Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

Life Is Just

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Rocky500

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I know what most of you are thinking right now, even before you skim down the page to see exactly what this is about. I'm just some random person posting another random topic that'll probably be pushed down the pages eventually as time passes. Well, that's honestly alright with me, as long as someone actually reads this and knows how sincere I am and how deep I am speaking from. For more than 4 years I have been playing Pokemon, whether it be the card game, the video game, or some other branch off the series has had in the past, I've been through it all and enjoyed every bit of it until the bitter end. Ever since I started my parents never really supported me in Pokemon and said it was a useless time wasting event, though it was always something I looked forward to, something I could really enjoy without any pressure or anguish like many school related functions I've participated in during my life time.

For most of the time I've been playing Pokemon it seems that everything was good and fine, the cards were cool and all of our friends got together and just had such a blast without really caring how much our decks rocked or sucked in the long run of things; cuz, we were in it to have fun and enjoy ourselves.

Though as time continued onwards I noticed something that began to twist things around, proving to me that all good things eventually had to come to an end. Greed, Envy, Pride, these could have all been factors as to why things started to change, players getting banned, crimes occurring, and even recently children dying over cards..How horrible is that?! And as I took a back seat to this all, my friends all began to fall to its might, playing not to have fun at all, but to win no matter what it took. Cheating, lying, stealing, and even further methods were taken as the game fell down a spiral that seemed to never end, dragging everyone down with it. Spirit of the Game, the most important thing about Pokemon, exactly how alive is it now, honestly? You could just pretend everything's fine and say that "We're doing better than ever" but is that really true?

Teams started forming soon after, creating a mass of jealousy of who was and wasn't on said teams, which eventually spawned obvious rivalries and even hatred between which team had the better players on it. Going even further downwards, it fell to the very decks that were played, questioning who made what and when, like it really even mattered. So you made a deck that has had success.. In my opinion of course that's a nice accomplishment, though to fight over who created the idea, or who spawned the original concepts, isn't that a bit silly over a single deck of 60 pokemon cards? If someone so desperately wants to say they made a deck, I say if it helps them sleep at night. After all, other than a few pats on the back, is there any cash reward, or huge pay out? It's all just one HUGE popularity contest in the end.

As I've watched this game evolve into something much more than just a card game, I've found that this game is turning into a greedy blood bath of war between hundreds of players who won't rest until they have that one victory, deck, or team under their belt of accomplishments. Though as you leave this game in the future, look back and think how foolish it all was..
 
I agree with most of what you are saying, since I have had such thoughts myself for years. I don't really think it has to do with Pokemon itself, though; I think society in general has just become more corrupt (in terms of the way people act, that is).

If you want a more Pokemon-specific answer, I think in the past, Pokemon wasn't really a serious game to play to many people and the general public. Most people just played for fun and weren't really completely dedicated. For the tournament scene, you had a lot of competition of course, but for some reason it was more civilized. Perhaps it was because there were so many players. Nowadays, I think we have a "core" of true players who don't play this game because it's the "cool" thing, but because they want to (which is, of course, a good thing).

Naturally, if someone wants to dedicate themselves to something, they will often do whatever they can to accomplish their goals, even if that means joining a group and not acting in the best manner (which is itself a whole topic of discussion), cheating, being mean, etc. You see it in school all the time, especially among Honors students. That is where you find the most cheating out of any other group, the most competition among students, scorn of "lower" groups, and the most general "evilness" (at least in my experience in being at a competitive school). I think the same thing translates to Pokemon nowadays, and of course many other mediums.

I also think part of the problem is that most of the good players know each other, as do the people who "think" they are good. In being able to come to a place like the Gym and interact with each other, a lot of fights can occur, which just leads to bad blood in general (sometimes). Players can also see more easily nowadays how well others do, and can judge each other accordingly, which leads to these bad attitudes you see at times. In the past, the TCG was split across the internet, not just at one central location like it is today, so there was a lot of "Oh, I've never heard of you," and thus people were more polite. (This isn't really the best of my thoughts, and I didn't cover everything I wanted to say, so don't take this for what it is yet).

These aren't all my thoughts and I am sleepy, so I may not have said everything correctly or the way I wanted to, so don't shoot me if something sounds radical. :)
 
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Water Pokemon Master said:
I agree with most of what you are saying, since I have had such thoughts myself for years. I don't really think it has to do with Pokemon itself, though; I think society in general has just become more corrupt (in terms of the way people act, that is).

