Frustrations with Competing Against Real Players in Pokémon TCG Pocket: One Major Issue Explained

Players of Pokémon TCG Pocket may currently feel a lack of motivation when it comes to battling other players. The incentive to engage in multiplayer matches is minimal due to the limited rewards system in place. Despite the game’s overall popularity, if developers aim to foster a vibrant competitive scene, they need to make the stakes for player-versus-player battles as compelling as those for solo matches.

While new online tournament formats and creative decks have generated interest in the Pokémon TCG Pocket community, participation from casual players remains low. Currently, the only incentive to face off against another player is a meager 15 XP, which hardly justifies dedicating significant time to the activity. To encourage more player engagement in battles, a reconsideration of reward mechanisms appears necessary.

Battling The AI Is Currently Favored Over Real Players

Players Earn More Rewards Against The Computer

The primary drawback of engaging with other players is that facing off against AI opponents yields more substantial rewards. Defeating AI decks not only grants experience points but also provides valuable items such as Shop Tokens and Hourglasses. Additionally, each AI battle includes mini-objectives that reward players further for their efforts, enhancing replay value.

Events like the current Venusaur challenge in Pokémon TCG Pocket offer players the same initial rewards but also introduce chance rewards, including Promo Cards and Shinedust, that can be earned with every replay. This structure clearly favors solo play over multiplayer interactions, where the lack of comparable incentives undermines players’ motivation to battle one another.

The essence of a trading card game lies in the social experience it offers, allowing players to gather and compete. Pokémon TCG Pocket exemplifies this benefit by allowing friends to connect and play at any time. However, this significant advantage is diminished when battling a computer provides a more rewarding experience than a match against a friend.

Adding Rewards Makes Battling Others More Exciting

More Incentives Bring A Higher Competitive Edge

Pokemon Battle Against Other Players in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Competing against other players should be more thrilling and have greater significance. The AI, while competent, lacks the capacity for nuanced decision-making that real players possess, often leading to uncharacteristic gameplay outcomes. Even advanced AI encounters do not fully replicate the dynamic challenge of facing a human opponent.

Unfortunately, the reward structure for multiplayer battles does not reflect this level of competition. A simple addition such as offering a card prize pack or Pack Points could heighten the stakes in each match and elevate the overall player experience. Without meaningful rewards, battles can feel anticlimactic.

Interestingly, implementing a rewards system may also reduce the frequency of players conceding matches prematurely. When players feel they have something to lose, they are more likely to stay engaged in the game. Currently, early concessions are not uncommon, as players often quit after losing a single Pokémon. Yet, a more engaging reward system could encourage players to fight until the end, even in challenging situations.

Currently, although players can earn a Shop Token for exchanging gratitude, rewards for winning or simply participating shouldn’t hinge on the other player’s goodwill. Instead, participation should be incentivized adequately, perhaps by granting both players experience points if they finish a game together, while the winner receives a bonus such as an hourglass or prize pack. Addressing this could significantly improve the enjoyment for everyone involved.

Rewards Makes Battling Closer To The Original TCG

Players Get Better Rewards For Playing The Original Game

In physical card games, it’s customary for players to receive rewards simply for attending events, with winners typically receiving additional prizes like packs or exclusive cards. Even casual play has its perks when done in a local card shop, where participants expect—at the very least—a token of acknowledgment for their involvement.

While casual matches without rewards are enjoyable with friends and family, it would be more fitting for Pokémon TCG Pocket to emulate this rewarding atmosphere, providing gamers with additional incentives akin to an organized game night at a local store.

Ultimately, switching from solo battles to competitive spaces can be frustrating, especially when players discover that the rewards are disproportionate. Adjustments such as making prize packs or other incentives available for winning could level the playing field. Given that solo battle rewards are already structured this way, adapting them for player-versus-player experiences would not be an insurmountable challenge and could greatly enhance the online play experience.

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