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~ December 2021 Mid - Month Updates ~

The final Update Post of 2021....what a ride it was.


I highly encourage all patrons to read the once a month "Mid-Month Update" Post. 

This is the best post of the month and many patrons never buy anything from me, but stick around for moments like this.

Lets Begin.


2021 will go down in history as the time when inflation and the world of cardboard skyrocketed at the begining of the year, and cooled off by the end. This was a year of "rocket emojis" and 10x my money or the product sucks. Everything about 2021 was NOT normal, price swings, and supply problems with short term investors wreaked havoc on the ability to calculate what an item was "WORTH". On average, i believe most people ended up LOSING money in 2021 due to the 4th quarter collapse in momentum of most product lines. 

I believe most "investors/flippers" have left the market and are continuing to liquidiate as they exit.

The Cardboard world CANNOT move forward until we hit CAPITULATION.


Metazoo - Overview - By far was the leader in 2021....and shocked everyone with the success and growth of the brand and product line behind them. Many patrons have given opinions to me and are calling Metazoo the "Tesla" of the cardboard world. Anotherwards, everyone laughed and bet against it, but now it is expanding everywhere and creating new product lines on a monthly basis. We are now at a level where Metazoo will stand the test of time, they hav all the nessessary LGS's + Distributors + investors + connections in all industries to make the brand a full blown Cultural Phenomenon.

Metazoo - Secondary Market - Sealed product and unique promos in the Metazoo world continue to be very sought after. The long term value of these items will be determined on the management of the company and if they can continue to innovate with new and creative products. As long as the public is excited and "hyped" for a new release, the brand will continue to solidify itself in the long term CCG world. I would not bet against the company in 2022.

Metazoo - Christmas Holiday RUDY BUNDLE - This bundle has been officially delayed 4 weeks until mid Jan 2022. This is due to logisitics and getting the actual items to distribution. Since this is no longer a "Christmas bundle", i am having a new Promo card designed with a new playmat for this kit. I am already in possession of the "Rudy Clause" Christmas promo card brick. I believe there are 2,500 copies in the print run. All of them are being stored in a Rudy vault unti the holidays of 2022. 

Metazoo - Janurary 2022 - Details - This is the Cryptid Nation 2nd edition Bundle. 2,000 kits are being made at my warehouse. Keep in mind, unlike Flesh and Blood, Metazoo has done unique modifications to the 2nd edition boxes to make them desirable. Each kit contains 2 Booster boxes + accessory items + Promo items. Price point will be low at around $300-$400. +/-10%. 

Metazoo - Walmart - Estimated launch is 1/24/2021, Metazoo is launching in 4,000 Walmarts across the United States. This is not a "test run" at 3-4 regional walmarts, this is a massive launch for almost every walmart across the country and will be a major test of the brand and product line.

Metazoo - Rudy Promo Cards - The Series of Rudy Promos in my opinion plans to continue until a complete Rudy Card product line ends at 69 unique cards over the coming years.

Flesh and Blood -  Record Shattering players and LGS's are playing and selling FaB. The health of the "game" itself remains very strong. The investor/collector side of the game, is the weakest i have evere seen since the game launched. This "bear" market could last another 1-12 months...or until a major catalyist changes the "attitude" of the public.

Flesh and Blood - Everfest - I have very high hopes with this CRU 2.0 style set. I am hoping to see an LGS/Distribution behavior shift on this release and more positivity comes from the business side of the game. 

Flesh and Blood - Everfest Bundle - The exclusive playmat in this bundle is by far the most provocative playmat ever produced by FaB. I believe this is intentional, and a smart decision on LSS. The problem at this time is the supply of this item is 1,000 units which is way less than expected. This implies the quantity of EverFest Rudy Bundles is going to be cut to 1,000 bundles instead of 2,000 bundles. Im not sure if this is intentional or supply cut/logistic issue. The Exclusive Promo card i believe is printed at 2,000 units....so yea...im not sure what to do at this time.

