Has Pokemon Organized play jumped the Sharpedo?

[P_A]

You missed the part where most parents won't sit there for 6-12 hours while their kids play cards (i.e. The parents currently playing) and the staff being too thin to act as baby sitters for kids dropped off.

Far be it for me to come between you and your complaining if that's what you really want to do (personally I see both sides to this story, but I'm retired, so I can be objective), but seeing as you don't want to just sit there for 6-12 hours, have you ever thought of volunteering your time to be a results runner, or maybe since you'd definitely be old enough, and presumably knowledgeable enough why not volunteer to be a judge to lessen the load of current judging staff? I'm sure they could always use some help. You'd have the satisfaction of helping to have a well run event, and possibly helping someone personally in the process. Your choice.

Edit: Volunteering may bring other benefits as well. Perhaps, if you do a good job, the tournament organizer might give a few packs your way for your efforts. You might use some of them for your own use in decks, or maybe even sell them privately to offset your pokemon costs. Either way, showing a smile and helping to grow the game even through your legitimate complaints will continue to have good results in the long run.

 

[bullados]

Just because there is the potential for there to be more LC this year, that does not mean that reality will bear that out. Has any one played in a LC yet? Last year at this time there were probably over 100 BR that had been held in North America. Today everyone is still sitting at 1600 ranking points and the same # of Championship points that they had the day after worlds ended. Right now we are headed to 3 weeks of Fall regionals, but very few players will participate in more then one. Then we have a few weeks of BR's. So I don't see many LC's being held until that time span has passed. Then it will be heading into November and Cities will be starting around Thanksgiving running until early January. I don't see a lot of time for LC then. after Cities we will have a few more weeks of Prereleases and then 3 more weeks of Winter Regionals. Again most players will only be participating in one event then. So not a lot of time for LC's until February. There may be a few but then everyone will be gearing up for 3 weeks of States in March. Then in April we will have 2 more weeks of Prereleases and shortly after that 3 more weeks of Spring regionals. Then we will have some time for LC before Nats and Worlds, but will anyone care about them by then?

I really do not expect there to actually be more LC events held this year then Fall and Spring BR's that were held last year in North America. But I do hope I am wrong, as I enjoy playing, but I just do not see when they will be taking place in the Pokémon season.

This has been explained before. Allow me to explain it for the final time.

The.

New.

League.

Season.

Has.

Not.

Started.

Yet.

It will not start until the end of October (we hope). That is the first time a League Championship will be seen anywhere in the world.

Enjoy this period of not having a Premier-level tournament to attend. It will never come again.

 

[LOLZ]

Just because there is the potential for there to be more LC this year, that does not mean that reality will bear that out. Has any one played in a LC yet? Last year at this time there were probably over 100 BR that had been held in North America. Today everyone is still sitting at 1600 ranking points and the same # of Championship points that they had the day after worlds ended. Right now we are headed to 3 weeks of Fall regionals, but very few players will participate in more then one. Then we have a few weeks of BR's. So I don't see many LC's being held until that time span has passed. Then it will be heading into November and Cities will be starting around Thanksgiving running until early January. I don't see a lot of time for LC then. after Cities we will have a few more weeks of Prereleases and then 3 more weeks of Winter Regionals. Again most players will only be participating in one event then. So not a lot of time for LC's until February. There may be a few but then everyone will be gearing up for 3 weeks of States in March. Then in April we will have 2 more weeks of Prereleases and shortly after that 3 more weeks of Spring regionals. Then we will have some time for LC before Nats and Worlds, but will anyone care about them by then?

I really do not expect there to actually be more LC events held this year then Fall and Spring BR's that were held last year in North America. But I do hope I am wrong, as I enjoy playing, but I just do not see when they will be taking place in the Pokémon season.

