The TCG industry big players are selling "mystery boxes" and no one seems to be bothered. If any other product from a different industry were sold in such a manner, consumers would undoubtedly find it absurd!
Click the button at the gas station to get a random fuel type! Ordered some takeout and get a random drink flavor!
Why do people eat up booster packs when there is no contents description? The answer is exploitation of the player base for financial gain.
The TCG industry has long relied on the thrill of uncertainty to drive sales, marketing products without disclosing the complete list of cards they contain. This practice of selling "mystery packages" might seem exciting for some, but it raises serious questions about consumer expectations and fairness.
One of the most perplexing aspects of this practice is that if these products were replaced by items from other industries, consumers would refuse to accept the uncertainty. Imagine buying a book and not knowing whether it's a genre you enjoy, or purchasing a video game without any knowledge of its gameplay mechanics. Such a lack of information would lead to frustration and disappointment, yet in the TCG industry, this is the norm.
Moreover, the issue extends to the absurdity of third-party sellers (yes your local ma-and -pa shop) opening booster packs and selling individual cards at a premium. Talk to any card show employee, and they will let you know just how many booster packages they have opened in their day.
While TCG enthusiasts often resort to purchasing single cards from third-party vendors to complete their decks, it's crucial to recognize the illogical nature of this process. The original manufacturers could have easily sold these individual cards themselves, eliminating the middleman of opening booster packs and reselling singles.
By directly selling singles, TCG companies would promote transparency and fairness. Players and collectors would have the opportunity to purchase specific cards they desire without the uncertainty of opening countless booster packs. This would lead to a more efficient and cost-effective experience for consumers, but of course its all about the profits, not the gameplay.
Why support companies and games that are clearly not invested in a balanced environment designed for player satisfaction? Upfront card lists on ALL products should be a norm, and its clear that this is never going to change unless there is a market innovation and consumer revolution - which I think Pixel Powers TCG can be one piece of the puzzle.
