US Prerelease prize structure change

[DaytonGymLeader]

Admittedly, I do have this thing for the yellow dude.

 

[dld4a]

Mmmm...doesn't an ID have to be by mutual agreement? And if your opponent doesn't agree, wouldn't it count as a forfeit/game loss?

Sounds like a good way to hose one's POP rating/ranking...

JMHO,
'mom

This is it. Mom's hit on it here! They are going to count Limited rankings towards the invites to Worlds 2005. It perfect logic. Balanced prize support and increased reason to attend. If they aren’t considering this they should and I’ll be sending an e-mail to encourage it. I like it!

 

[Gym Leader Blaine]

Gym Leader Blaine I know of at least one PTO who is having a heck of a time getting a response from PUI

I am sorry to hear that, but as I posted for me personally I have not had any problems. I cant speak for others, but I have had no problem with getting emails back from PUI as a PTO. okeball:

 

[Professor Dav]

which the ONE unanswered email was about, please do so if that's your intent.

You know what Steve, it's more than one, and I'm done arguing with you. As I said in a previous post, this behavior is unprofessional and completely innapropriate to carry on here. It isn't us that are forcing these issues to be discussed here, its you.

If you don't like how we treat you, stop working with us. End of story. No one is forcing you to run Pokemon events, and none of us care if you post your feelings about prize support, or anything else here, as we welcome everyone's opinions. It is however, completely absurd and childish to come here to complain when you aren't even making an ATTEMPT to resolve the situation with us.

Prof. Dav

 

[Professor Dav]

Please resend these emails as they never came in the inbox.

This is the most incredibly ironic statement I think I've ever read on this board.

Please, go back and read your posts to us, and then re-read that statement.

Prof. Dav

 

[Rainbowgym]

Dave - is this prize structure going to be the standard Worldwide?

 

[The Echidna]

while i think that this prize structure is good for players OVERALL... i think it will really end up hurting the people in smaller markets, to the point of where events like this will just stop happening.... this sytem caters to the large events and takes away a lot from the smaller ones.

let me explain

if i go to an event at the pokemon center, i have say a 1 in 50 shot of winning a box of cards. not really good odds... now then, if i get a guarenteed 10 packs out of the deal, thats pretty nice, and i'll go to get my 10 packs for much less than retail. its going to draw more people to those locations because of the value they're getting

now then, if i go to my 'local' events (i say local although its 150 miles away...) i have a 1 in 4 or 5 shot of winning a box. yes, the events are small, mainly because we dont have the huge player base that the other places do. now then, at these events even if i come in dead last i am usually awarded 8-12 extra packs... and now that's being cut to four. definately not worth it to travel for 10 packs of cards. unfortunately i know for a fact that the attendance at this store is going to be dramatically hit. the TO there is... well to put it kindly, not exactly uncorrupt.... and a lot of people ONLY go to the events because of the prize structure. its locations like this that are going to be hurt by the new formats and eventually i see places like this just stop having events.

i know that some TO's are increasing entrance fees in order to create more prize support... well, what about the events where the TO already charges more than the max? he's not going to dip into his profits to create more prizes... heck, i bet he's laughing about this new structure because it effectivly doubles what he brings in.

like i said... overall, i think its good... however i also think it sounds the death knell for the smaller venues :/

 

[gwgtrunks]

I like this setup more then the past one, and from PUI's stand point it makes more sense.

Hopefuly this'll bring in players who were a bit intimidated by the limited format too, since they don't have as much to worry about losing.

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Originally Posted by Professor Dav
It's too bad that so many of you are saying that you'll no longer attend, but, we kind of expected some of that to happen. It's always hard to change structure, especially when the perception is that it's 'less' than before.

Oh I will give the 1st one a try Dave and see what happens. I'm like that. I wont totally shoot anything down until I have given it a try. But for the winners it is definately less than before.

The reason I'm doing this is to give some incentive to players that travel. I currently draw about half of my attendance from out-of-town. Most of those players travel an hour or more. They have told me they do it because the prize potential is worth the expense in gas and travel time. They love the game, but not enough to travel that far for a flat prize structure. I do not blame them. – Broken Lizard

This is what I am talking about. It will hurt all out of town smaller venues. I know this applies to us as well Broken Lizard.

I intend to support Pokemon as long as I can. The reality of the matter is (outside of family, frineds, school, and personal commitments) that there are just so many TCG's out there now for people to play. I would hate to see Pokemon suffer from this and lose players to other games.

