Brian Weissman
Template:Notability Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for deprecated parameters".Template:Wikidata image Brian Weissman (born November 13 in San Francisco, California) is an American game designer, entrepreneur, and former professional Magic: The Gathering player. Weissman is recognized for his strategic innovations in collectible card games and his contributions to video game development.
Early Life and Education
Weissman was raised in Palo Alto, California, where he attended Palo Alto High School (PALY), graduating in 1992. He enrolled at the University of California, Santa Cruz, but paused his studies in 1994 after discovering Magic: The Gathering. He later completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Davis.
Magic: The Gathering Career
Weissman began playing Magic: The Gathering in January 1994 and quickly became a significant figure in the competitive scene. His most notable contribution was developing the theory of Card Advantage, which became a foundational strategy in the game. Weissman's deck archetype, "The Deck," embodied this principle, focusing on long-term resource accumulation and control strategies.[1][2]
Weissman achieved success on the competitive circuit, including two Pro Tour Top 8 finishes and numerous Top 32 placements. His influence extended beyond play, as he provided commentary for Magic broadcasts on ESPN2 during the game's early televised events.[3][4][5]
Contributions to Video Games
Weissman transitioned into video game development following his Magic career. Drawing from his experience with Diablo II's secondary market, he co-founded Grinding Gear Games in 2006 alongside Chris Wilson, Jonathan Rogers, and Erik Olofsson. The studio developed the critically acclaimed action RPG Path of Exile, released in 2013.[6]
As a writer for Path of Exile, Weissman played a key role in shaping the game during its formative years.[7] The game was awarded PC Game of the Year by GameSpot in 2013. Weissman left Grinding Gear Games shortly after Path of Exile's public release. [8][9]
References
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