I have a feeling that LCs may not get their own exclusive weekends that the other events have, their will be overlap.There very well may be LCs happening during the Cities/States/Regionals time frame. I would like to think that most TOs with League Challenges wouldn't plan their LC on the same day as: a Another League Challenge or City 100 Miles away from their venue, a State/Regionals 200 Miles away from their venue or on Nationals/Worlds weekend. September/February/May/June/July seems like great times for LCs, but it will most likely not be enough time, once again their will be an overlap with other events. I just was given the tentative schedule for Cities for my state, if we get details about LCs before December, there are 2 good Saturdays in December I can use for an LC. If there is nothing in a neighboring state, I might just use that date as I don't expect my players to travel 100+ to a City. I briefly spoke to my PTO about this next idea, my League store gets to host a Prerelease. If the time frame for any LC for the season coincides with a prerelease, we are likely going to run a prerelease and the LC back to back since both tournaments are small and do not require a Top Cut. So really, there is alot of space in the year for LCs.

 

[khit]

This has been explained before. Allow me to explain it for the final time.

The.

New.

League.

Season.

Has.

Not.

Started.

Yet.

It will not start until the end of October (we hope). That is the first time a League Championship will be seen anywhere in the world.

It doesnt help that PTO said that during the next gym (aka this gym now) LC's would be able to be run, but it makes more sense if it starts in the x y block, then during the last gym of BW2.
Now saying that, the point still stands, how are we supposed to get 100 MORE points than last year when there are LESS events to go to and a smaller time frame to get to 500, I'll tell you what I'll be doing, 10 Play points then go all in at nationals or go home. I'd rather waste one day and 5-10K less on travel and hotels than an entire year for something that is, I'm gonna say it, IMPOSSIBLE for me (being able to attend a tournament every week or more for 8 months), I still have no tournaments announced within 250 miles of me.... Who wants catchers before they deflate in value even more? I'm sure glad I traded my SR charizard for a set of these in spring!

 

[losjackal]

As a League Owner, if there is any Premier event within driving distance, we are there competing instead of holding league. I encourage my league members to go to that Premier event too. So speaking for myself, I won't be holding LC's on the same day as a notable Premier event.

My league is on Sundays, so my LC would occur on one Sunday during that league season, without regard for whatever other LC's might be running in the area. Because I'll probably have enough work to do finding a venue as big as I can (if my league venue won't not suffice) without having to concern myself of what other League Owners are scheduling. I could see that someone whose league normally is on Thursday nights would try to hold their LC on a Sunday instead, but I won't mind if happens on my normal league day or even on a day I chose for a LC. We would probably even go attend their LC!

 

[losjackal]

It doesnt help that PTO said that during the next gym (aka this gym now) LC's would be able to be run, but it makes more sense if it starts in the x y block, then during the last gym of BW2.

There is no gym season going on right now. It is a month-long lull in between seasons.

I don't know why you think it makes sense to delay LC's until the new card set, that's not logical to me. Organized Play has it's own schedule that does not coincide with the release of new cards. Furthermore, we will have 3 gym league seasons before X/Y is legal.

Now saying that, the point still stands, how are we supposed to get 100 MORE points than last year when there are LESS events to go to and a smaller time frame to get to 500

Getting to 500 is one issue, but I'll dispute the LESS events you claim. There are 6 complete league seasons before July. I expect someone who tries would be able to attend up to 2 League Challenges every season on average. That is 12 events. How many Battle Roads in total did people attend on average last year?

 

[deckmaster]

TPCI has to charge Masters for Premier Events because Masters kept coming to tournaments in large amounts showing no end in sight! TPCI during last season, has to pay tournament Organizers either $5, $10, or $20 per Master division player across each premier event the T.O hosts, and with most people not buying into the new cards, Pokemon TCG was losing money. So charging Masters to play was done to sustain the company. Do I like it? No. Free is always better, and the new prize support is scant at best.

The changes to Cather may prove to accommodate the X and Y metagame. However, I have been playing Pokemon since the Base set, and I know how powerful any card can be that targets a specific bench Pokemon. Even cards like Double Gust with its downside effect still did not deter players for playing in in high quantities.

Not being able to attack on turn-1 helps a bit but not by a large margin. If the X and Y meta-game puts more emphasis on evolution type decks, then yes this change is a huge improvement. However, if our game is still dominated by Basic and basic EX Pokemon, it is setting up Energy and leading into a powerful attack that will make the difference (from the basic Pokemon).