If you want a more Pokemon-specific answer, I think in the past, Pokemon wasn't really a serious game to play to many people. Most people just played for fun. For the tournament scene, you had a lot of competition, but for some reason it was more civilized. Nowadays, I think we have a "core" of true players who don't play this game because it's the "cool" thing, but because they want to (which is, of course, a good thing).

Naturally, if someone wants to dedicate themselves to something, they will often do whatever they can to accomplish their goals, even if that means joining a group and not acting in the best manner (which is itself a whole topic of discussion), cheating, being mean, etc. You see it in school all the time, especially among Honors students. That is where you find the most cheating out of any other group, the most competition among students, scorn of "lower" groups, and the most general "evilness" (at least in my experience in being at a competitive school). I think the same thing translates to Pokemon nowadays, and of course many other mediums.

These aren't all my thoughts and I am sleepy, so I may not have said everything correctly or the way I wanted to, so don't shoot me if something sounds radical. :)
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Those are perfect examples of what I was feeling when I wrote this up. I feel like people have become so obsessed with (perhaps not the game itself) the TCG that they're willing to take it to an extreme to get ahold of a trophy, winner card, etc. They've become exactly what they hated most, people who play to win and scream if they don't. Fun has lost any material value at all, and is something brought up only within the lower age groups if at all.
 
You honestly aren't the only person who feels like way. To me, people seem to focus so much on a freaking number. Their ratings. The whole season, they don't care about anything else but getting that number up as high as they can. They talk down to other players, cheat at the game, use others to scope the meta for them, and overall, all they want is a couple of points added to their scores.

Myself, I play the game as much as I can. But, I'm also a judge. I willingly sacrifice tournaments that i could play in, and earn points, to help other players, and you know what? I really don't mind it one bit. If I know I'm going to want to play in a few tournaments, I'm going to drive the extra few miles to one. I do it to give back to the game I love, and nothing is going to stop me from doing that. It bothers me when people who play in every single event try and go about telling me how much better they are at the game, because they've played so many more matches than me. These are the people who don't judge for the game, so all they care about is playing.

The greed that has appeared in this game just boggles my mind. Watching people freak out at prereleases and seeing them go up to everyone and try to snatch up any good cards that they got is ridiculous. For a lot of people, it's about "how much money can I make off this game, and how much greed is there." I'll admit, I sell cards on ebay as a way to bring in extra cash each month. As a full time college student, I need money for my bills each month. Plus the gas money to be able to drive to these tournaments, because we all know, gas is one of the most expensive things right now, and unless you are driving a Toyota Prius, you aren't going to be saving a lot of money on gas. It's always so rewarding to be able to see a young kid come to a tournament with cards that you know aren't legal. I've had that happen a ton of times, and I'll pull out my binder, and work with the kid and parent to get a deck built for them. I let them run the deck during the tournament, and when the parent comes up to give the cards back to me at the end, I let them keep the cards, no questions asked. I've done this on a couple separate occasions.

This game has given so much to me, that I only see it right to give back to it in return. I love working with the younger kids, and seeing them grow up to enjoy a game that has followed me through a nice chunk of my life. Pokemon has helped me make a ton of great friends, travel to various states, go to conventions, and have a ton of fun, as a hobby should be able to do for someone. I even met my boyfriend through the game, and the two of us could not be happier with each other. It gives the two of us something to do for fun, and our passion for the hobby really keeps our relationship strong.

As far as players go, I know there are a lot of them who think they are worth worshipping, just because they "have a name" in the game. The average player really doesn't care about people like this. I'm not going to kiss your feet just because you've got some tournament wins under your belt. In my eyes, a truly good player is going to be determined by what they do to give back to the game that helped them make a name for themselves. Those are the ones that deserve recognition.

I'm under the belief that people no longer think of this as a card game, but it's something they have to be the best at, even if the costs are much greater than the rewards. And that really is what has pulled some aspects of this game down.

Sorry I ran this on a tangent, but you have started something that I've talked a lot about with members of my league, and other people in the community that I know. And most of them agree on these factors.
 
OK, I am going to sound like the bad guy here but here is my thoughts on this. I grew up in a competitive family and neighborhood. I played most sports growing up and even had a part on a racing family. My father always told me that 2nd was just the first loser, a quote from Dale Earnhardt. Because of that I always strive to be the best at whatever I did; Football, Baseball, Volleyball, Racing, computer programing and being a father. Now I have 2 daughters that play Pokémon and encourage them to be the best that they can be, even if that means playing to win at all times.

