A letter to the devs

[Sadra]

Dear devs:

 

During the past two months, we were informed that there would be major changes in the game. While some of them were really bad, a few were quite good and we were really looking forward to them. However, things didn't turn out quite well and I wish that you could answer my following questions:

 

1. You promised to return all legacy packs before May, where are they? Please give an reasonable and true explanation.

 

As far as I am aware, making false promises and lying to the community and customers is a serious issue. Sure, pokemon has grown big and people will still buy your products but always remember that honestly is a basic virtue and respect is mutual, if you do not respect us and treat us like idiots, we won't trust you either. It's okay if you cannot implement certain changes because of various factors and if you tell us the truth and we will respect that, but lying and making promises that you actually never considered making to mask the true changes you wish to implement is another issue.

 

2. Why was removing everything immediate while the good aspects were postponed?

 

Legacy tournaments were removed and the reason that you guys gave was a false one. Bundles were removed but no sign of packs.

 

3. The versus ladder rewards have improved?

 

Only for once it was better, but the recent two months, the GX's (around 2 packs) and full arts (around 2 packs) are basically worth what was before. 

 

4. Why did you Worsen the tournament prizes?

 

This, I will never believe that you implemented these changes because of customer feedback. Anyone, even those who do not understand the trade market, will never ever wish to receive random worthless packs.

 

5. Why are you not listening to us?

 

People are begging to reverse tournament rewards and continue legacy tournaments and suggesting changes that are beneficial to the game. You are ignoring and implementing changes nobody asks for. 

 

To conclude, please answer these questions honestly. I believe that all of us deserve an explanation.

 

Kind regards

 

Sadra

Edited May 2, 2018 by Sadra

[Loof6]

I would be very surprised if we get a different answer than this:

 

 

Thank you for sharing your suggestion! I've passed along your feature suggestion to the development team for further review.

[Eden2902]

I hope you don't think, that they answer those questions? The devs made a thread where they want that we response and the whole forum told, that most of those changes are ****, but the devs don't react. A few weeks ago I mentioned, that the devs don't do their work and just program random things that no one needs. Result: I got banned for a week. After that I wrote it as friendly as you, but get fully ignored. They don't make surveys, they are not interested in the player base and ignore every critics. But more stupid is, that they ignore all that suggestions for improvements. I mean, there is so much that could be better in this game and it would take no time to program it and especially don't need much skill, but nobody cares. The thing is: the game doesn't make profit unlike a game like Pokemon Ultra Sun. The ladder makes definately money and is well programmed. Nearly no bugs, everything implemented what the fans wished and the game itself is just perfect and better than Pokemon Sun. They give what the fans deserved. But on PTCGO is the motto: as long someone play it, they don't lose their jobs. That's everything they want. Not more, not less.

[Sadra]

I hope you don't think, that they answer those questions? The devs made a thread where they want that we response and the whole forum told, that most of those changes are ****, but the devs don't react. A few weeks ago I mentioned, that the devs don't do their work and just program random things that no one needs. Result: I got banned for a week. After that I wrote it as friendly as you, but get fully ignored. They don't make surveys, they are not interested in the player base and ignore every critics. But more stupid is, that they ignore all that suggestions for improvements. I mean, there is so much that could be better in this game and it would take no time to program it and especially don't need much skill, but nobody cares. The thing is: the game doesn't make profit unlike a game like Pokemon Ultra Sun. The ladder makes definately money and is well programmed. Nearly no bugs, everything implemented what the fans wished and the game itself is just perfect and better than Pokemon Sun. They give what the fans deserved. But on PTCGO is the motto: as long someone play it, they don't lose their jobs. That's everything they want. Not more, not less.

Banning? Seriously? 

[Eden2902]

Yep, I wrote pretty much the same what everyone says, what more or less you have written. Additionally I made the joke that [Edited by Mod_Turtle: Please keep content friendly for all age groups]. It was nore than seeable that it was a joke but instead of a censore they delete the whole post. It's no surprise that my post above has -1. You shouldn't say the truth.

[Sadra]

Yep, I wrote pretty much the same what everyone says, what more or less you have written. Additionally I made the joke that [Edited by Mod_Turtle: Please keep content friendly for all age groups]. It was nore than seeable that it was a joke but instead of a censore they delete the whole post. It's no surprise that my post above has -1. You shouldn't say the truth.

I think that someone has mentioned before that the mods have separate sets of rules for different people (I think it involved muting someone for no good reason). My friend had his account banned probably a year ago for no reason too(at least no emails mentioning why, he doesn't even use the forums). 

