MTG - Life counter is a digital utility for Magic: The Gathering players to track game states like life totals and commander damage on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the cognitive load of manual tracking in complex multiplayer formats like EDH, where tracking multiple counters simultaneously is prone to error.
For Magic: The Gathering players ranging from casual kitchen table participants to competitive EDH/Commander format players.
What does it look like?
Key features
Tracks life totals, poison counters, and commander damage for up to eight players.
Syncs life totals across multiple devices for remote or local play.
Animated D20 physics engine for game outcomes.
How much does it cost?
Freemium model uses player count and ad removal as primary conversion gates.
Velocity
Dormant developmentShow more...
MTG - Life counter has been inactive for 460 days, placing it firmly in the zombie category. There have been no feature updates, bug fixes, or operational changes during this period. The development momentum is non-existent, and the app has not received any maintenance or support since the middle of 2025.
Who built it?
Nicole Hankinson
4 apps tracked · Utilities
Helper for Terraria
Magic card database (MTG)
Christmas CountdownUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for MTG - Life counter
How's the Utilities market?
MTG - Life counter serves the tabletop gaming niche, though its lack of updates for over 15 months weakens its position against active competitors.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for MTG - Life counter
Where is it heading?
The Magic: The Gathering utility market is shifting toward free, ad-supported tools that offer full multiplayer functionality without subscription barriers. MTG - Life counter's current trajectory, marked by a 15-month update gap, leaves it exposed to churn as users seek more reliable, actively maintained alternatives.
- The 15-month development hiatus indicates the app is in maintenance mode, which erodes user trust and long-term retention potential.
- The subscription gate on multiplayer functionality restricts the app's primary value proposition, likely driving users toward free, ad-supported alternatives.
The SWOT
- Network-synced tracking enables distributed group play across multiple devices
- Implementing a one-time purchase option could capture users who reject recurring subscriptions
Next best moves
Audit subscription gates because the two-player limit on the free tier prevents group adoption → increase top-of-funnel conversion
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's 15-month dormancy is a greater threat than its subscription pricing…
Read the full takeBottom line
MTG - Life counter provides essential tracking for group play, but the subscription gate on multiplayer functionality limits its reach. A pivot to a more accessible free tier would unlock the group-play network effects necessary to compete against active, ad-supported rivals.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is MTG - Life counter free to use?
Does MTG - Life counter support EDH/Commander games?
Can I sync life totals across multiple devices?
Sources
- [1] App Store, source
Report last updated