Now don't get me wrong, my father instilled in me a sense of sportsmanship that I am enforcing with my kids now. If you lose then you got beat and you should congratulate your opponent for winning. And when you win you don't rub your opponents nose in it. Win humbly and lose with grace. Thats the lesson I don't think is taught anymore. Too often when someone looses all I hear is, "I lost because I miss played" or "I didn't draw what I needed". Suck it up and congratulate your opponent for beating you. If you can't handle loosing then don't compete.

I will say we have only been playing Pokémon for a year and a half but I have seen alot of good sportsmanship at all the events I have played or judged. My only complaint is that some people don't know how to loose without whining about it. I see a great opportunity for my kids to compete and learn the lessons that sometimes you win and sometimes you loose, thats life.
 
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The only reason I care about the ratings is because it's the only plausible way of me seeing Worlds, something I want desperately to do before I quit the game. Winning Nats takes more than just skill, it takes a level of luck that I simply don't have. and resources(access to cards). It doesn't help that I usually refuse to play metagame decks. I do get pretty upset about doing badly in a tournament. I usually try not to show it though, unless I suspect that they cheated me, which has happened once or twice.

I agree alot with the TC. My parents had never really liked me doing it either, up until recently. I've gotten a little more support for it, I guess they've figured out what it means to me, and since I won't be living here much longer, I guess they'd like to spend time with me.m I've played this game since Base set, but never started playing seriously until around Skyridge. We had a small league in Hermitage that I went to often, and I always looked forward to it. I had friends there too. But that league soon broke apart and I was left without a place to play, so I mostly lost interest. I went to a few tournies, but not many. A while after I tried to start again. A league eventually popped up again, although I still don't go there often.(It's like an hour and a half away.) SOTG is pretty gone though. I see no reason for SOTG to be in written rules or anything, but I think the game would just be better if we took a moment to look and say, "What am I fighting about?"

Nothing.
 
If you had the time to think about this and make a thread on it, then you're taking things a bit too seriously IMO. Couldn't you have done something better and more progressive with your time?
 
Just some random thoughts of mine:

I think for each negative, there's a positive. While the concept of teams can bring about rivalries (using the word can, because I don't believe that it always does) it can also create friendships. My fellow Team R members have become some of my best friends even though they're so far away.

I'd like to think just because I'm on this team or that team that I haven't lost friends. I still have lots of fun at tournaments, win or lose (although having been on both sides I'll admit winning is tons more fun) with the people I've met playing this game.

However, in any event where competition is a factor, there's going to be that negative; cheating, arguments, etc. I've seen a couple friendships lost and feuds intensify. Counter that with the example of life. If people aren't fighting over one thing, it can be another. It's something that's going to happen and it is always unfortunate. I feel like I've done a great job of avoiding those negative situations.
 
secretsof2113 said:
It's always so rewarding to be able to see a young kid come to a tournament with cards that you know aren't legal. I've had that happen a ton of times, and I'll pull out my binder, and work with the kid and parent to get a deck built for them. I let them run the deck during the tournament, and when the parent comes up to give the cards back to me at the end, I let them keep the cards, no questions asked. I've done this on a couple separate occasions.

This game has given so much to me, that I only see it right to give back to it in return. I love working with the younger kids, and seeing them grow up to enjoy a game that has followed me through a nice chunk of my life. Pokemon has helped me make a ton of great friends, travel to various states, go to conventions, and have a ton of fun, as a hobby should be able to do for someone.
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Thats a true Player for you Right There. Not many people would do that. I do the samething, even if it help a little. A little goes along way with little kids starting the game. Props to you

mcoville said:
Too often when someone looses all I hear is, "I lost because I miss played" or "I didn't draw what I needed". Suck it up and congratulate your opponent for beating you. If you can't handle loosing then don't compete.
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You are also forget when the Winner say: "you got Pawned", ect. Even though they are not directly at your opponite. You can walk around tournament and hear the shot talking to other and put down player with not so funny Comments
 
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i think the same thing. i really hate it that some people are that crazy for cards. i think of it as a game i can play that i am decent at, an excuse to get out of the house, and something i can make friends with. yes i think of the scholarships and stuff, but i just love the fun of the game, which everyone should.
 