[Oldschool1990]

It's astonishing how many people seem to believe that the devs only work on one game and only for them.

Here's a face-slap: they have other stuff to do.

 

They focus on fixing bugs, bringing out patches, adding the new expansion without bugs.

They work on other games aswell.

They work 40 hours a week. Many younger players don't understand what that means.

 

They can't jump as soon as one or two people cry about something.

I think the mods are doing a great job already relaying the communitys ideas and opinions to the devs.

As with everything, patience is key. Older packs will come eventually.

[Eden2902]

It's astonishing how many people seem to believe that the devs only work on one game and only for them.

Here's a face-slap: they have other stuff to do.

 

They focus on fixing bugs, bringing out patches, adding the new expansion without bugs.

They work on other games aswell.

They work 40 hours a week. Many younger players don't understand what that means.

 

They can't jump as soon as one or two people cry about something.

I think the mods are doing a great job already relaying the communitys ideas and opinions to the devs.

As with everything, patience is key. Older packs will come eventually.

If they were that busy, why implement functions, that nobody wants instead of making useful stuff like the litte changes that are highly demanded like a better trade section. For example: if a trade fails you just see what you wanted to give, not what you wanted. That doesn't help if you have multiple trades and especially if you offer packs. Implementing this would take maybe 10h for a bachelor student first semester... But no, they program unwanted things what take time which is finally wasted because of ? Nobody knows...

[Loof6]

It's astonishing how many people seem to believe that the devs only work on one game and only for them.

Here's a face-slap: they have other stuff to do.

 

They focus on fixing bugs, bringing out patches, adding the new expansion without bugs.

They work on other games aswell.

They work 40 hours a week. Many younger players don't understand what that means.

 

They can't jump as soon as one or two people cry about something.

I think the mods are doing a great job already relaying the communitys ideas and opinions to the devs.

As with everything, patience is key. Older packs will come eventually.

 

If they were that busy, they could hire more devs.

[RobRatt]

It's astonishing how many people seem to believe that the devs only work on one game and only for them.

Here's a face-slap: they have other stuff to do.

 

They focus on fixing bugs, bringing out patches, adding the new expansion without bugs.

They work on other games aswell.

They work 40 hours a week. Many younger players don't understand what that means.

 

They can't jump as soon as one or two people cry about something.

I think the mods are doing a great job already relaying the communitys ideas and opinions to the devs.

As with everything, patience is key. Older packs will come eventually.

I have a very hard time taking this seriously.  Many are sentimental about Pokémon, but would anyone be so forgiving if it was Microsoft, your cell phone provider. or any other company?

 

"It's fraught with bugs, that never get fixed." >>  "Hey, they only work 40 hours a week.  They have other priorities."

 

"Every change seems to be one step forward, and two back." >> "Hey, you're too young to understand.  They can't jump because one or two people cry about it."

 

"Many things are broken, and they don't seem to listen." >> "Hey, it's not all about you.  They have other games/devices too."

 

"No, really. They. Never. Listen." >> "Hey, they're doing a great job.  They're filling the suggestion box."

 

"They removed key features, and broke their promises for new ones." >> "Hey, as with everything, patience is the key."

 

Seriously?!

Edited May 3, 2018 by RobRatt

[Mod_Elderberry]

Hello Trainers,

 

I welcome all of you to post your opinions on this subject and I have submitted the feedback posted here thus far to the developers.

A general reminder, please play nice: Community members are expected to behave in a respectful manner toward each other and the moderators.

You all do not have to agree, but you do have to be respectful to each other.

And with that said, I look forward to seeing more of your opinions.

[Oldschool1990]

I have a very hard time taking this seriously.  Many are sentimental about Pokémon, but would anyone be so forgiving if it was Microsoft, your cell phone provider. or any other company?

 

"It's fraught with bugs, that never get fixed." >>  "Hey, they only work 40 hours a week.  They have other priorities."

 

"Every change seems to be one step forward, and two back." >> "Hey, you're too young to understand.  They can't jump because one or two people cry about it."

 

"Many things are broken, and they don't seem to listen." >> "Hey, it's not all about you.  They have other games/devices too."

 

"No, really. They. Never. Listen." >> "Hey, they're doing a great job.  They're filling the suggestion box."

 

"They removed key features, and broke their promises for new ones." >> "Hey, as with everything, patience is the key."

 

Seriously?!

 

Gotta take this "posting" appart pretty fast;

 

1) It's a game, not your life. If a game impacts someones life that much, I highly recommend them to see a game addiction specialist. There are some really nice people out there who can help getting people back up on their feet.

