If some of you guys from the USA are complaining about the state of POP (No, I mean events, not PUSA.) there, you should see the state of POP in Malaysia. All we get is one Cities, and one Nationals per year. The rest are pre-releases. Now, with our second TO of ALL time, we might just get one or two more extra. With this, every now and then, we go for tournaments and stuff. We see really UNKNOWN people. Where do they come from? They come from different states, knowing that only 2 Cities (Damansara and Kuala Lumpur) take the game seriously as the others do not have leagues or tourneys to play the game. It's such an enjoyable time. We have fun more than playing the game. Last year, only 4 players went to worlds as 7 got an invite. 6 Top-2 at Nationals, and one got an invite. The player that had an invite, his brother got 1st at nationals. Therefore, their dad took them to worlds. The rest got 1st at nationals since it's paid for trip, they went. Knowing this, why do you ask we don't pay to go? Look at us. We live so far from the USA and the salary for an average worker in a fast food restaurant for instance is RM3.50, $1 USD per hour. Look at us, we survive playing this game looking at the state of events and earning rate. This is why, every time we go for a tournament, we have the best fun that we can ever look for. It's just because we have these tournaments once in awhile. With our LOUSY current OPM, we had cities in a trashed up place and nationals, I don't know because I didn't start playing competitively at that time. We have every right to complain. That's just that as we can't go further without PUI's full support. Even with this, the game is becoming better and better here with our current situation. With this said, we as players have no right to complain as the game is the game and nothing can change it.
What happened to the game?
- Thread starter Absoltrainer
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Its indeed Brisbane, in Sydney archtypes just don't get played except in tournies and even then Gallade/Magmortar aren't exactly played everywhere. Most players just play what they feel like and try their best to keep the game interesting. Winning just isn't important to most of us...
Seeing as a good few of the players still at Sydney were around during Slowking genesis, nobody wants to come close to going through that again.
Sure I dislike Magmortar/Gallade too because they have a significant advantage over anything else and really limit the game down, but as long as its clear you've got some sort of ablility and its not by dumb luck that games are won, you won't be hearing me diss you over it. FriedBlaziken for instance, played G&G at multiple cities, he still knew what he needed to do differently when the main strategy wouldn't work as well. While I am not talking about here, I know for a fact not all players who have played and won cities with G&G are capable of that and that gets on the nerves of some.
That said FriedBlaziken, yugioh is a terrible example and its notorious for ridiculously broken cards, I believe you'd go into the game knowing that or if not, it wouldn't take long to figure out.
Why have attitudes changed? In my opinion it's because players with lesser ablity (or as Meganium said players who think they are elite) are getting bigger egos because their results have likely improved due to the fact the game is so obvious now. Some better players are able to roll with that... but I think think its only human that not everyone is capable of doing that when they see that their skill seems to matter less.
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FriedBlaziken
New Member
In Victoria we play fun decks and Yugioh at league, and archetypes at Premier Events.
Absoltrainer
Active Member
Although i have not posted much in the thread, I have been reading. When I posted the original post, I was in a bit of a rant mood. I defiently went and egagerated a bit. I am also interested in how the players have responded.
I agree with kettler in that I think the new issues raised up old problems among people, and yes I know that Pokemon is a busniess.
At this point, the real thing I want to know is this.
Why did Pokemon remove Gym Challenges and put so much pressure on rankings and cut prizes down?
I assume the answer has something to do with money for all 3.
I agree with kettler in that I think the new issues raised up old problems among people, and yes I know that Pokemon is a busniess.
At this point, the real thing I want to know is this.
Why did Pokemon remove Gym Challenges and put so much pressure on rankings and cut prizes down?
I assume the answer has something to do with money for all 3.
homeofmew
Active Member
Rankings don't really help either.
By any chance one does rank in you get an invite, not a PAID invite.
To get a paid invite now you have to t4 (right?) at Nationals.
//inspiration time :b
I won't turn around, I won't look down
I won't lose heart or give up, I believe in you!
I won't hurry, and I won't get lost, because
I always aim for that faraway dream...
-Challenger AdvGen 2nd Op.
By any chance one does rank in you get an invite, not a PAID invite.
To get a paid invite now you have to t4 (right?) at Nationals.
//inspiration time :b
I won't turn around, I won't look down
I won't lose heart or give up, I believe in you!
I won't hurry, and I won't get lost, because
I always aim for that faraway dream...
-Challenger AdvGen 2nd Op.
There needs to be a reward for consistency. The rating system fills that need, though some will argue the merits of the ELO rating system, but let's not discuss that here.
Gym Challenges were meant to award invites/trips down to the local level. That failed when players started traveling 2-3 states away, in packs, to "steal" trips from the locals.