Now with the whole International scene. From what I have read in the past and spoke with some international players at Worlds, it is the Distributor themseves that are the problem. If that doesnt change I dont know how this new prize structure will have a benefit.

 

[annisarich]

I feel like part of a 527 group.
Unofficial, but where the action is...

Poke-Boat Professors for Furor.

Oh thank you
thank you
thank you

ROTFLMAO


There is way too much knee jerking reaction here.

Like they said to Mikey, Try it. You may like it.


Two weeks ago it was a worlds PUI Love fest (cept parts of europe)
How quick we are to change.
How quick we are to judge.

Thanks POP for the good giggle

 

[psycodad]

a few moore thoughts

At first I was not a fan of the new prize structure. I have posted on other sites that I would buy a box instead of travelling 2-4 hours to attend a prerelease. I may still do just that. However, I have thought about it for awhile before I posted here. The fact is it's a prerelease not a huge competitive event with a trip on the line. The point appears to be to have fun and spread the product to all who attend equally and grow the game. Basically celebrate the coming of a new set together! Let me ask you this. Have you ever been to a prerelease and got a pile of junk to work with and then get pwned at the tourny? It's not that your bad, you had bad luck! You walk away with bascially zero. Here's another point to ponder. If the same players win and walk off with the box every prelrelease tourney they only get better and they widen the gap to the less experienced players. The less experience players lose interest and quit. That is one of the reasons I stoped judging and playing Yu-Gi-Oh. Let me close with this last thought. With the even prize structure there is no incentive to share cards (cheat) with a friend or family member in order to win and walk away with the box. You can blast me on this one but it does happen.

 

[annisarich]

Judge compensation

For some events
I drive two hours
I (and my boys) help set up.10-11
I judge the main event 11 am-4 ish
Judge side events 4-6/7/8
Help clean up and carry things to the car.
drive home for two hours
Kinda like a 14 hour day.

Does the PTO take care of me? yes he does.
sometimes he even suprises me with more than I expect.
I always have fun.
I am Always treated with respect.
As long as thats the case I'll keep helping.


More packs distributed out to more people may interest newer players, could be good..... lets see.

PUI record
US Nationals....... a mess
Worlds.....darn good event. Amazing. they learned something from the first big event.

First Tournament season...... IMHO Pre releases, city,state nationals worlds Great
second season?????? I am guessing it will be better than the first

 

[Prime]

For every one person it pulls in because now they have a chance to earn more packs, atleast five people stop going because they can't win more than 10 packs of cards.

Quote me on it.

 

[Professor_Chris]

For every one person it pulls in because now they have a chance to earn more packs, atleast five people stop going because they can't win more than 10 packs of cards.

Quote me on it.

Well then, thats not a real bad thing, is it? If we get new players thats great! If old players choose not to attend pre-releases, no big deal! Overall, it just increases the player base for league, Champion series events, and Challenge series events. Thats just how I see it. ^^ Also, because of M45's proclamation, I'm quite sure Memphis attendance will only soar. ^.~

 

[Prof Clay]

For every one person it pulls in because now they have a chance to earn more packs, atleast five people stop going because they can't win more than 10 packs of cards.

Quote me on it.

Ok..I wrote one response to this and deleted it becuase I would have POed a whole bunch of folks.

Now for my level headed response....

Please quit complaining about the prize structure change. If you want it changed back to what it was, then it is up to us ALL to increase the number of players so it is financially viable for the TO's to give out the huge prizes. This new prize format favors the KIDS....it allows them to get more product so they can compete and have fun. If your over the age of 17 and your complaining that its not fair that they changed things so you cannot go to a small prerelease and get a box by beating 4 people who play for the fun of the game, then too bad. Make it worth the TO's time and expense...bring new blood to the tables. Overflow your play area. Be part of the solution to the games longevity. If your in it for the freebies and the loot, then your doing it for the wrong reasons. If its not woth the travel time to go to other prereleases then work on making the one in your area HUGE. It is possible...I see it every Saturday.

If your not giving the young kids at your leagues all your extra commons and uncommons then your not helping the game thrive. The 10- kids at our league will think the new prize structure is awesome. The same person has won the last 4 prereleases so how many NEW kids have had a chance at that 1 box prize. We have great 10- kids, who will soon be great 11-14 kids. The ones who win are hooked..they are not going anywhere or to any other games. Its the 25 other 10- kids who need to reap some rewards for simply being there..they will tell their friends how cool it is and more kids will come to the next event.

