We've heard back from Wizards of the Coast with answers to questions we posed at the recently completed GAMA Trade Show regarding the company's support for its new core-only product Dreamblade (see 'Like 'Magic' with Minis' and 'A Major OP Program for Dreamblade'), and brick and mortar retailers. 

With regard to Dreamblade, we asked a question that had been posed to us by a retailer, namely, whether Dreamblade would be longer-lived than last year's core only release Hecatomb, which was notably absent from WotC's announced plans for the rest of the year at the show.  Assistant Communications Manager Tolena Thorburn replied.  'Wizards of the Coast is putting their full weight behind Dreamblade - it is the biggest initiative for the company this year,' she said.  'In fact, Wizards has just announced a $50,000 Dreamblade Championship Tournament for GenCon Indy in 2007.'

We also asked about support for brick and mortar stores vs. Internet retailers, which have been providing tough price competition for b&m stores recently.  'Wizards is supporting the core brick and mortar stores with the robust Organized Play structure,' Thorburn replied. 'The majority of Dreamblade prizes will be spread out to support local events across the country so players will have greater access to cash prizes. Wizards of the Coast is planning 800 Edge tournaments nationwide in 2006 to support the launch of the game.  Cash prizes will be offered at Dream Series events comprised of 80 1K Tournaments ($1,000) and four 10K tournaments ($10,000).'