• LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
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    12 hours ago

    It definitely can be pay to win although I don’t spend much on it and have good success. But I’ve been playing for decades and consider myself a pretty skilled player. I also use proxies, basically printed out images in place of real cards, especially for new decks where I’m not sure I want to spend money on them yet.

    That said, your friend didn’t give you a good introduction. Your friend should have done more to help you build a solid deck and to match the power level of his deck to yours. I have many decks of different power levels for this reason, and I think good etiquette is to bring a deck that’s near the power level of your opponent’s, especially if they’re new.

    Also, buying packs isn’t the best way to start out. Probably best to have a friend build you a deck or if that’s not an option or to buy a precon. Most of the cards you get in packs are bad and no one really plays with them, so if you put those in your deck, you aren’t going to have much success.

    Or, just decide the game isn’t for you. That’s also valid!

    • Krudler@lemmy.world
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      11 hours ago

      I know what you’re saying but I disagree with your underlying point.

      Although it is completely poor form and bad instruction to destroy somebody in a game that you’re introducing them to, he did me a huge favor by revealing the underlying flaw.

      I am not trying to insult your hobby, people are allowed to spend money on things, but success is not possible without cards that you paid good money for and I’m not going to play a game like that. I know deep down that you also know deep down this is true.

      • schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works
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        11 hours ago

        Yeah, it’s kind of a weird hobby that way. I don’t get how people can see the problem with loot boxes but be enthusiastic Magic players… people have extensive criticism of monetization of video games, but when it comes to trading card games: absolute crickets.

        • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
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          10 hours ago

          Well a lot of us do think the gambling aspect is problematic, which is why I mentioned it in my initial comment. I just think it’s a fun game but I can think that while also wishing certain aspects were different.

        • Krudler@lemmy.world
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          11 hours ago

          Dude what are you talking about? People are constantly ranting about loot boxes and taking shots at valve.

          It’s fine for you to like your hobby, but don’t go off the rails and try to justify it. I’m not criticizing the pay to win nature, but you can’t do whataboutism in your defense of it.

          I’m really not arguing with you though, you are completely allowed to like your hobby, there’s nothing wrong with it even if that means spending money. It’s just not for me for that reason, that’s all.

          • schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works
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            10 hours ago

            I don’t know if you read me correctly. I’m saying people see the obvious problems with loot boxes, but have no problem with the same mechanic in the physical form of a card deck.

            The disconnect seems kinda weird.

            I’m just asking for consistency.

            • Krudler@lemmy.world
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              10 hours ago

              This is where you are very confused.

              Your argumentation comes from the perspective of whataboutism.

              Ironically, you strengthen my underlying point and you weaken yours. I am making the point that your game is pay to win which is why I do not want to play it.

              You are arguing a different point, which is that you feel it’s justified for you to play the game and spend money on it, because other people spend money on other pay to win games.

              This is fine for you to enjoy your game but it’s specious reasoning. You do not need another random person to justify your spending on your game, it’s just not for me, enjoy your hobby my friend.

              • schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works
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                10 hours ago

                Elucidate me then. What are the significant differences between video game loot boxes and a sealed pack of Pokemon?

                • Krudler@lemmy.world
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                  4 hours ago

                  I’m not going to have a conversation with the music box in your head.