Hello Team Europe:
As Promised, below is my letter to Bruce Loeb, that is going out this morning:
Prosperous Regards,
Marsh Schneidau
Skywolf1
17, March 2004
Mr. Bruce Loeb, Director of Marketing
C/O Pokemon USA, Inc.
New York, New York 10017
Dear Mr. Loeb:
With Pokemon continuing to enjoy success on multiple areas, across the broad based spectrum of the brand, as a whole, there lies an area of this brand, which is at a very vulnerable point at present. This facet of the brand, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, while enjoying success on the North American continent, is being challenged world-wide, and player and professors outside the North American region diligently work to keep the game alive in their respective regions.
Mr. Loeb, upon speaking with you personally about the significance of the Trading Card Game and its correlation with the rest of the brand, my assessment is that the general perception of the Pokemon Trading Card Game outside North America was that of support by both The Pokemon Company, Pokemon USA, Inc, and Nintendo.
An “Organized Play” program was implemented, and, while showing signs of growing pains, here in North America, players here are generally pleased with the direction the game has been taking, and recent attendance figures for the Team Magma/ Team Aqua pre-release held in various locations both here and outside the US, are further proof that this game, is once again gaining momentum in North America.
It is a much different story in regions outside of North America, where, especially in Europe, things are promised, and seldom are delivered on. While the scope of International Distributors being tied into Organized play, especially in Europe, seems sound, the reality of this marketing approach is quite different. While I understand, that the staff in Pokemon USA, Inc. office is limited, and the best job is being done with available resources. I am perplexed as to why the Director of International Organized Play, is stationed in Washington State and not in Europe. Mr. Loeb, I direct your attention to the following link:
http://www.pokegym.net/showthread.php?t=4684 , this is on a popular message forum, where many players from around the world post their thoughts, and ideas. This link is a thread, where the director of International OP, Jared Nack, requested “feedback”. What has been stated, in my assessment, requires immediate attention to preserve the cohesion of the International player contingent, especially in Europe.
Mr. Loeb, please understand, I only desire to see this game thrive in all parts of the world, as it is one of the best games out there, even in the midst of all the completion. Some suggestions, that would improve and strengthen the international contingent are as follows:
1. Work with Nintendo offices worldwide with regards to distribution of the Pokemon Trading Card Games, for the respective regions in Europe and elsewhere. Leaving OP and distribution up to independent distributors who have little or no interest in the game, much less OP, doesn’t bode well for the future of OP internationally.
2. Work Closely with professors in the European regions, as they have put their heart and soul into this game, and much of their OWN resources without ANY type of SUPPORT from the “local” distributor.
3. Implement a system for “Pokemon Judges” on a Worldwide Basis, which includes a comprehensive test on game mechanics, rules and other aspects of the game.
4. Develop a user-friendly reliable tournament software program that allows for flexibility with each subsequent release, and permits the user to tailor the software in a limited extent to the requirements of his or her league and/or tournament location.
5. Expand the marketing budget to include the world outside North America where this game currently has a presence, and provide incentives for those existing players/professors to introduce new players to the game.
Mr. Loeb, I am very passionate about what this brand has done for me as an individual, and, as such, will do whatever I can, to assure its continued success both in North America and Worldwide. There are vast numbers of players outside of North America, that are just as passionate about this game, as myself. They feel right now, that they are not “wanted” and that the mission of this game and of PUI is solely to market this game in North America. It saddens me greatly to hear these sentiments coming from these players/professors that have and continue to work so tirelessly to promote the game in there respective regions, with little, or in some cases, NO support from PUI.
Mr. Loeb, I in speaking with you numerous times, both over the phone, and most recently in person, I know that yourself and your staff, are committed to the long-term success of this brand. The Trading Card Game, in my assessment, and in the minds of many others, is STILL the best out there; I welcome the time soon, when people from all over the globe can enjoy this game regardless of the part of the world from where they reside.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Prosperous Regards,
Rewa Marsh Schneidau
[email protected] - e-mail
/RMS
[Edit: personal contact info edited...'mom]
