Summary
- Pokemon TCG Pocket's new event may violate consumer laws due to lack of transparency.
- Strict regulations in China require drop rates disclosure in gacha games like TCG Pocket.
- Players criticize misleading instructions and RNG reliance in the Sneak Peek feature.
Fans of Pokemon TCG Pocket have pointed out that the Sneak Peek feature could be considered "illegal." They're referring to a new limited-time event introduced on April 3, suggesting that the lack of transparency around one specific detail could potentially violate consumer protection laws. This is not the first time a gacha game has faced accusations of legal violations; however, it may be the first instance of such allegations aimed at Pokemon TCG Pocket.
With the growing popularity of gacha games and their addictive nature, some regulators in regions like China and Europe have proposed specific consumer protection laws to safeguard players from gacha exploitation. One strict gaming regulation came from China, which mandated that all video game developers disclose the odds of loot boxes and random items. Since then, most gacha games, including Pokemon TCG Pocket, have published their drop rates and pity systems to help players understand what they're paying for. However, a group of TCG Pocket players now believe that the game's latest event may disregard these legal requirements.
Pokemon TCG Pocket Fans Are Roasting a New Feature
Pokemon TCG Pocket fans criticize a new feature that was added in the March update, claiming it’s more of a downgrade than an improvement.
Reddit user BigGreyCatOwner shared their concerns on the game's subreddit, claiming that the Wonder Pick's Sneak Peek campaign in TCG Pocket could be potentially illegal. They argue that since the feature requires spending Poke Gold to get Wonder Hourglasses, the developer should have disclosed the odds of receiving a "Sneak Peek." As it stands, the event appears to rely entirely on RNG, which could be considered against the law in certain regions and countries.
TCG Pocket's Sneak Peek Event Could Violate Some Laws
TCG Pocket's regular Wonder Picks let players choose one of five face-down cards that previously appeared in another player's booster pack. However, when the Sneak Peek feature is triggered, the first selected card is revealed without ending the Wonder Pick, allowing the player to make another selection if the first pick isn't desirable.
In the same Reddit thread, some fans highlighted another issue with the event: misleading instructions. According to them, the in-game text and pop-up prompts give a false impression that the player's current Wonder Pick includes a Sneak Peek chance. In reality, it doesn't, and players are sometimes forced to spend Wonder Stamina before realizing their pick isn't eligible for the feature. So far, The Pokemon Company and DeNA, the game's developers, haven't responded to these allegations or complaints. And with the ongoing backlash from the community, it's unclear whether the Sneak Peek feature will return in future Pokemon TCG Pocket events.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket lets you easily collect Pokémon cards. Creatures Inc. Has created exciting new visual effects for cards that are only possible digitally.
Pokémon cards, played with by people in 89 countries, are now closer to you than ever!
Enjoy Pokémon cards anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device!
■ You can open packs every day to get cards!
Collect cards every day! You can open two booster packs every day at no cost to collect Pokémon cards featuring heartwarming illustrations from the past as well as all-new cards exclusive to this game.
■ New Pokémon cards!
Immersive cards, a brand-new kind of card, make their debut here! With new illustrations that have a 3D feel, immersive cards will make you feel like you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration!
■ Trade cards with friends!
You can trade certain cards with friends. Use the trade feature to collect even more cards!
■ Show off your collection!
You can use binders or display boards to showcase your cards and share them with the world!
■ Casual battles—alone or with friends!
You can enjoy casual battles during quick breaks in your day! Ranked matches are now available for players who'd like to battle even more.
