They have the same format for worlds. The format for worlds is different than Japan's modified.
Talk about a huge competitive advantage for those outside Japan.
They have the same format for worlds. The format for worlds is different than Japan's modified.
Not really, considering the Japanese won two divisions last season.
Right, they "managed" to adapt. I'm not saying they are going to lose, I'm saying they are a step behind. The best players in a TCG can be told to play Deck XYZ, get instructions on how to play certain matchups, and then go out and win big tournaments.
I'm an outsider coming in and it just seems like the Pokemon TCG is being marketed in the US as a collectible/kid impulse buy at Wal-Mart instead of an actual game. Maybe that's the same way as Japan, I don't know. I just feel the game would be taken more seriously if everyone was on the same playing field. You wouldn't have this situation playing MTG (note - I'm not saying it's a better game, just noting the differences).
Okay, how is Magic released in other countries?
I ask out of pure curiosity.
I'm not saying that JPN players aren't at a disadvantage . . . they are.
Worlds is a weird meta though. Nothing like any other tournament. It's hard to explain unless you have been there, but everyone has to try and adapt to playing against decks and lists that are way outside what they would usually expect in their area, or even in their country.
I dunno about being taken seriously. Pokemon players take the game seriously. That's all that matters. No-one outside of the TCG world cares about any of these things anyway. And there's a LOT of profit in collectors and impulse buyers.
I'm an outsider coming in and it just seems like the Pokemon TCG is being marketed in the US as a collectible/kid impulse buy at Wal-Mart instead of an actual game.