Regarding prizes being cut, I think we need to look at the bigger picture. Has the PUI OP total budget been cut? Are monies being diverted to other resources within the budget? Is the budget tied to sales? What effect has the economy had on the budget?
And yes, it's usually always about the money. "Show me the money!"
Gym Challenges were meant to award invites/trips down to the local level. That failed when players started traveling 2-3 states away, in packs, to "steal" trips from the locals.
Regarding prizes being cut, I think we need to look at the bigger picture. Has the PUI OP total budget been cut? Are monies being diverted to other resources within the budget? Is the budget tied to sales? What effect has the economy had on the budget?
And yes, it's usually always about the money. "Show me the money!"
Absoltrainer
Active Member
ahh, but we had that problem with states and regionals, and that was easily balanced out with the new system we have. Also, since you register at tournaments, there could be limits on how many you can go to.
Just an idea.
I do agree with you, was PUI/POP's budget cut?
drmario
New Member
PUI's budget was not cut. I had a thread this fall about how prize were cut and emailed POP about it. Htey basically said that they have more events with the same budget. I'll try to dig it up and post it here.
Having just started playing last year I can't comment on how the game has changed from 2 years ago, however in MD there has been no probelm with SoTG. (of course not every one has the mattingly's running their tournaments
. Has anyone else noticed that people who have something to complain about are noticed more than people who are happy with how things are?
Absoltrainer
Active Member
have their been more events? They added BRs, but that's about it.
I would love to see POP's budget increase. With the massive upswing in popularity of the game, it seems to make the most sense.
Now of course, a lot of people are going to have sour grapes about things, and every region has players who do various things to upset people (stalling, cheating, etc.)
There are some things I do think should be implemented though. Limitations on how many of the prizes you can get. The fact that some people won 5 and 6 cities this year was ridiculous. I would have loved to be able to come out with one chimcar binder, metal, and notebook, but no, it was the same people winning all of these tournaments, most of them wanting the ratings points anyway. With states too, it was the same thing. People went to one states one week, and another the next week. If they won one, that wasn't enough for them. They wanted to win another. I judged a states the first week, so in fairness, I drove to the next nearest state the next weekend to give myself a chance to play. I'm glad all of the regionals are on the same date this year, so you can't play in more than one. I would love to see some things change in this game, but this is why none of us are working for POP.
Sure, not everyone is going to be happy about things, but they can deal with it or just stop playing the game. I agree that SOTG has dropped a lot because rating points are so important to everyone. Because people are so worried about losing a match, they get very bitter if they do. There is a lot more on the line now, and people are no longer having fun with the game. It's all about talking about how "I'm so much better than so and so because my rating is higher, and I'm gonna win a trip to worlds and you're not." What happened to just having fun? Apparently that's all but disappeared in this game.
Now of course, a lot of people are going to have sour grapes about things, and every region has players who do various things to upset people (stalling, cheating, etc.)
There are some things I do think should be implemented though. Limitations on how many of the prizes you can get. The fact that some people won 5 and 6 cities this year was ridiculous. I would have loved to be able to come out with one chimcar binder, metal, and notebook, but no, it was the same people winning all of these tournaments, most of them wanting the ratings points anyway. With states too, it was the same thing. People went to one states one week, and another the next week. If they won one, that wasn't enough for them. They wanted to win another. I judged a states the first week, so in fairness, I drove to the next nearest state the next weekend to give myself a chance to play. I'm glad all of the regionals are on the same date this year, so you can't play in more than one. I would love to see some things change in this game, but this is why none of us are working for POP.
Sure, not everyone is going to be happy about things, but they can deal with it or just stop playing the game. I agree that SOTG has dropped a lot because rating points are so important to everyone. Because people are so worried about losing a match, they get very bitter if they do. There is a lot more on the line now, and people are no longer having fun with the game. It's all about talking about how "I'm so much better than so and so because my rating is higher, and I'm gonna win a trip to worlds and you're not." What happened to just having fun? Apparently that's all but disappeared in this game.
Luxatos
<a href="http://pokegym.net/forums/showpost.php?p=
I have also noticed that in general, and even personally, Pokemon isn't quite as fun as it was a couple years ago. More and more players aren't really as passionate about the fun of playing as they are about the victories.
Online forums, though, tend to be a poor indicator of the level of discontent in any game system, since proportionately speaking, the more likely people to comment (or even join the forum in the first place and read) are the ones who are very competitive, and are especially vocal when something doesn't go their way. When more casual players see that the vast majority of the attitude on Pokemon forums is angry, negative, and/or just not focusing on fun, the attitude tends to spread through the ranks that fun is secondary to, or dependent on, winning.
