Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

2009 State of the Game Observations

Status
Not open for further replies.
PokePop said:
You haven't seen how people's eyes widen and light up when you tell them that the Pokemon World Championship is in Hawaii and that players can earn/win a trip to it.

It's well worth it for the "wow" factor.
Click to expand...

WOW, there's no way I can afford that trip this year.

So, darthpika, if there were enough budget to either expand prize support for nationals or worlds, which one would you pick? I agree that nats is getting too large for it's own good, a few boosters to the next power of two wouldn't be an awful idea as a next step, I'd honestly pick expanding nats before worlds because it's a tournament everyone can attend.
 
I predict prize support, judge compensation, and event trip budgeting will be reduced for the upcoming year -- in step with the past couple of seasons, and met with another 5-15% increase in event attendance.
If you're playing to go pro, now is the time to switch to Boggle.
 
drrty byl said:
I predict prize support, judge compensation, and event trip budgeting will be reduced for the upcoming year -- in step with the past couple of seasons, and met with another 5-15% increase in event attendance..
Click to expand...

I can't say if you are right or wrong with that. (Europe is different, heck each country within Europe is different). However I would ask that you support the statement that budget has been reduced in the past couple of seasons with some data.

BRs same as last year. (a box plus 3xVictory medal promos)
CCs same as last year. ( 3 boxes plus medals and goodies on top too)
STPs?
Regionals?
Nationals? (USA 07-08 same as 08-09 wasn't it, the only variation was in number of trips and that was down to a hiccup in pairing for 07-08)

As to staff compensation my understanding is that the bulk or even all of it comes out of the PTOs pocket. Europe is more complex with some LDs providing booster support for both prizes and staff. Many EU TOs augment the available support to put on the best event they can.
 
PokePop said:
You haven't seen how people's eyes widen and light up when you tell them that the Pokemon World Championship is in Hawaii and that players can earn/win a trip to it.

It's well worth it for the "wow" factor.
Click to expand...

Have you seen the looks on many player's faces when they learned that it would be in Hawaii? A huge majority of the players I have spoken to don't like the idea of Worlds being in Hawaii because it becomes much more difficult to attend, with or without an invite.

I think this shows who the targeted audience is for this move- not the general US players.
 
Another thing to consider, you americans have your big nationals, your regionals (with real prices) etc, over here we have nothing but BR Citys States and Nats. BEsides Nats these tournaments are pretty unspectacular IMO and worlds is like the only goal that one stives for the entire season. I wouldnt play pokemon if it werent for worlds, worlds is what makes it interesting. And then worlds are held in hawai, you basically stole one year from me :/
 
Yoshi- said:
Another thing to consider, you americans have your big nationals, your regionals (with real prices) etc, over here we have nothing but BR Citys States and Nats. BEsides Nats these tournaments are pretty unspectacular IMO and worlds is like the only goal that one stives for the entire season. I wouldnt play pokemon if it werent for worlds, worlds is what makes it interesting. And then worlds are held in hawai, you basically stole one year from me :/
Click to expand...

We stole a year from you? Most US players can't afford to make it to Hawaii- meaning many of our rating invites will be unused. Our nats and regionals, although having prizes, are significantly more difficult to do well at.

I'd rather compete in Europe than in the US for Nats.
 
Ryan, don't get me wrong, but if that's the only reason you complain about it being in Hawaii - that it costs a bit extra to attend, I'm afraid you won't find too many people feeling sorry for you or other players from the US who hold the same attitude. I sympathize with you for having to pay more, but I doubt it would change my attitude towards World's in Hawaii. This is supposed to be the big show here, buddy. I would love to be able to attend, and have the World's experience - with the glitz and glamour, and yes, even the price would not deter me. If I could pay for attending in Florida, it makes no difference to me that it's in Hawaii - I'd pay the extra. If your ratings invites are not used, I'm sure someone who is willing to pay the price to attend will be more than happy to take your spot. For those who don't think they can afford to attend under any circumstances, perhaps now is the best time to get ready for the 2010/11 season. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you. Any takers? Ummm, yeah, didn't think so.
 
The problem with Hawaii is how it is absurdly expensive for everyone to attend. I would rather see Worlds in Europe than Hawaii. I find it disgusting that assuming that if they keep the invite system the same, invitees will be expected to shell out over $1,000 to attend, and that's if they just are going alone. Europeans/families will have to spend considerably more. In this economy, that's really just not possible for many people. Yes, Worlds should be ridiculously nice. However, putting Worlds in a place where it is unaffordable to the majority of the player base is a no-win situation for anyone. The only people I see coming out on top here are people who play in the Grinder, because there will surely be enough open spots because people can't afford to go.
 
Is it really that much more expensive for the Non-USA players?
 
We have been looking at prices for flights from the UK.

Looks like it is about twice what we paid to go to San Diego.
 
Nah, the flights for August aren't up yet, i'm just going by what the prices are for July.
 
Hawaii is closer to Japan. Hawaii is going to be part of the worlds circuit.

If you think Hawaii is expensive just wait till you try Europe as a venue. Cheaper for me so that is a good thing right?
 
Its always cheaper for americans, having it in europe for ones would just be fair...
But sicne this is an american board I guess this argumentation is pointless....
 
NoPoke said:
Hawaii is closer to Japan. Hawaii is going to be part of the worlds circuit.

If you think Hawaii is expensive just wait till you try Europe as a venue. Cheaper for me so that is a good thing right?
Click to expand...

Why don't we run the expected aggregate travel cost?

It'd be a very rough estimate, but that wouldn't effect the rhetorical significance; if any discrepancies are large enough to stand out despite a rough estimate (e.g. a doubling of net cost) then it stands to further scrutiny to clarify, anyway.

What's the unpaid invite breakdown for next year?

There should be an objectively cheapest relative location (Japan, East Coast, West Coast, Europe, etc.) to hold World's at each year (not just Seattle or wherever OP's HQ is) to settle this debate.
 
That assumes that lowest cost is a requirement for the location. I doubt that it is. If Hawaii was double the cost to get to it may still make no difference to its choice as a venue for worlds. Might impact attendance but not the location.
 
do you really think OP looks at sites for *worlds*...their big show, for the best of the best...with 'will it be cheap enough for all the US players who want to show up for the grinder to get there?' in mind? or are they looking at it as the reward for those who have done well and earned their way there that year?

jmho
'mom
 
SD PokéMom said:
do you really think OP looks at sites for *worlds*...their big show, for the best of the best...with 'will it be cheap enough for all the US players who want to show up for the grinder to get there?' in mind? or are they looking at it as the reward for those who have done well and earned their way there that year?

jmho
'mom
Click to expand...

Can I point out that the past couple years not all invites have been payed. So even those who have earned it might not be able to attend.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top