Panopticon

Panopticon was released in 2023 as part of the March of the Machine Commander set, a supplemental collection designed for the Magic: The Gathering multiplayer format. The card draws its name and thematic inspiration from the architectural concept of the panopticon, a type of institutional building designed to allow a single watchman to observe all inmates without them knowing whether they are being watched. In the context of the game's lore, it serves as a powerful artifact representing the surveillance and control exerted by the Phyrexians during the multiverse-wide conflict depicted in the set.

The card was illustrated by artist Wisnu Tan, who utilized a cold, metallic aesthetic to reflect the biomechanical nature of the Phyrexian invasion forces. The design focuses on intricate, oppressive machinery, emphasizing themes of voyeurism and forced compliance that define the Phyrexian ethos. Upon its release, the card was noted by players for its synergy with artifact-heavy decks, providing a strategic tool for card selection and resource management within the Commander format's unique gameplay loop.