Flesh and Blood - Secondary Market - As seen on youtube, i continue to buy Cold foils and Sealed 1st edition FaB boxes at 51% of ebay sold prices. I am very transparent on what im offering and i continue to get contacts on a daily basis from collectors/investors who have FULLY GIVEN UP. I always say the same thing, i DONT recomend you sell, but you must, lets move forward and put it on youtube. I believe the market will turn and i continue to put my money forward in confidence.

Flesh and Blood - Unlimited sealed boxes - This asset class has proven to be of value even in the sealed market. I currently have 1 pallet of WTR+ARC+CRU and have been working on a creative way to run a special in the future.

Flesh and Blood - FUTURE - I am at a point where i believe, LSS is going to change direction with design style and sealed product. After discussions with James, i believe he is unhappy with the 1st edition/Unlimited edition business model. I believe he is frustrated with some Partners NOT SELLING the 1st edition product at release when they are supposed to. Then treating his unlimited edition boxes as "worthless". I believe LSS is already making changes for future booster boxes. I dont know if that means tweaking each version with inserts/variants/uniques or combining them. My instinct says major changes are coming. Only time will tell. I have full confidence in LSS to decide what needs to be done and have the balls to make risky changes. I will stay with James until i retire or the ships sinks. I believe the game will stand the test of time.

Magic The Gathering - OVERVIEW - Wizards of the coast is pissed. They are loosing market share and see a decline in quantity of products selling. They watch the secondary market daily. They see collector boxes and supplemental products being blown out way below MSRP. 

Wizards of the coast is going to go hardcore aggressive in 2022. I expect serialized cards. I expect parallel cards. I expect hyper rare l0ttery cards. I expect reduced supply and cards with strongh secondary market value at any means nessessary.

Magic The Gathering - Reserved list - The recent chatter on RL being broken means nothing. I expect another major buyout in RL cards within a couple years. I think we are in for a long period of calm and ZERO RETURNS. This is the time to slowely accumulate and build positions. The RL will come back with vengence...but you have plenty of time.

Magic the Gathering - RUDYS PATRONS - I am currently negociating special pricing for SET BOXES on all future sets. I am at a crossroads and it feels like wizards is going to push me over into set boxes vs. draft boxes. I am considering bring on Set boxes of all new sets and dropping all draft boxes in a couple months. Another option is i will offer patrons set and draft boxes and monitor the sales of both items for a couple months to see what the data shows.

Magic the Gathering - BEAR MARKET - This feels exactly like 2018 mtg. 4 years ago, every magic sale i ran, no one wanted it. I couldnt sell Amonkht/Hour of Dev/Iconic masters/Masters 25/Ixalan even at a loss. No one wanted it....wizards reacted and supply was cut short on these product lines. I have been doing this stuff most of my life. I am telling everyone, do NOT underestimate these new sets. Literally NO ONE is hoarding these new sets, everyone says they are all garbage. This is deja vu.

Magic the Gathering - Secret Lair - Any serious collector or investor should be buying the highest quantity of every secret lair they can afford moving forward. The limited downside risk vs. potential upside long term is very attractive. The newer SL's have smaller packaging and randomly include serialized cards. As the years go by some of these SL's will become very rare and tough to find.

Alpha Investments 6.9 year Anniversary - I have been working on this item for 3 months already. I expect it to be completed and ready for market in another 4 months. This is the post personalized unique item ever sold. It has custom made items representating the 6.9 yrs history of the youtube channel. In addition to special exclusive created and cards + accessories from FaB and Metazoo. I have $250,000 in cost on this item. The price point on this item is targeted to be around $499 +/- 10%. 

Pokemon - OVERVIEW -  Bear market, i expect this to last for many months. Possibly into 2023 on 2020-2021 era sealed products. Stay the course, and do NOT SKIP sets, i made that mistake and still regret it back in the XY era. If you have the stomach and capital to park money, close your eyes and push the red buttom.

Pokemon - GRADED CARDS - RUN....get up....and stay away. It is estimated PSA/BGS have flushed out 50% of the backlog of graded cards. It is estimated 500,000 more CCG type cards are waiting to be graded and sent back to the market. I dont like any modern era graded pokemon card under any reasoning.

