrade can make travel or your daily routine a lot easier. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC cable is built to replace a handful of cables and tools with just one compact pick, and it is currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

It’s a 100W charging cable, so it can handle everything from your phone to your laptop. All you have to do is just plug into a compatible charger. You’ll get faster charging than standard cables, plus quick data transfer when you need to move files.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The 8-in-1 comes from all the added features. You get universal connectors like USB-C and Lightning, so you can charge most devices without carrying extra cords. There’s even an LED display for a quick check to see if your device is charging.

Aside from charging, it makes everyday transport easier. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable tangle-free, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip to a bag or keychain. There’s also a bottle opener and a small, safety-designed cutter tucked into the design for quick, practical tasks.

This kind of all-in-one cable makes the most sense for people who travel often, commute with multiple devices, or just want to cut down on clutter. Instead of carrying separate cords for your phone, laptop, and accessories, you’ve got one cable that covers most of the basics.

At $21.99 (reg. $49.99), the GoCable is an easy way to streamline your setup without spending a lot on multiple chargers. If you’re ready to stop digging for the right cable, this quick swap helps keep things organized.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.


$21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00

 

If you’re always untangling cords or looking for the right adapter, this small upgrade can make travel or your daily routine a lot easier. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC cable is built to replace a handful of cables and tools with just one compact pick, and it is currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

It’s a 100W charging cable, so it can handle everything from your phone to your laptop. All you have to do is just plug into a compatible charger. You’ll get faster charging than standard cables, plus quick data transfer when you need to move files.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The 8-in-1 comes from all the added features. You get universal connectors like USB-C and Lightning, so you can charge most devices without carrying extra cords. There’s even an LED display for a quick check to see if your device is charging.

Aside from charging, it makes everyday transport easier. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable tangle-free, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip to a bag or keychain. There’s also a bottle opener and a small, safety-designed cutter tucked into the design for quick, practical tasks.

This kind of all-in-one cable makes the most sense for people who travel often, commute with multiple devices, or just want to cut down on clutter. Instead of carrying separate cords for your phone, laptop, and accessories, you’ve got one cable that covers most of the basics.

At $21.99 (reg. $49.99), the GoCable is an easy way to streamline your setup without spending a lot on multiple chargers. If you’re ready to stop digging for the right cable, this quick swap helps keep things organized.

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Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.

Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”

Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.

Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.

#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech">Roblox’s daily users continue to drop as age-checks slow growthRoblox’s daily active users continued to slip last quarter due in part to its rollout of age checks on its platform. According to its latest earnings report, Roblox currently has 132 million daily active users globally, down from 144 million at the end of last year, which was a drop from 152 million in Q3 2025. In the US and Canada, the number of active users dropped by one million from the previous quarter, while Roblox’s revenue still grew to .4 billion.Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech

earnings report, Roblox currently has 132 million daily active users globally, down from 144 million at the end of last year, which was a drop from 152 million in Q3 2025. In the US and Canada, the number of active users dropped by one million from the previous quarter, while Roblox’s revenue still grew to $1.4 billion.

Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.

Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”

Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.

Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.

#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech">Roblox’s daily users continue to drop as age-checks slow growth

Roblox’s daily active users continued to slip last quarter due in part to its rollout of age checks on its platform. According to its latest earnings report, Roblox currently has 132 million daily active users globally, down from 144 million at the end of last year, which was a drop from 152 million in Q3 2025. In the US and Canada, the number of active users dropped by one million from the previous quarter, while Roblox’s revenue still grew to $1.4 billion.

Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.

Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”

Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.

Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.

#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech

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