WotC suspended in-store play last year, and paused retailers' play metrics on their Q1 2020 snapshot (see "Wizards of the Coast Adds Coronavirus Accommodations for 'Ikoria: Lair of the Behemoths' Prereleases"). As the pandemic winds down, WotC is nudging WPN retailers back into running events by counting play metrics again, starting with the prerelease events for Magic: The Gathering- Dungeons & Dragons Adventures in Forgotten Realms.

To start, play metrics will only be counted in the U.S. region. However, other regions will follow in an undisclosed timeframe. Retailers will have an entire year to build up their metrics for allocations as a grace period, and during this time, allocations will either be based on the Q1 2020 or live metrics. After the grace period ends, the live metrics will determine allocations.

It is also to be noted that all formats will now count towards the Engaged Players portion of the metrics. Prior to the pandemic, only Standard, Booster Draft and Sealed events counted towards this metric. Now, any form of Magic played in a retailer's community can contribute to the number of Engaged Players.