Pokemon - Vintage sealed boxes - I am still a big fan of any older pokemon sealed box from Sun/Moon and back. Now that prices are now 30%-60% from all time highs, adding to these older sealed boxes has become a lot more attractive. The downside risk is minimal buying in at todays prices vs. 1 year ago. I like it a lot.

Weiss - OVERVIEW - I believe i personally caused some of this damage. Many LGS's have told me they ordered and have started carrying weiss from my videos and customers asking. I feel this is a positive thing long term. I feel this also caused many "flippers" and store owners to increase the preorder numbers and caused print runs to increase. This has placed a short term bear market on the last 5 new release products. I believe all these products will stabilize and come back with vengence in 2022. 

Weiss - Sealed Boxes - ANY sealed weiss booster box at release under $70 is fantastic oppotunity for diversification. The lower weiss boxes have ever crashed too is around $50. 3 year average sealed box prices remain high at around $150-$200 a box.

Weiss - SP/Chase Cards - While these cards are very illiquid, they are some of the most rare and desrible cards in the weiss world. They are veery expensive....but if you can find them at good prices, i would consider these long term value holders.

Force of Will - Overview - Market remains stable with no bear market or crash in sealed boxex. Metazoo and Force of will remain the only 2 brands to dodge the 2021 bear market. Granted, FoW market is small compared to pokemon/mtg. The game continues to make new products and push forward......kinda impressive...

Force of Will - Sealed Boxes - More and more sealed FoW boxes are getting bought out or simply disappearing. Looking at TCGPLAYER.COM i am seeing continued price spikes on old out of print FoW booster boxes from the last 2 years. 


KICKSTARTER - FRENZY - Use extreme caution on all the hype sourrounding new CCG's. I estimate there must be around 100 new card games on kickstarter "in developement" Everyone wants to catch the next FaB or metazoo. 

I expect 98 of 100 of these companies will fail. I expect many of these companies to take the money and never even launch. The downside risk is too high and not worth the potential big hit.


Community / World Events - As we leave 2021. Most of my thoughts and attitude towards the "community" and emotions are about what i would expect for a bear market. I continue to expect a large divide in places like Flesh and Blood. I expect more aggression on the player vs. investor vs. store opener. I feel this is normal. 

I expect to see continued "the world is ending" fear and decision making by most people in the world. Wether this is related to Covid or politics...in the long game, none of it matters. The market for assets does not remember news events years later. Time has a weird way of "erasing" daily life concerns. 

REMEMBER...we are coming out of a stock market and economic crash from 2020.

18 months ago, the world was literally ending and everything went on firesale.

I believe 2022 will continue to push forward with most asset classes performing very well.

I believe MOST working class invidiuals will miss out on all the growth due to fear of another crash or social unrest or media driven negativity.

I think periods of price swings will remain in the equity world and in the cardboard world.


Fortune Favors the Bold

Stay the Course.


I hope you all stick around and enjoy the ride of 2022 with me!

Thank you for the support and i hope you continue to learn and enjoy the videos

-Rudy :)

Comments

I think it’s a rough sign that almost no one is talking about Metazoo outside of our investing circles. I’m not a hater, I hope you guys stick with it and it’s here to stay but I would also advise not to overburden yourself with a game that hasn’t recovered from a crash yet.

Jonathan Morris

God Please keep draft boxes they are the main reason why me and many other patrons are still here. Heck its selling mtg draft boxes is what started your whole patron in the first place. Everyone knows wizards wants to phase out draft and wants to push everyone into set boxes, that shouldn't persuade you to consider not getting any at all at some point, if anything it should be the opposite since they will be harder to come by. If you feel like draft isn't the gold mine it use to be just buy less of it and take it off the monthly list early like you have been doing. Understandably raising your guaranteed prices is one thing, but to not give the option at all one day really would sting especially to those who have been here buying draft since Eldritch Moon.

