The WPN faced many hurdles over the past few months: At-Home Prereleases, operating online-only businesses, launching online communities, and more. The Magic community successfully adapted and tackled those challenges head-on.

That's why WPN Premium is adapting, too—not just to face current challenges, but to continue evolving and surpassing customer expectations of a Premium experience in the future.

To that end, we're suspending the metrics requirement and adding requirements for online sales and communities.

We're as committed as ever to bringing world-class gaming experiences to the Magic community, and we believe Premium is within reach of every WPN member who wants it. These changes ensure we continue to meet that high bar even as the idea of WPN membership grows and adapts to new circumstances.

Let's take a closer look.

In-Store Play Metrics Requirement Suspended

The availability of great retail experiences is more important than ever for Magic fans. But just as the definition of "great retail experience" has changed, so have the means available to measure them.

The metrics snapshot taken on February 15 will be used until further notice for all WPN members. In addition, Premium metrics requirements will be waived temporarily for both Premium reverifications and new applications until further notice.

Everyone’s circumstances differ in this moment, and we do not want to encourage any member of the WPN to run events if they aren’t comfortable, aren’t permitted, or otherwise feel as though events aren’t a viable option for them. That is why we're also suspending the Premium requirements to run all WPN programs and provide events that cater to all levels of play.

Online Sales Platform Now Required

Convenience has always been at the center of the Premium experience, and that's never been more apparent than during the pandemic. An online sales platform enables a store to deliver on that promise, whether that's through home delivery, curbside pickup, or a buy-online-pick-up-in-store experience.

But even as the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the need for online sales, it is simply the case that today's fans expect to shop whenever, wherever, and however is most convenient for them. That won't change in a post-pandemic world.

A high-quality online sales experience is now a permanent requirement for WPN Premium—the impact of a strong online presence will continue to benefit your business even when your brick-and-mortar shop is open again.

Online Community Offering Now Required

Local game stores have always been a community hub, a place for players to gather and feel at home. Continuing to provide that feeling of community is more valuable than ever right now—even if we can't "gather" in the way we're used to.

That's why offering an online community (using Discord, Facebook Groups, WhatsApp, or something simliar) is now a requirement for Premium. Online communities help Premium members to expand their reach and continue to keep their players connected, even if they aren't bringing them together inside the store.

You can learn more about taking your community online here.

Additional Changes: Hygiene Requirements, Attendance Caps, More

Providing your players with a safe, comfortable environment has always been part of the Premium experience. All the original requirements of that environment, like a clutter-free play space, a range of refreshments, and clean restrooms, still apply—there are just a few more to consider now.

We hope that these accommodations help WPN members create the new standard for a Premium game store experience. Go here to apply for WPN Premium.