The Reason Behind Magic: The Gathering’s Name Change of a Plane to Avishkar

Recently, Magic: The Gathering unveiled a new expansion called Aetherdrift, which includes a significant rebranding of one of its previous realms. The plane formerly known as Kaladesh has been officially renamed Avishkar. This change has sparked curiosity among players, prompting questions about the motives behind it. The game’s developers have provided both an in-lore explanation and a real-world rationale that serve to enrich the understanding of this transformation. Below, we delve into the details of these explanations.

Aetherdrift and the Ghirapur Grand Prix

The transition from Kaladesh to Avishkar is directly influenced by the themes of the Aetherdrift set, which centers around a high-stakes racing event featuring ten teams from various planes. The spotlight event is the Ghirapur Grand Prix, which has now been sanctioned as a legal competition. This addition introduces a fresh layer to the game’s lore and is central to the historical shift in identity from Kaladesh to Avishkar.

In-Lore Reason for the Name Change

A Bloodless Revolution

In the lore, the transformation is narrated through a significant uprising led by the New Culture Collective, which resulted in both a governmental overhaul and a rebranding of the plane. The former concentration of power in Ghirapur experienced upheaval as a consequence of illegal racing events like the Ghirapur Sprint, previously held under the oppressive rule of the Consulate. This spirited campaign for change culminated in unity among various factions post-Phyrexian Invasion, leading to the downfall of the Consulate. Consequently, the players opted for the new name Avishkar, symbolically distancing themselves from the historical baggage of the old name while rebranding the racing event as the Ghirapur Grand Prix.

Real-World Reason for the Name Change

Why the Developers Chose This Path

Initially, the name Kaladesh was derived from the belief that ‘kala’ meant “tomorrow”or “art,” intending to evoke a sense of innovation and hope. However, following the set’s release, cultural feedback suggested that the term carried unintended negative racial implications, particularly after consulting with experts in Hindi linguistics. In light of this, the developers recognized the need for a respectful and culturally sensitive renaming.

To honor the original intent while ensuring awareness and sensibility, Magic: The Gathering sought the guidance of consultants and ultimately selected Avishkar, a term derived from the Hindi word ‘aavishkar’, which translates to “invention.”This thoughtful approach reinforces the desired image of innovation and sets a hopeful tone for the future direction of Magic: The Gathering.

For more information, please refer to the official MTG announcement.

Source: Screen Rant