Why are the cards so expensive?? $80 could buy you an entire MTG set...or a single Spells of Genesis card?!
You can purchase a whole set yes and no. The model with MTG is a bit different you get random cards (except for pre constructed set). If you want to get all the set can cost much more since the probability to get a defined rare card.
The value of a card in MTG depends on it's supply : Rarity, distribution and demand : Desirability.
Spells of Genesis model is different. First of all it's a free to play comparing to MTG physical cards. So lot of cards and stuff can be acquired for free.
Like any free to play lot of content is free and premium things have a high price tag.
For the limited edition card we are doing right now the supply is set and the asset are locked. The price is increasing for each card sold since the supply is very limited. For all the card we started at a small introduction price and then increase. This way people who purchase are assured that the card won't lose it's value.
Or are the high prices to help push development?
Everything we do (or any small company does) is to push/finance the product development and reach sustainability. In longer term the pricing model will evolve, for future assets in oder to have the best market fit.