 

2) "bugs that never get fixed" - a pretty ignorant statement, if you actually look how much bugs are getting fixed and how they ban broken stuff, how they keep and update a list of known bugs and how fast they react compared to other developers.

 

3) empty phrase with no content. there are no "2 steps back", the game development only progresses forward.

 

4) They are humans, not robots. And again, a pretty ignorant statement if you do not have a comparable programming and community managing experience.

 

5) The mods keep forwarding our suggestions to the devs. Then the devs decide what idea to pick up, and what idea not to pick up. Just because they didn't directly implement one or two ideas of yours into the game at once, you don't need to be throwing a temper tantrum like that.

 

6) They didn't break any promise, they will deliver when things are ready. Once again, you do not posses the knowledge on how long it can take to fix certain things. It's better to have things bug-free and wait a bit longer than a rushed bugfest that may lead to exploits and whatnot.

 

All you do is demand, demand, demand, without any knowledge or experience about what it takes to make and maintain a game. And then you cry and blame the devs for not meeting such absurd demands.

 

Let me tell you something: even the devs have bosses. The once who pay them are as interessted as you and I in their progress towards the game.

 

Their bosses are smart enough people not to pay them for just sitting around; they have a work schedule to meet, and they will do so because they might aswell have familys to feed.

 

Yes, seriously. That comes from a hard-working taxpaying adult who finds most of what is written in this thread pretty immature and disrespectful towards the people who make all of this possible. You are biting the hand that feeds you.

Edited May 3, 2018 by Oldschool1990

[Oldschool1990]

Hiring more devs will always cost more money - and that, realisticly speaking, is the greatest obstacle.

Remember that this game and many other games they work on are free to play. This game infact is just a byproduct for the real card game, not even a standalone. There is no money to get here.

 

If they were that busy, why implement functions, that nobody wants instead of making useful stuff like the litte changes that are highly demanded like a better trade section. For example: if a trade fails you just see what you wanted to give, not what you wanted. That doesn't help if you have multiple trades and especially if you offer packs. Implementing this would take maybe 10h for a bachelor student first semester... But no, they program unwanted things what take time which is finally wasted because of ? Nobody knows...

 

Meanwhile I agree with the choice of priorities, things are not always as easy to make as it sounds on paper.

I'd like to see a trade overhaul and a new rng algorythm aswell, but I'm certain it will eventually be done.

They have a schedule for each game they work on and I'm pretty sure they know how to program better than a bachelor student. Maybe smaller changes better suited their schedule at that time. Larger changes require a completely different working process and lots of time for testing, debugging, reevaluating. It's not as easy as just writing some code for 10 hours straight and be done with it. To get there, they might need to get other things from other games done first before they can take a lot of time for a complete overhaul of main game functions.

Edited May 3, 2018 by Oldschool1990

[Nickles12345678]

Where are the new theme decks?!?

[Eden2902]

Gotta take this "posting" appart pretty fast;

 

1) It's a game, not your life. If a game impacts someones life that much, I highly recommend them to see a game addiction specialist. There are some really nice people out there who can help getting people back up on their feet.

 

2) "bugs that never get fixed" - a pretty ignorant statement, if you actually look how much bugs are getting fixed and how they ban broken stuff, how they keep and update a list of known bugs and how fast they react compared to other developers.

 

3) empty phrase with no content. there are no "2 steps back", the game development only progresses forward.

 

4) They are humans, not robots. And again, a pretty ignorant statement if you do not have a comparable programming and community managing experience.

 

5) The mods keep forwarding our suggestions to the devs. Then the devs decide what idea to pick up, and what idea not to pick up. Just because they didn't directly implement one or two ideas of yours into the game at once, you don't need to be throwing a temper tantrum like that.

 

6) They didn't break any promise, they will deliver when things are ready. Once again, you do not posses the knowledge on how long it can take to fix certain things. It's better to have things bug-free and wait a bit longer than a rushed bugfest that may lead to exploits and whatnot.

 

All you do is demand, demand, demand, without any knowledge or experience about what it takes to make and maintain a game. And then you cry and blame the devs for not meeting such absurd demands.

 

Let me tell you something: even the devs have bosses. The once who pay them are as interessted as you and I in their progress towards the game.

 

Their bosses are smart enough people not to pay them for just sitting around; they have a work schedule to meet, and they will do so because they might aswell have familys to feed.

 

Yes, seriously. That comes from a hard-working taxpaying adult who finds most of what is written in this thread pretty immature and disrespectful towards the people who make all of this possible. You are biting the hand that feeds you.

