Pokemon TCG Pocket should be careful before introducing trading
Pokemon TCG Pocket is already a sensation and has seen tens of millions of downloads on a global scale. However, it is still missing one key aspect — trading. The term "TCG" in Pokemon TCG Pocket is an abbreviation for Trading Card Game, and this prime feature is currently missing from the title. That said, this might be the right move, as of now, since the introduction of trading might have some undesired outcomes this early into the game's release.
Hence, Pokemon TCG Pocket should be careful and take sufficient precautions before introducing the trading feature. In this article, we will look at how the feature could easily backfire and why proper measures should be taken before its eventual release.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.
Pokemon TCG Pocket's trading feature can spell disaster if precautions are not taken
You would have already seen the "coming soon" icon displayed over the Trade option in Pokemon TCG Pocket. This is the right move right now, as introducing trading immediately will compromise the fair-play factor of Pokemon TCG Pocket.
The most significant threat would be reroll accounts and trading the best cards you obtain from them. Theoretically, you could make a lot of other accounts, put in the minimal effort to open Booster Packs, and then trade the best cards that you get to your main account.
This would allow you to have all the best cards in your main account, which can then be used to create competitive decks that can dominate the Pokemon TCG Pocket meta. This can also pave the way for the selling of accounts and cards, which is unlikely to be very legal.
If you can get all the rare cards in one account by trading, it could increase the value of an account. An aftermarket with item selling or account selling is not unheard of in the gaming world, and this could lead to a serious problem if not handled correctly.
Right now, you can open 10 Booster Packs for free and stand a chance at getting a lot of great cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket. This can also be done very easily in the game without gaining a lot of levels or spending any considerable amount of effort.
How should Pokemon TCG Pocket handle trading?
To actually introduce the trading feature in Pokemon TCG Pocket, several constraints need to be placed. Some of these could be:
1) A certain level must be reached before being able to trade
You should have to reach a certain level before being able to trade in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Ideally, this should be at least level 15 or level 20. You will need to complete various missions and win a significant number of PvP matches to get to these levels.
This will ensure you spend a considerable amount of time and effort on an account before trading cards to and from it.
2) Limit the number of cards per trade
Cards should not ideally be traded in masses. Instead, it can be one or two cards per trade. This will check those players who want to trade all of the good or strong cards from one account to another.
Also read: 4 most annoying card decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
3) A cooldown period after each trade
There should be a significant cooldown period after each trade in Pokemon TCG Pocket. This will ensure that the feature is not exploited and cards are spam-traded. A cooldown period will ensure you have to wait before being able to trade your next batch of cards.
4) Trading should use some form of currency
Similar to Pokemon GO, trading in Pokemon TCG Pocket should also use some form of currency. This will not only warrant a fair trade of cards but would also encourage the collection of the said currency that would be then used to trade.
5) Trading should only be possible when players are in each other's proximity
This idea is once again akin to the trade feature in Pokemon GO, which will only allow TCG Pocket players to trade if they are near each other. While GPS spoofers exist and they will find a way to work around this, it will still act as a deterrent for general users.
Moreover, GPS spoofers are often banned or receive some form of suspension if they are caught. A more severe amount of penalty in Pokemon TCG Pocket can also curb this problem and allow for better and fairer gameplay overall.
For more articles on Pokemon TCG Pocket, check out the following:
- Pokemon TCG Pocket deck building guide - Things to keep in mind
- How to open card packs for free
- What to do with duplicate cards
- Pokemon TCG Pocket reportedly downloaded 10 million times globally within two days of launch
- Immersive Cards - Available cards and how to get them
- Genetic Apex - All cards, types, and rarity