Well, when somebody says they lost because they misplayed or didn't draw right, it's completely correct. You can't correct misplays without realizing what they are, which is why playtesting is so valuable. I playtested more this year for Regionals than I ever have before and the results showed, just in the amount of misplays I feel I made. The inability to draw what you need can also be corrected with playtesting, but luck is going to be a factor when you're drawing a card at a time out of a 60 card deck.

Also, something I forgot to mention before...even with the competition going on, I still see people lend eachother cards all the time to finish decks, even if the deck directly beats them. I don't think there's been a tourney this year where I haven't borrowed at LEAST 5 or so vital cards.
 
I dont know about me but lately everyone globally has been complaining about this game. Not everyone but the majority of people. Like pokemon has limited events throughout the year and everyone is complaining. These events are FREE. If you won a regionals you mathmaticially won over $2500 in items. For a FREE event! You have nothing to complain about.

People blame teams and some individuals on those teams for being mean like high school students. This is a trading card game. No one is above anyone else. Your sooo cool because you know how to play pikachu. If teams or individuals in this game want to be rude to you, just dont bother with them.

As for people complaining about Spirit of the Game. No where in that guideline does it say you must be polite, have fun, etc. It recommends those set of rules but the downside of it is that it sets the rules. If you break their rules you must pay a penalty. I still think if pokemon wants a better SOTG they should harshen up on their penalties because they are too soft in some areas.

Everybody is different on how they take their wins and losses. Some people might win and say IM THE BEST. They might even say today was just my day. Some people lose and make excuses. I misplayed, he got lucky on a coin flip, I drew dead, etc. With all do respect just take your loss and move on. Winning is without a doubt the greatest feeling you could have in any type of competetion. Just remember you can't always win.

A perfect example is the regionals I just attended. I lost in the finals to Eric C. and rather then complain and make excuses I showed respect and decency. I shook his hand, congradulated him, and took pictures with him and his family. I gave him lots of recognition and respect. Now because you lose doesnt give you the right to deface your opponent. If I won an event I would hope my opponent would give me props and gratitude rather then complaints and rants. That imo is so disrespectful and shouldnt happen.
 
I have to agree with Gino. I judged that final and I was proud of the fact that Gino lost with dignity and gave Eric respect for the win. On the flip side I would like to hold Eric up as an example of a good winner. Her never through it in Gino's face and never showed poor sportsmanship, SOTG was alive and well at Florida's regionals.

Epyon0015, you are completely right. I singled out the ones that loose and disrespect the winners but the same can be said for those that win. If you win you have to realize that the other person lost and needs some respect for there feelings showed. That is why the hand shake is so important. I always tell my kids to shake hands and say good game, win or lose. Winning with grace is as important if not more than loosing with dignity.

I think that SOTG is important and I know we try our hardest here in Florida to make sure it is practiced at our events.
 
I don't really see what people are complaining about. As Gino said, these events are free, yet they continue to be run at a high level, so whats the problem? I love this game, and I wouldn't think about leaving even for 1 second.
When people complain that this has become more then just a game, to me thats a good things, and I really don't see the problem with the game getting bigger, and with the stakes being raised. And if you don't care about that and just want to play for fun, theres always league.
 
Okay, when it comes to teams I have to say that being a founder of one they are not meant to create rivalry, They are meant to allow people to gather together on a lower level and work together on certain things. It is not to try to make people feal jelous or left out. How the founder of the team chooses their team members is up to them.
 
to get back about the competitive point

Rivalry is okay as long as it does not go out of hand.

What I hated to see and still see is the extreem spam of archtype decks like GG and some standard versions of Magmortar decks.

This is what ruins creativity in my point of view. People can't play with the decks they are good with because they know they'll be destroyed without a challenge.

I have caught myself saying 'This deck will lose to GG' and such in the Deck Help & Strategy Section.
We are acting like it's a God-like Deck.

While people have try'd to make counter decks like Banette, they get screwed over by other decks since there is only a small space for error.

I don't think it's that creative or good or smart, to make a deck that is geared towards countering just 1 specific kind of deck. Even if it has some means to be able to with stand other kinds of decks, I don't think it's fun to play them.
 
I believe these things have always been out there. We as Children have just been oblivious to these things and no child should worry about they're Mattel stock dropping. This situations in todays life become more relevant because we are more aware.
 
Bad things happen, things change.
Sometimes unknown sometimes because we know it.
We will never be sure of somethings :/

BTW for the record the concept of Teams was to share ideas that was all.
 
Teams are formed 1) because we're social creatures, and 2) because competitive players are always looking to improve. They aren't formed because we want to engage in blood baths.
 
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