Karen

Am I the only person other than Rudy that has isn't liquidating FaB ? I've been playing draft/sealed with friends and its been a blast: and I continue to make a position in it. I think from what I've seen of the different TCGs that I've played that FaB should be here to stay as long as they make some changes. I don't necessarily see the 1st ed/unlimited as a horrible model but I could also see condensing the two into 1 standard box with chances for 1st ed booster packs OR 1st ed/cold foil mixed in. I'd hate to see them go the 'collectors box' MtG route as I'm not sure WotC even likes their current model of product offerings. Maybe something in between that is balanced but still works assist in maintaining card values for rares/majestic/leg/fable in secondary market, while still making it highly playable.

Mitchell

I am trying to decide which way to go, I seem to have picked the 2 "worst" performing bundles (IE> Monarch and Nightfall Kit #1). I was just shy of getting the first MetaZoo kit but chickened out at the last minute (ragrets). There's still a lot of uncertainty on MZ which presents a unique opportunity though. Loving FaB, been building big positions on cases (1st and Unlimited). Stay the course!

Matthew Dykman

My discretionary income for the last year and half has gone into collector's boxes. I've got 10 boxes of Ikoria, Zendikar Rising, Strixhaven, Adventures and Crimson Vow. Anything with a crossover and I LOVE Strixhaven's archives. I believe other people will love expeditions in a few years. Now that it seems like there won't be any crossovers for at least a few months I'm trying to decide if I should branch out into Weiss or buy up Secret Lairs. RWBY is one of my all-time favorite IPs. I love it, but I'm not sure I "believe" in it (as Rudy says). Does anyone have any thoughts?

Please don't stop selling draft boosters. My whole investment is in draft boosters because if they become worthless cardboard rectangles, I can still play the game I love in the way I love it. That's why I have 30 boxes of Dominaria sitting on the shelf and expect to draft more of them than sell over the next ten years.

Adam Henke

I think the future of sealed is still very much up in the air. Yes, Set boxes have more value, so will go up more quickly with value of a set. But from what I gather, sealed product has it’s value tied into rarity. If they’re printing less Draft than Set, won’t Draft be the rarer boxes? What happen’s if you end up with one of those rare sets with a $5-10 common? Why do people buy old boxes and when? If you’re looking to draft an old set a Set box does you no good. If you’re hoping for good pulls, do you even want a Set box or are you going to go for a Collector box? How are the new chase cards that are coming going to effect all this based on their distribution? For now I’ll keep getting a bit of each and hope Rudy keeps getting all of them.

Douglas Ortiz

Just my dumb opinion: I only buy the monthly Draft boxes because Set boxes aren't available at those kind of prices. If Set boxes were an option for the monthly standard boxes, I'd never buy another Draft box. Based on slots within the packs and the rare-to-mythic ratio in a "rare or mythic" slot, Set boxes have about 15% more rares and mythics than Draft boxes on average. That big pile of extra commons you get from a Draft box isn't going to age at all and will still be worthless in 20 years. It's the rares and mythics that will appreciate over time, bringing up the EV of the sealed box. Set boxes cost a couple more dollars from the distributors than Draft boxes, but have about 15% more value now, and will grow their value faster over time.

Craig Mitchell

They never actually say no reprints on SL. Just “this lair will be gone.” I worry about an Anthology Lair or Greatest Hits Lair or even seeing some of them hit The List. I emailed Wizards to check on this and was given a non-answer saying the only information they have in on the Secret Lair web pages which says nothing about no reprints.

Douglas Ortiz

Really the only thing I do not like about SL is they are print to order. Which will drive FOMO to buy when released. Now granted they are expensive, which just means, in my opinion, that it is a long term investment. That any investor or collector, will have a set. Which I see as limited demand on the secondary market for the short, mid term. Then will have to hold them to the word of no re prints of SL products. One run of print to order no more.

James Ross

Please keep draft boxes or have some sort of one-time availability for patrons, it is the main reason I joined as a patron. I would like to continue to put away a number of draft boxes for the future.

John R Hutchinson

1. Metazoo reminds me more of Bakugan than Tesla. That was everywhere and I couldn’t understand why. 2. Secret Lairs are too expensive to buy large quantities of every one for most. People complain but the high prices help keep them rarer and even though it makes no sense how a 8 card Lair costs the same as a 3 card Lair, generally the high price helps the less valuable/playable cards keep some value and also helps the high price cards from completely crashing because it’s not cheap to get. Also, weirdly with Lairs, I’m still shocked how much of a “Secret” they are. I still see tons of comments online when people post pics of SL cards that say “what is that?! How cool! What set was that?” then when people say it’s from Secret Lair there’s still people who need to have it explained or shown to them. Wizards buffoonery in marketing is our gain.