Just check at the local gamestores to see how many FR/LG GB cartridges are moving. Most of these kids do not even know that the cards are a game. Get these kids involved in your leagues.

Just please, don't think that you are ENTITLED to the prizes you have been used to. Things change...and even with the change, the game is still in better hands than it was 3 years ago.

Grow the game

Poke_Dad

 

[Prime]

Poke_Dad, good job assuming alot. If you would have asked first, you would know that I usually only get one extra pack as a prize. I have never gotten close to winning a box. Also, I have never been to an event that had less than 20 people there. So PLEASE, don't assume anything and make your statements sound stupid.

So you might be thinking that under the new prizes, I would get more and thus want to go to more Pre-Releases. Well...you would be wrong. As you have seen, I have actually lessened in my competitive spirit since the new prize system has been announced. Why? Because I know that however hard I play at a Pre-Release, I will always get the same exact prize. Under the old format, I ATLEAST could dream and try my hardest to win more packs or get closer to the box. It pushed me to better myself as a player. Under the new format, I can sit back and forfeit every match I have and end up with the same prize as the person that comes in fourth. There is no big prize like a half a box or the box itself that propels me to try my best.

In another point of view. I have MANY friends that ONLY go to the Pre-Releases for their chance to win a box and really don't spend or have enough time in their life to buy packs after the set is released. Those friends, I feel, will stop going to Pre-Releases in my area all together. Why should we travel 150 miles for 10 packs? Why should be shell out money for gas, fast food, and to enter the tournament for 10 packs?

Do I see new people coming to the events? Honestly, no. I really feel that people have been coming to the events even though they might leave with nothing at all. If people didn't come to events because of the low amount of prizes, we wouldn't have alot of people at events at all.

Let's see what happens. I have already given my guarantee, but you know, some people don't believe in anything until it happens. All I know is that I know MANY people that travel around ALOT. They easily spend hundreds of dollars traveling per year. They usually get the boxes at the events, or atleast win alot of packs. Now, do you feel they will want to travel to the same amount of place, now that they have 0% chance of winning anymore than 10 packs? Sure...some places might add more prizes, but again, YOU are paying more for something that you shouldn't be paying more for.

I only see this as an example that Nintendo wants to rip off their customers and bring in the cash.

 

[Prof Clay]

Poke_Dad, good job assuming alot. If you would have asked first, you would know that I usually only get one extra pack as a prize. I have never gotten close to winning a box. Also, I have never been to an event that had less than 20 people there. So PLEASE, don't assume anything and make your statements sound stupid.

So you might be thinking that under the new prizes, I would get more and thus want to go to more Pre-Releases. Well...you would be wrong. As you have seen, I have actually lessened in my competitive spirit since the new prize system has been announced. Why? Because I know that however hard I play at a Pre-Release, I will always get the same exact prize. Under the old format, I ATLEAST could dream and try my hardest to win more packs or get closer to the box. It pushed me to better myself as a player. Under the new format, I can sit back and forfeit every match I have and end up with the same prize as the person that comes in fourth. There is no big prize like a half a box or the box itself that propels me to try my best.

In another point of view. I have MANY friends that ONLY go to the Pre-Releases for their chance to win a box and really don't spend or have enough time in their life to buy packs after the set is released. Those friends, I feel, will stop going to Pre-Releases in my area all together. Why should we travel 150 miles for 10 packs? Why should be shell out money for gas, fast food, and to enter the tournament for 10 packs?

Do I see new people coming to the events? Honestly, no. I really feel that people have been coming to the events even though they might leave with nothing at all. If people didn't come to events because of the low amount of prizes, we wouldn't have alot of people at events at all.

Let's see what happens. I have already given my guarantee, but you know, some people don't believe in anything until it happens. All I know is that I know MANY people that travel around ALOT. They easily spend hundreds of dollars traveling per year. They usually get the boxes at the events, or atleast win alot of packs. Now, do you feel they will want to travel to the same amount of place, now that they have 0% chance of winning anymore than 10 packs? Sure...some places might add more prizes, but again, YOU are paying more for something that you shouldn't be paying more for.

I only see this as an example that Nintendo wants to rip off their customers and bring in the cash.

