Wizards of the Coast recently pulled a Red Dead Redemption 2 by sending private security after a Magic: The Gathering leaker. This happened after the player was erroneously sent thousands of dollars worth of product from a currently-unreleased Magic: The Gathering card set.
Magic: The Gathering just released March of the Machine, a card set exploring the climax of the war against the Phyrexians. The next set, releasing in a few months, is called March of the Machine Aftermath. MTG fan and YouTuber Oldschoolmtg purchased $4,000 worth of limited-edition March of the Machine merch to unbox on his channel. However, his vendor accidentally sent him product from March of the Machine Aftermath, which he proceeded to unbox and share with his fans.
Wizards of the Coast responded by sending literal Pinkertons to Oldschoolmtg’s doorstep. The private security force arrived early morning April 23, demanding he return the “stolen product” he had in his possession. They threatened him, claiming he could spend up to 10 years in jail and face $200,000 in fines if he refused. Wanting to avoid any trouble, Oldschoolmtg complied, returning all the March of the Machine Aftermath product, deleting the footage of the unreleased set, and requesting others do the same.
Oldschoolmtg followed up with Magic: The Gathering after the incident. He reported the Wizards of the Coast representatives were “very nice and very apologetic” about the incident after “making [his] wife cry first thing in the morning after sending these heavy-duty lawmen.” Despite the word of the Pinkertons, WotC doesn’t believe Oldschoolmtg stole the product. The more likely scenario is that his vendor, who deals primarily in Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon cards, got the two similarly-named sets mixed up. The company plans on compensating Oldschoolmtg for his loss, but has yet to provide a figure.
Many gamers might be surprised to hear the Pinkertons are still around. The infamous private security firm was formed nearly 175 years ago, but still operates today. It even tried to sue Rockstar Games for copyright infringement after using them as the antagonists in Red Dead Redemption 2, though its attempt to do so failed.
Players are furious with WotC for taking such an extreme measure with a fan. Considering it had no lawful right to seize his property, many fans pointed out the Pinkertons essentially robbed Oldschoolmtg, placing the blame fully on Magic: The Gathering for naming the sets so similarly. Wizards of the Coast has been in hot water with Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering lately, so association with the Pinkertons isn’t going to do anything good for its public image.