When it comes to shaping the identity of Magic: The Gathering's most popular format, few voices carry as much weight as Gavin Verhey's. As one of Wizards of the Coast's leading designers, Verhey has been part of Commander's evolution from a niche fan format to the flagship of the game's modern ecosystem. During a recent press conversation, he offered a rare window into how Commander decks are built, refined, and balanced for both new and experienced players.

From design tables to preconstructed decks, Verhey made it clear that the format's success isn't accidental. It's a deliberate fusion of accessibility, creative freedom, and careful iteration. That approach continues to define Wizards' strategy as Commander enters its next stage.

The Core of Commander Design

I asked Verhey how the team approaches Commander design now that it dominates the market. His answer was both practical and passionate. "Commander is about expression," he explained. "We want players to see themselves in these decks. Whether that's through a theme, a mechanic, or a legendary creature that resonates with them, it has to feel personal."

That focus on identity extends into how preconstructed decks are built. Verhey noted that every Commander precon starts with a simple question: Who is this for? "Each deck is designed around a specific experience," he said. "We know some players want high synergy and combo potential, while others want an easy-to-pilot deck that teaches Commander fundamentals."

It's a balancing act between power and playability, one that's become trickier as the format continues to expand. "We can't design every precon to compete at a cEDH level," Verhey said. "But we also don't want them to feel disposable. A good precon should hold its own in casual play while offering a clear path for upgrades."

Building Decks That Last

That philosophy has led to a subtle shift in how Wizards approaches long-term Commander design. Verhey described how modern precons are no longer isolated products but part of a living ecosystem. "We look at precons as entry points that stay relevant," he said. "We want people to buy a deck, play it for months, and still discover new synergies when future sets release."

When I asked how that balance works in practice, Verhey pointed to data-driven adjustments and player feedback. "We pay attention to what the community does with our decks," he said. "If a precon spikes in power level or feels underwhelming, that informs future builds. It's an ongoing conversation between us and the players."

That dialogue is one reason recent decks like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan precons or the Universes Beyond collaborations have felt more cohesive. Wizards isn't just chasing new ideas, it's iterating on what already works.

Lessons from Universes Beyond

No topic drew more discussion than Universes Beyond, Wizards' ongoing crossover initiative that brings outside IPs into Magic's framework. Verhey has been one of its most vocal advocates, and his insight shed light on how these projects intersect with Commander philosophy.

"Every Universes Beyond deck still has to pass the Commander test," he said. "Even when the flavor or lore is from another universe, the gameplay needs to feel like Magic. It's not just about bringing in fans of another brand, it's about expanding what Magic can be."

When I asked how far those boundaries can stretch, Verhey smiled. "We've learned that players are surprisingly open, as long as the gameplay feels authentic. Commander gives us the space to experiment with that. It's the perfect format for storytelling through mechanics."

That sentiment echoed across the conversation. Verhey views Commander as Magic's storytelling engine, the space where mechanics, flavor, and player creativity intersect most powerfully. Whether it's Doctor Who, Fallout, or Final Fantasy, these decks succeed because they serve Commander's ethos, not because they replace it.

Iteration, Feedback, and the Future

Verhey was candid about the lessons learned over the years. "Not every deck lands perfectly," he admitted. "Some are too linear, some too open-ended. But each one teaches us something new about how players engage with the format."

He pointed out that Wizards' increased transparency through design videos, behind-the-scenes articles, and social media engagement has helped bridge the gap between design intent and player reception. "When we explain our decisions, players understand the context. That doesn't mean they'll always agree, but it creates trust."

That trust has become a cornerstone of modern Magic design. As the game continues to expand through supplemental sets and Commander-focused releases, the studio's internal feedback loop has become tighter than ever. "Every set touches Commander now," Verhey said. "Even Standard products are made with Commander players in mind. It's part of the DNA of the game."

A Growing, Living Format

When asked if Commander's dominance risks overshadowing other formats, Verhey didn't shy away. "It's something we watch closely," he said. "Commander's growth has been amazing, but it also means we need to make sure other formats remain healthy. Diversity keeps Magic strong."

Still, he believes the format's flexibility is what makes it enduring. "Commander can absorb change," Verhey said. "That's what makes it special. You can play with your first deck from 2015 or your latest one from 2025, and they'll still find common ground. It's communal by nature."

That community focus remains central to Verhey's outlook. Commander, he emphasized, isn't just a format, it's a culture. "The best thing about Commander is that it belongs to the players," he said. "Our job is to keep giving them tools to express themselves."

Looking Ahead

As the conversation wound down, Verhey hinted at what's next. "We're always exploring new archetypes and design spaces," he said. "Expect to see more decks that take risks, both mechanically and thematically."

It's a promise that fits Magic's ongoing evolution. Each new product may bring fresh mechanics or unexpected collaborations, but the underlying message remains consistent. Commander's future lies in the freedom it offers its players.

From preconstructed decks to crossover sets, Verhey's words painted a clear picture of a format still growing but also maturing. For players, that means a future filled with possibilities, both on the table and in the stories they build each time they sit down and shuffle up.