 

[Prof Clay]

Poke_Dad, good job assuming alot. If you would have asked first, you would know that I usually only get one extra pack as a prize. I have never gotten close to winning a box. Also, I have never been to an event that had less than 20 people there. So PLEASE, don't assume anything and make your statements sound stupid.

So you might be thinking that under the new prizes, I would get more and thus want to go to more Pre-Releases. Well...you would be wrong. As you have seen, I have actually lessened in my competitive spirit since the new prize system has been announced. Why? Because I know that however hard I play at a Pre-Release, I will always get the same exact prize. Under the old format, I ATLEAST could dream and try my hardest to win more packs or get closer to the box. It pushed me to better myself as a player. Under the new format, I can sit back and forfeit every match I have and end up with the same prize as the person that comes in fourth. There is no big prize like a half a box or the box itself that propels me to try my best.

In another point of view. I have MANY friends that ONLY go to the Pre-Releases for their chance to win a box and really don't spend or have enough time in their life to buy packs after the set is released. Those friends, I feel, will stop going to Pre-Releases in my area all together. Why should we travel 150 miles for 10 packs? Why should be shell out money for gas, fast food, and to enter the tournament for 10 packs?

Do I see new people coming to the events? Honestly, no. I really feel that people have been coming to the events even though they might leave with nothing at all. If people didn't come to events because of the low amount of prizes, we wouldn't have alot of people at events at all.

Let's see what happens. I have already given my guarantee, but you know, some people don't believe in anything until it happens. All I know is that I know MANY people that travel around ALOT. They easily spend hundreds of dollars traveling per year. They usually get the boxes at the events, or atleast win alot of packs. Now, do you feel they will want to travel to the same amount of place, now that they have 0% chance of winning anymore than 10 packs? Sure...some places might add more prizes, but again, YOU are paying more for something that you shouldn't be paying more for.

I only see this as an example that Nintendo wants to rip off their customers and bring in the cash.

My comments were not directed at you personally Prime. But to be honest...this game is not truly marketed to people over the age of 16. Eventually most of the folks over this age move on to something new. Alot stay and that is great, but most move on. The game is advertised and generally intended for KIDS. If 5 older folks disappear, but 30 new, energetic 8 year olds, with parents who have the disposable income to finance thier kids game habit get into the scene because they had such a great time at a prerelease..the overall game wins and Pokemon makes more money. Thats what its all about in the long run. To be honest, if a bunch of kids who depend on the tournament scene to keep them in card stock quit coming, the powers that be won't even notice because they are not contributing anything to the company profits. I may be a bit cynical about things, but I do live in the real world.

Its not about YOU getting more is what I am saying. Its about younger players geting more and staying in the game.

Poke_dad

 

[Prime]

Okay, thats cool Poke_dad. It does favor the kids alot. But, as you know, the biggest age group is the 15+ or I am pretty sure it is. Sure, the 10- are the future 11-14, and the 11-14 are the future 15+. And sure, little kids bring in the most money. But I don't see a difference between kids with parent's money and teens/adults that have a job. If anything, the teens with jobs are much more likely to go out and buy boxes of cards, and bigger items. And the teens/adults are more likely to travel across their state to go to events. So why limit the teens/adults that travel to various places so that they can earn some packs in which they can't afford to begin with? I mean, people go to pre-releases for the deals. You get 6 packs for $15, added on, the various packs you can earn for your place. So you could earn anywhere from 6 packs for $15 to 42 packs for $15.

I just feel that sure, kids are helped out, given prizes so they keep interest, but at the same time, the people that spend hundreds of dollars and buy boxes ontop of boxes, are squashed in their place.

 

[mysterioustrainer]

Well I sit out for two days taking care of school and stuff, and I am surprised that a topic was started and for that note got so huge in just two days. Well let me just say my opinion and let me apolgize in advance if I repeat any comments or anything as it is difficult to read a 120 post topic in detail.

I am glad to see this change in our events as it helps out my budget alot to run these events. My last prerelease I had trouble paying for the expensive costs. I also didn't like the fact that I would be giving 9 or more boosters to some of my lighter attendances. Also I had more staff support that what was necessary. Overall it gives more control to ordering what I need and not getting more than that. This allows me to make my prereleases incredibly affordable now.

On a players prespective, I see more of a increased popularity because there is now nothing too dramatic too lose. My players are not going to be disappointed if there is no further prize support than a trophy. Around my league my players seem to react more to trophies and awards than prizes anyways.