Tyranitar V<\/a>\u201c Illustrator: HYOGONOSUKE \nAs seen in the Sword & Shield\u2014Battle Styles<\/i> expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q<\/strong>: Is the number of worldwide players increasing? If so, why?<\/p>\n\n\n\nSams<\/strong>: Driven by the excitement of Pok\u00e9mon cards and the brand\u2019s 25th anniversary, the Pok\u00e9mon TCG has received record levels of interest in all TPCi markets. I believe the excitement has also been fueled by consistently high-quality cards, expansions, and products; our focus on making it easier to play the game; and that Pok\u00e9mon has become multigenerational. We hear and witness more stories of fans who grew up with the brand now sharing their love and passion for Pok\u00e9mon with their own children.<\/p>\n\n\n\nQ<\/strong>: Is there any particular event that left an impression on you regarding the game\u2019s international reception?<\/p>\n\n\n\nSams<\/strong>: There are two topics that immediately come to mind over the past couple of years. First of all, I have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the release of the Pok\u00e9mon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, which received the Game of the Year award at The Toy Association\u2019s 2021 Toy of the Year Awards, as well as other play-focused products, like League Battle Decks1 and the Trainer\u2019s Toolkit2. It has confirmed that our teams\u2019 and partners\u2019 hard work to make the Pok\u00e9mon TCG more accessible has been well received by our fans, and it motivates us to continue to make better products.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBattle Academy is a product aimed at beginners and families. It contains everything that is needed to enjoy a Pok\u00e9mon TCG battle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n1<\/sup> League Battle Deck: A pre-built deck that contains powerful Pok\u00e9mon and Trainer cards. \n2<\/sup> Trainer’s Toolkit: A product aimed at players who want to build their own decks that includes widely used Trainer cards, condition markers, card sleeves, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSecondly, I have heard many fans refer to this time as the \u201cgolden age\u201d of the Pok\u00e9mon TCG in refence to all aspects of the game coming together in such an intriguing way; diverse products, interesting expansion themes, deep card sets, special card treatments, and\u2014most importantly\u2014stunning illustrations. Given that each card is a small piece of art, it makes it less surprising how desired Pok\u00e9mon TCG cards have been recently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: A Message to the Applicants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Q<\/strong>: What would you like to say to the Pok\u00e9mon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest 2022 applicants?<\/p>\n\n\n\nNagashima<\/strong>: In developing the Pok\u00e9mon TCG, our challenge has always been improving the game while respecting its foundation. We do not plan to change this approach. Now that people from all over the world can play the Pok\u00e9mon TCG, we want it to evolve and take a step or two forward. I would like to encourage applicants to try and create illustrations so effective that they can make people who aren\u2019t into the game want to play as well, improving the Pok\u00e9mon TCG\u2019s popularity together with us. I basically want you to lend us your talent! (Laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\nSams<\/strong>: With this contest, applicants have the opportunity for their illustration to be viewed all over the world. I continue to be in awe of the passion and size of the Pok\u00e9mon community worldwide, and I am excited that we are able to expand to the United States for this contest while seeing new perspectives of the Pok\u00e9mon we know and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nComposition and text: Shusuke Motomiya (One-up) Photos: Kayoko Yamamoto<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Atsushi Nagashima Creatures, Inc. Pok\u00e9mon TCG Development Division, Game Director He is involved in designing and defining the game environment and system, directing all products, and the game as a whole. Barry Sams The Pok\u00e9mon Company International Vice President, Trading Card Game He is responsible for business strategy and product development related to the Pok\u00e9mon […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4922,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Pok\u00e9mon Trading Card Game: Enjoyed Around the World - Column - Pok\u00e9mon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest 2024 - PTCGIC2024<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n