It is very difficult for the Pokemon TCG to correct its fundamental flaw: who often goes first, wins. In order to rectify this ongoing problem, I think Pokemon TCG will need an entire new game mechanic(s). I think the card Power Spray brought an interesting new idea to the game: that a concealed card could stop something, could this same idea be brought to denying an attack, or maybe items/supporters? While on this same idea, P.O.W Hand Extension was also a ground breaking card which brought the player playing from behind an opportunity to make a comeback by moving around crucial Energy resources or "cathering-up" a benched Pokemon. Also, maybe an Ace Spec that can recover a lost turn due to losing the opening game coin-flip?

Then I propose: if Crushing Hammer will be reprinted?

But nevertheless, Pokemon Catcher was needed for our current Meta-game. X and Y will be different (or the same, depending on how you look at how Pokemon TCG's progress resembles past meta-games lol).

 

[Tylertyphlosion]

LCs are being held next weekend at Houston Regionals!

 

[Mystery Thing]

TPCI during last season, has to pay tournament Organizers either $5, $10, or $20 per Master division player across each premier event the T.O hosts

This is incorrect.

 

[JandPDS]

There is no gym season going on right now. It is a month-long lull in between seasons.

I don't know why you think it makes sense to delay LC's until the new card set, that's not logical to me. Organized Play has it's own schedule that does not coincide with the release of new cards. Furthermore, we will have 3 gym league seasons before X/Y is legal.



Getting to 500 is one issue, but I'll dispute the LESS events you claim. There are 6 complete league seasons before July. I expect someone who tries would be able to attend up to 2 League Challenges every season on average. That is 12 events. How many Battle Roads in total did people attend on average last year?

Last year I was able to take my daughter to about 16 Battle Road Events where she was able to get her best finish limit in 1st an 2nd place finishes. I seriously do not expect her to participate in more then a half dozen LC's this year as we wont miss out on a Cities, States or Regionals for a low point value LC.

- - - Updated - - -

This is incorrect.

What part is incorrect?

 

[LOLZ]

Last year I was able to take my daughter to about 16 Battle Road Events where she was able to get her best finish limit in 1st an 2nd place finishes. I seriously do not expect her to participate in more then a half dozen LC's this year as we wont miss out on a Cities, States or Regionals for a low point value LC.

Are you making an assumption that most of your local LCs will conflict with Cities/States/Regionals? If you are correct in this assumption, your local organizers should really think about the logic behind the planning of their local LCs. But really, I think this won't be the case in most places.

 

[P_A]

This is incorrect.

Ummm, I suppose you're going to tell us this was never true? I'd hate to have to disagree with you that it is at least partially correct.

Care to put forth the correct information then? I'd be completely surprised if Mystery Thing actually did go outside his NDA and gave the exact figures. In hindsight, it probably would have been better for him to disregard the comment by deckmaster and not post anything at all. However let's be honest here - it's common knowledge that TPCi has (or had - as in past tense) to pay organizers a certain amount per person who attends (attended) and plays (played) at their events. It doesn't matter if it was $5, $10, $20 or $100. I'm entirely sure that Organized play wouldn't be what it is today without them paying something to the organizers to continue to run events for them. Can you imagine the expense they'd have to endure if they had to do it all in house by employees who traveled the country (let alone other countries)? It's also common knowledge that those who ran the higher level events (states/regionals/nationals) are the only PTO's that made a good chunk of money on pokemon. However with larger attendance comes greater costs for TPCi, so something has to give. There is the possibility that masters attendance may wane a bit, but I'm sure loyal fans in North America will find a way to afford the extra costs that other countries already have had to pay all along. Let's face it, if we love it enough, we'll find a way. Otherwise you're always welcome to be retired like me and continue to give out your opinions long after your passing, on a game you still love.

 

[bullados]

Last year I was able to take my daughter to about 16 Battle Road Events where she was able to get her best finish limit in 1st an 2nd place finishes. I seriously do not expect her to participate in more then a half dozen LC's this year as we wont miss out on a Cities, States or Regionals for a low point value LC.

It depends on the League and the Organizer. I am making a pledge to my players and my area, though. I pledge that, in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, I will strive to have none of the League Championships conflict with any other Premier-level event within reasonable driving distance. I will be working with the Leagues and Organizers in my area to ensure that this pledge happens. And I think there will be many, many other Leagues and TOs that will attempt to do the same thing.