You didn't get the topic. In my opinion they make it good (as far as I can evaluate) with debugging, patching, server Maintenance and so on. What all are critizise is, that the time they have for making the game better is used to implement things nobody wanted and like often many many dislike. So they wasted time instead of asking what is needed. It's takes less time to ask the community if legacy mode is still wanted than deleting the whole format, making the community angry and then doesn't deliver the packs. It's badly planned, not overthought and is not for the community.

 

The biggest flaw was to ask the community AFTER implement things and after everyone said that most of the changes are very bad, they say "I don't care, you are just forum member and don't represenr the player base"... Lol... Don't ask us if you can't live with critics

[Loof6]

You didn't get the topic. In my opinion they make it good (as far as I can evaluate) with debugging, patching, server Maintenance and so on. What all are critizise is, that the time they have for making the game better is used to implement things nobody wanted and like often many many dislike. So they wasted time instead of asking what is needed. It's takes less time to ask the community if legacy mode is still wanted than deleting the whole format, making the community angry and then doesn't deliver the packs. It's badly planned, not overthought and is not for the community.

 

The biggest flaw was to ask the community AFTER implement things and after everyone said that most of the changes are very bad, they say "I don't care, you are just forum member and don't represenr the player base"... Lol... Don't ask us if you can't live with critics

 

That`s the point. 100% agreement.

[SingingFlyEx]

Remember that this game and many other games they work on are free to play.

Wait, how do you know ptcgo's dev team also develops many other games, and which games?

[Sadra]

Hello Trainers,

 

I welcome all of you to post your opinions on this subject and I have submitted the feedback posted here thus far to the developers.

 

A general reminder, please play nice: Community members are expected to behave in a respectful manner toward each other and the moderators.

 

You all do not have to agree, but you do have to be respectful to each other.

 

And with that said, I look forward to seeing more of your opinions.

Please note that I wrote the following with respect, however, disagreement can be offensive itself so please do not take it personally:

 

To be honest, I am quite disappointed with your reply as you could have given a reasonable explanation towards the questions I have raised above. I really don't believe that you have to give the same explanation EVERY SINGLE TIME in  EVERY SINGLE POST just to dodge the question when you actually have an answer. We were promised with the updates and maybe something went wrong so they could not be fulfilled. Its okay and we respect that but you have to make an official announcement to us explaining the reason and future plans. This is the least basic respect you need to pay towards your customers who buy your products. 

 

I do not mean to disclose any personal life here but I am involved in a huge family business in China and no matter how big it gets we never ever do this to customers: one because of the basic respect to customers who have supported us, second, because we don't want to lose our reputation. Of course, I understand that this is a non-profit format and I agree that it is a great way to attract new players. However, I am noticing that there are double standards for the pokemon company towards customers here. I clearly believe that we are not getting respected at all since they think we are not the main customers who pay money, and actually that is wrong. The devs remove stuff and make changes without informing us and there are no follow-ups of your post (we have submitted them to the devs). It's okay if it does not get implemented and we will understand, but at least give us a reply on how things turned out and we really feel being ignored now.

 

 

After all of the recent changes that have happened, I really do have a problem believing anything that you guys are saying. I hope that the company's attitude will change soon. 

Edited May 7, 2018 by Sadra

[Eden2902]

I agree 100%!

 

There are two standards. Maybe there are different persons responsible for the PTCGO and the video games. Even if they would release a free video game (what they actually do, see magikarp for Android), the quality of the games and the support is superb. And that is, what fans expecting. That's the reason why so many are disappointed about this forum. They expect the quality of the video games and yeah... you all know how they act with us. In my opinion is they way how the customers were handled in this forum and the PTCGO itself a huge sign of disrespect and a damage to the good reputation of the Pokemon Company. But this post, like all others which contains critics, will be ignored.

Edited May 8, 2018 by Eden2902

[Jigglypuffan]

its personnal , but i think ptcgo are afraid to do bug ..

 

i mean trading is working correctly , they could try to improve trade but they are afraid to get problem if they do.. get more bug to fix , so they take no chance and keep it like it is..

 

i also think , they are going to put all pack and theme deck in shop , but i think , they have hard time to make all work..

 

now this is said, i disagree completelly with oldschool.. they put a lot of effort to make change that was not needed.. so i believe they kinda ignore us..

 

i am starting to think this , maybe they remove legacy because the game is having a maximum space to put in the game.. and they have to remove legacy to put new pack.. ok this explanation probably make no sens , but it come in my mind so i said it..