Douglas Ortiz

Set boxes have 30 packs, draft boxes have 36 packs. However, set boxes have a list slot with assorted cards from magic’s history reprinted and inserted randomly in the packs

John Miller

Stay the course!!!!!

I am new here and it is posts like these that make me extra happy, that there was a random spot available the day I checked out the Patreon account. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Rudy. 🎄

Sofie Heiberg Plovdrup

Whats the difference between Draft and Set boxes?

Eric Boron

It feels shitty that you're being pushed one way or the other... But, please don't stop the Draft Boxes! I feel a little better now that set boxes are more compact, but I'd hate to see draft be fizzled out. Merry Christmas everyone!

Zachary

Love you big guy!!

Kelan Manning

Happy Holidays Rudy! This is the best post. loved it!

Pedro

Thanks for the update as always, Rudy. Have a happy holidays and a merry christmas

Jim Lenart

Happy holidays and happy new year everyone!!

great update per usual :-) Also watched your latest video. Totally get the dissolving of draft boxes. For what it’s worth, as a limited player primarily, I’d love to see them on the menu but I support the move toward set boxes (specifically for midnight hunt and crimson vow next quarter). It is what it is. You’re a good dude. Merry Christmas and happy new year 🎆:D

Stephen Konefal

These updates are a must read for me every month. I have been more selective this year in my purchases this year but still find the patreon fee to be worth it for posts like these (on top of the buying opportunities). Thanks Rudy for the great content, hope you get to relax a bit and enjoy the holidays before 2022. Stay floppy

Merry Christmas and happy New Years to everyone! I can’t wait for more Rudy updates and sales.

Joshua Halstead

I can't wait to build my set of all 69 Rudy cards!

Teds Basement

I don't think fixing spelling errors adds any value. Which means the expense if an editor would be a negative ROI. Just my humble opinion.

Teds Basement

Very disappointed that the rudy 6.9 anniversary bundle isnt gonna cost 420.69 😂. Cheers to another year in the cardboard empire!

Brian Wilson

Thanks so much. Your updates are superb. Hope that you and all patrons have a happy holiday and prosperous 2022.

Joshua Campos

Well said Rudy! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tracee Campbell

Happy holidays everyone

christian gallegos

So excited for next year! LETS GOOO! Rudy 69 to the moon!

Offer the Everfest bundle to gemholders first if its limited in quantity? 😇

GhostUnit

Full steam ahead!

Hayden Blackburn

I meant Pokémon.....darn auto correct

dank_mememan

I love poking your mom

dank_mememan

My first full year as a patron and Rudy fanatic. It was a great one!! Thank you so much sir

For the Flesh and Blood - Everfest Bundle, I’d suggest simply offering two tiers of bundles: a price for one with a playmat and a price for one without a playmat. If this is complicated to run at the same time, maybe run one on one day and the other a few days later at a lower price point? Great read, as usual!

Dav the WarlordCardGamer

Thanks for the updates, the videos, and the time you put in Rudy!

Josh Hall

I will continue to buy every FaB sale I see and every MTG sale I can afford at the time. Its not that I dont believe in the others im just not interested. I hope those buyers/investors have great success and perhaps ill be sorry I missed out lol but I dont see myself missing out. Staying the course on what I believe in and continuing to stack up my positions. People ask why I dont crack packs and update my decks. I have no desire to. I love my original innistrad Era decks. I dont play competitively either so I'm enjoying buying and playing my old decks for fun.

Please dont drop the draft boxes!! At least do a single round when they come off allocation so we can scoop up a case. Cant wait for the everfest bundle. Great price point on the 6.9 anniversary bundle. 2022 has a lot to look forward to.

John Moberly

6.9 hehe

Merry Christmas Everyone and Stay the Course!