 

[waynegg]

i've volunteered numerous times P_A. im talking more of the bigger picture than of myself. As a fan of the game, you can't be afraid to speak up about the negative. Kinda like the Houston Texans right now. I love them and will continue to support them, but they gotta make a change in quarterback and possibly head coach for them to succeed.

 

[ExoByte]

Starting with absolutely nothning Pokemon TCG related, I have a trick that allows me to play Pokemon TCG for less than $40 for the rest of my life. I just choose not to spend less than $40, that's all.

If you're in <name of current city> you're paying too much for Pokémon TCG! Learn the one weird trick a zeta learned to play Pokémon TCG for under $40 FOR LIFE! < 3 frame animated gif of Gary Oak dancing >

 

[signofzeta]

If you're in <name of current city> you're paying too much for Pokémon TCG! Learn the one weird trick a zeta learned to play Pokémon TCG for under $40 FOR LIFE! < 3 frame animated gif of Gary Oak dancing >

Was that a burn? If so, perhaps the spectator should accompany that with an "OHHHHHH!!!!", while doing the knuckle cracking thingy.

 

[ExoByte]

Was that a burn? If so, perhaps the spectator should accompany that with an "OHHHHHH!!!!", while doing the knuckle cracking thingy.

Lol just a jab at those pervasive "weird trick" banner ads.

 

[deckmaster]

This is incorrect.

No, it is correct.

 

[P_A]

i've volunteered numerous times P_A. im talking more of the bigger picture than of myself. As a fan of the game, you can't be afraid to speak up about the negative. Kinda like the Houston Texans right now. I love them and will continue to support them, but they gotta make a change in quarterback and possibly head coach for them to succeed.

Yes, I realize from our past conversations that you're one of the good guys, Wayne. And I know in part, you're trying to show what the consequences of these decisions might be. Yeah, devil's advocate, I know. I suppose I'm not entirely happy with this either, but I gotta think that they must have a reasonable explanation for why they made the decisions they have lately. You and I both know (as adults) that sometimes choices are taken out of our hands due to circumstances. This may be one of those times. It might be an equalizing factor for all PTO's (which might be a good thing, to help grow the game, by encouraging more PTO's to concentrate on growing the player base from the leagues up). It might also mean the demise of the pokemon trading card game. Either way, I suppose it's a gamble worth trying.

I know I could complain about certain decisions that have been made in the past, but perhaps it's worth it to see what happens later on in the year before we pass judgement. For now, that's my 2 cents (which isn't worth what it used to be).

 

[JandPDS]

Yes, I realize from our past conversations that you're one of the good guys, Wayne. And I know in part, you're trying to show what the consequences of these decisions might be. Yeah, devil's advocate, I know. I suppose I'm not entirely happy with this either, but I gotta think that they must have a reasonable explanation for why they made the decisions they have lately. You and I both know (as adults) that sometimes choices are taken out of our hands due to circumstances. This may be one of those times. It might be an equalizing factor for all PTO's (which might be a good thing, to help grow the game, by encouraging more PTO's to concentrate on growing the player base from the leagues up). It might also mean the demise of the pokemon trading card game. Either way, I suppose it's a gamble worth trying.

I know I could complain about certain decisions that have been made in the past, but perhaps it's worth it to see what happens later on in the year before we pass judgement. For now, that's my 2 cents (which isn't worth what it used to be).

All I can think of (and I do not know if this is true or not) is that basically Nintendo must have pulled major financial support away from Pokémon Organized play, so TCPI might be kind of on their own this year. Nintendo as a company has had MAJOR financial problems the past 3 years in a row and their founder recently passed away. So it is not too suprising that major changes have happened. Nintendo also owns the Seattle Mariners and they have had huge budget cuts over the past few years in an effort to keep them profitable. So it may have fallen on Pokémon Organized play that they have to manage their budget for profitability as well. When companies struggle financially the first thing that get their budgets slashed are Research & Development and Marketing. And I am sure all of Pokémon Organized plays budget is under Nintendos Marketing expense. If these changes are necessary to keep organized play in existence then I am all for them. But I do not see how they can do anything but slow or even reverse the growth of the game. I hope I am wrong as I have been involved in this game from the time Base Set came out and my 9 year old daughter has grown up involved in Pokémon Organized play. But I have my reservations about their being healthy strong game in 5 years when my son can start participating.