Depends how you see it. TCG is by itself a lootbox game, but with physical cards instead. However, it does not seem that the Pokemon Company wants to turn its TCG game into a digital business, but instead use those apps as promotional products for TCG. Personally, I think it’s a much better model than the one pursued by everyone else. The apps are more a bonus / promotional stuff than a real thing. For this particular app, I won’t be surprised if there is no other way to get packs than waiting for the next day.
The friction of a physical purchase is relevant.
But all the rest of the slot machine mechanics in terms of dopamine juicing sounds and animations are still there, and they're the biggest issue.
Yes but if it’s free, I don’t think it’s a big issue. Very different than allowing people to buy lottery tickets (it could be the case, but I don’t think so).
It's decidedly not free if you have to buy physical products to get it.
It’s true for TCG online, but I doubt it will be the case for this one. They announced nothing regarding micro transactions nor how to get extra packs. They can totally make this one free, as it’s marketing value for physical cards is enough by itself.
Depends how you see it. TCG is by itself a lootbox game, but with physical cards instead. However, it does not seem that the Pokemon Company wants to turn its TCG game into a digital business, but instead use those apps as promotional products for TCG. Personally, I think it’s a much better model than the one pursued by everyone else. The apps are more a bonus / promotional stuff than a real thing. For this particular app, I won’t be surprised if there is no other way to get packs than waiting for the next day.
The friction of a physical purchase is relevant.
But all the rest of the slot machine mechanics in terms of dopamine juicing sounds and animations are still there, and they're the biggest issue.
Yes but if it’s free, I don’t think it’s a big issue. Very different than allowing people to buy lottery tickets (it could be the case, but I don’t think so).
It's decidedly not free if you have to buy physical products to get it.
It’s true for TCG online, but I doubt it will be the case for this one. They announced nothing regarding micro transactions nor how to get extra packs. They can totally make this one free, as it’s marketing value for physical cards is enough by itself.