Awesome summary of this past year, but Rudy, my man, you seriously need an editor. This thing is riddled with spelling errors! 🙃 Bro!

Wally

Pleeeasssseeee don't get rid of draft boxes. I just got into a place where I can reliably get a case every single month :(

Daniel Langworthy

If I had to guess, he feels the same about them as he does the reserved list. Prices have crept back down and there is time to build positions before the next leg up.

Jarek Lewis

The Waifu's of Weiss have stolen my heart and pocket book, my Chalupa has never been this floppy and soggy.

Dusty Rogers

69 Rudy promo cards? How many years you be on YouTube lol? Mz typically has 3 to 4 sets a year.

Paul Tufis

Great stuff Rudy.

T̷h̷e̷ ̷A̷m̷e̷r̷i̷c̷a̷n̷ ̷S̷t̷o̷n̷e̷r̷

❤ As always it's a pleasure to watch your video's while also reading your monthly posts. Merry Christmas from my family to yours. It's a pleasure to be new to this patron experience, and a pleasure to grow as a young man from the experience you offer. ❤😎

Rudy, due to the number of playmats vs number of promo cards for Everfest bundles, Do you not yet know what an estimated price point might be?

Love it, speaking truth. Merry Christmas!

Andy Wilkes

How do you feel about Akora?

You didn't really mention sealed vintage magic, is now a good time to build a position?

Randy F

Thank you for for detailed update. Happy Holidays Rudy! See ya in 2022!!!

Prabal Singh

Amazing post really excited for the 6.9 year anniversary I can’t wait!! Also low key stoked for metazoo, happy too stay the course on FaB too thanks for all you do have a great Christmas Rudy!

Kamen

Merry Christmas and have a good break everyone!

Never disappointed! Hope you're having a great holiday season rudy!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Andrew Wagenknecht

The mid-month updates are my favorite posts. Looking forward to 2022!

Hell yea man! Have a great Christmas! 🎄

Steven

Good analysis btw.

I enjoy draft.

Love the draft over set boxes unfortunately before becoming a Patreon I had already purchased what I wanted for standard boxes so I’m waiting for innistrad to hit that list and buy my draft boosters

Cord Anding

Endlessly grateful for all that you do. Merry Christmas to you and the family.

Please keep MTG Draft boxes!

Robert J Pluskwik

Thank you Rudy. Happy holidays to you and everyone!

Merry Christmas Rudy! Thanks for the note, can't argue with anything, enjoy some r&r with the family!

Aaron Paolozzi

Thank you Rudy for all that you do. Wishing you, your fam, and loved ones a great ending to the year.

Eric Huynh

What about yugioh?

Sean Lista

Always got us covered. Thank you Rudy for keeping us well informed. Merry Xmas!

Oyeah happy and holidays RUDI

maxx schanback

Hell yes…………………..BITCONNNECTTTTTTTTYTYYTYYYY

maxx schanback

I can’t wait until 2020 Two

Ozzy B.

Thanks Rudy! Happy Holidays pal!

Ray Q

The positivity around MetaZoo now does make me a little nervous, but I’m very interested to see where it goes. I traded my sealed stuff away for some Unlimited dual lands. It could very well be a Timmy trade down the line but tbh I get more enjoyment from the cards than I do from some sealed boxes I got for cheap. But maybe I’m just trying to convince myself.

Ozzy B.

Can't wait to see the 2022 memes!!

Robert Sutphin

Thank you Rudy for being here this year! You have had some of the best content anywhere.

KevinJr1977

Merry Christmas Ruby to you and your family. Here's to 2022...?

Jeffrey Ho

Thanks for the mention of the RL that is still my favorite topic

Ozzy B.

1stly: Please don't discontinue MtG draft boxes. Especially with wotc pushing set boxes, I'm wanting to to hold draft boxes long-term even more. 2ndly: Will the Metazoo/FaB 6.9 anniversary bundle be subject to the Gem Keeper discount since it's a half-FaB bundle? Thanks, Rudy!

Quinn Knobbe

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Bring on 2022

So insightful

Merry Christmas Rudy!

SpicyCain

God Bless and Merry Christmas Rudy <3 Love from Cleveland


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