Before the rating system, dissenting players weren't as vocal because there wasn't as much at stake game-to-game or tournament-to-tournament. So players in general were more laid-back, and having more fun discussing what the game gives them rather than how so-and-so gyps them.
There have always been fierce competitors in Pokemon. I'd say, though, that there still are lots of players who do play for fun, win or lose. It's unfortunate that they seem to be a smaller portion of the players than they used to be.
Online forums, though, tend to be a poor indicator of the level of discontent in any game system, since proportionately speaking, the more likely people to comment (or even join the forum in the first place and read) are the ones who are very competitive, and are especially vocal when something doesn't go their way. When more casual players see that the vast majority of the attitude on Pokemon forums is angry, negative, and/or just not focusing on fun, the attitude tends to spread through the ranks that fun is secondary to, or dependent on, winning.
Before the rating system, dissenting players weren't as vocal because there wasn't as much at stake game-to-game or tournament-to-tournament. So players in general were more laid-back, and having more fun discussing what the game gives them rather than how so-and-so gyps them.
There have always been fierce competitors in Pokemon. I'd say, though, that there still are lots of players who do play for fun, win or lose. It's unfortunate that they seem to be a smaller portion of the players than they used to be.
Exactly why a lot of my friends will not go on the Pokemon forums. To me, this is a way to keep me current with the game, rulings as a judge, and helps me to sell cards and conduct trades with users.
Where are you playing? Because from where I come from players have treated eachother with respect since the RS-on season when I started. The format shifts and changes there is no helping it, there is something out there right now that can do extremely well against both Magmar and G&G we must learn to adapt and try to succeed. The only thing I have to say now is...blame it on the points. If you are looking for something that caused the sour grapes and annoyed attitudes and it is also the players who think they are so good that they just cannot be beaten. It makes me extremely mad when someone shakes my hand and tells me good job and then I hear that they said I only won off luck behind my back. I also find your whole "rant" (to me that is what it is) a bit hypocritical.
The Fish King
New Member
I think a lot has to do with location. Just like JokerBoi I find that in my little bubble known as Utah that everybody in the game is nice, friendly and helpful. There was a time or two where people acted like jerks, but the professors collectively would have a little chat about respect on the spirit of the game with the person and problem solved. I find the most enjoyable part of the game is the interaction with all the players here where we really make no distinction between ages six to sixty, race, or gender. We are all friends.
Cyrus
Iron Chef - Master Emeritus
Well said. Duplicity is one of the most outrageous things that a person can pull at (or after) an event. I've had opponents shake my hand, yet spread the nastiest stuff (i.e., "he stalled against me") behind my back. These weasely accusations ("he/she lucksacked, stalled, etc) always pick up momentum over time, and they become a pain in the butt to deal with.
All in all, more people have more reasons to be bitter these days...far beyond the rating system. Maybe they just need some good old-fashioned sportsmanship.
hamsandwich
New Member
I believe that the pokemon tcg is lucky that it's prize support isn't as good as other tcgs. If it was comparable to some of the other tcgs out there, previously and currently, then there would be more non-sportmanship type card players ( I don't have a better way to describe them that isn't rated PG) playing at tournaments ruining your pokemon experience.
~`Flygon`~
New Member
People act like jerks because of what they've done and competitive nature,smack talkin and boasting is in every game(Look at BigChuck)
I see what Absoltrainer is saying,but every game goes through its rough patch,this just happens to be ours. The format is the way it is cause of the limitation of a card pool. Netdecking also has to do with it,I mean come on, its alot of playable decks,but people are gonna play what wins,this is a proven fact.
POP is doing the best job they can,I mean free tourneys,travel allowances, and scholarships,they are doing a WAYYYYYYYY better job than yugioh/UDE who charges 15 for tourneys/25 for shonen jumps and the cards are near impossible or impossible to get and people are completly rude to you just cuz they think they are gods at the game and people netdeck out A-HOLE
So just be glad we arent in that kind of game.It would be funny tho if POP just banned certain cards and left ALL the sets playable like they do in yugioh,that would be a game ALL over the place.
I see what Absoltrainer is saying,but every game goes through its rough patch,this just happens to be ours. The format is the way it is cause of the limitation of a card pool. Netdecking also has to do with it,I mean come on, its alot of playable decks,but people are gonna play what wins,this is a proven fact.
POP is doing the best job they can,I mean free tourneys,travel allowances, and scholarships,they are doing a WAYYYYYYYY better job than yugioh/UDE who charges 15 for tourneys/25 for shonen jumps and the cards are near impossible or impossible to get and people are completly rude to you just cuz they think they are gods at the game and people netdeck out A-HOLE
So just be glad we arent in that kind of game.It would be funny tho if POP just banned certain cards and left ALL the sets playable like they do in yugioh,that would be a game ALL over the place.
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