 

 

jiggaly puff jigallyyy puff jigallyyy puff jigallyyy puff ..

[Princess_Aurora]

I’ll be honest... If I was a Moderator, Admin, TPCi or whoever represents authority... I’ll keep way clear of this topic, it sounds (reads? looks?) like a full-on flaming session.

 

This looks fun, I’m eager to see how things will develop.

[RobRatt]

The Pokémon Company International is a for-profit corporation.  It's not a philanthropic venture.  As such, if players (customers) ask for better service, accurate and timely answers, or improved features in the game, shouldn't that be expected?  And encouraged?  Maybe even sought out?

 

Since there's a Game Feedback section, I hope no one thinks every statement will be blowing warm wind up their skirts.  Until they've reached perfection, maybe they expect some negative feedback on occasion?  Again, and welcome it?  Let's hope they don't take constructive criticism of a game's features personally.

 

I think most players treat Staff and the Mods with respect (at least from what I've seen).  I'm not sure why someone jumped into the mix, and says, "Don't question them.  It's immature and ignorant."  That's just silly to suggest.  Asking for details, improvements, and questions about the game, is not a personal attack on anyone, and I'm still uncertain why that attitude was introduced.

 

But all of this gets far, far away from @Sadra's original thoughts.  They DID promise X, by Y.  And communication should be better.  It's only human nature to say, "Hey, what's up with that?"  He, or any player, should be able to ask unashamedly.

Edited May 9, 2018 by RobRatt

[Sadra]

The Pokémon Company International is a for-profit corporation.  It's not a philanthropic venture.  As such, if players (customers) ask for better service, accurate and timely answers, or improved features in the game, shouldn't that be expected?  And encouraged?  Maybe even sought out?

 

Since there's a Game Feedback section, I hope no one thinks every statement will be blowing warm wind up their skirts.  Until they've reached perfection, maybe they expect some negative feedback on occasion?  Again, and welcome it?  Let's hope they don't take constructive criticism of a game's features personally.

 

I think most players treat Staff and the Mods with respect (at least from what I've seen).  I'm not sure why someone jumped into the mix, and says, "Don't question them.  It's immature and ignorant."  That's just silly to suggest.  Asking for details, improvements, and questions about the game, is not a personal attack on anyone, and I'm still uncertain why that attitude was introduced.

 

But all of this gets far, far away from @Sadra's original thoughts.  They DID promise X, by Y.  And communication should be better.  It's only human nature to say, "Hey, what's up with that?"  He, or any player, should be able to ask unashamedly.

The main problem now is that the devs are, in my opinion, actually reluctant to make the game better. Starting from 1995, the game and its franchise have only grown bigger and bigger and I certainly do not question their ability to stand out of market competition and their wisdom in new product development. What I believe now is that since this is the platform that they use to attract new players to the physical card game, they are limiting their budget they spend on this game and more importantly, making it good enough for play testing but definitely not good enough as the real card game. This, from a marketing perspective is a smart move as it is definitely cheaper than playing the real card game and even if they make this a profit-making format, they will never earn as much as they earn now. 

 

Things like removing the chat, trophies, and leaving the collection statistics not working are definitely aimed at removing the key features of the card game so that  one can never gain the satisfaction of playing the real card game. 

 

I again, write these down with a respectful heart with no offence to any moderators. 

Edited May 9, 2018 by Sadra

[Sadra]

I’ll be honest... If I was a Moderator, Admin, TPCi or whoever represents authority... I’ll keep way clear of this topic, it sounds (reads? looks?) like a full-on flaming session.

 

This looks fun, I’m eager to see how things will develop.

It is not fun, at least for me, its quite sad. 

[DM_Nightshade]

I can't agree more with this letter..... i first played pokemon TCG during the XY Era . I discover it by playing it Online only . Back then there was special bundle , with Nice gameplay feature such box and sleeves even outfit. Then I dont know why they started to re-release those instead of creating new ones... for the sun and moon era I started to buy real card and i'm now going to local store and play in a league. But I felt the game online is just there to test deck and is not fun anymore...they removed Everyhing!!! No more legacy (I dont know how i will finish those legacy deck I started now there is no way to get em! The even removed those bundle pack

.. The game.isn't evolving... it just became flat and dull!! It still a good tool for me as a league challenger but otherwise I dont know why people would play it. Pokemon TCG Online Need a V2.0 from menu to trade and how the tournament works everythjng should be rethink amd improve.

Edited May 9, 2018 by DM_Nightshade