Pokemon Trading Card Game Live has begun its worldwide beta test, with gamers from around the globe able to test the new online programme. The Pokemon Company originally introduced the new online simulator for its enormously popular TCG as a successor to the franchise’s already-existing Pokemon Trading Card Game Online late last year. The new online edition of the TCG will have dazzling animations and simplified “true-to-life” gameplay, letting gamers go on and play with their friends online in no time. Players will now get their first chance to test the new card game.
Even in its early days, the Pokemon Trading Card Game was no stranger to video games and internet simulations. From the inception of the series, the Game Boy got its own version of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, as well as a Japan-exclusive sequel. Since its inception in 2011, the Pokemon Trading Card Game Online has been one of the most popular methods for many Pokemon gamers to play the card game online. Pokemon Trading Card Game Live is now ready to change the way players compete against one another.
On Tuesday, the Pokemon Company finally released the Pokemon Trading Card Game Live beta globally, allowing users to test out the new Pokemon TCG simulator that has been advertised since last year. A fully fleshed-out Ranked ladder and a Battle Pass system for earning cosmetics and packs are among the new features that will be added to online Pokemon TCG play with Live. While Live will replace Online as the primarily supported client, users will be able to move their entire collections to the new game, according to the developer.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Live’s worldwide beta launches against many other card games in the online TCG industry. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel was a huge hit for Konami earlier this year, shattering records for card games on Steam after its January debut. Wizards of the Coast, Pokemon’s other major physical TCG rival, has an established online presence as well with Magic: The Gathering Arena. Pokemon TCG Live will also compete with digital-only card games such as Legends of Runeterra and Hearthstone.
The beta release of Pokemon Trading Card Game Live comes as the card game, like its video game cousins, seems to be entering a new age. Crown Zenith, the last new set of the Sword and Shield period, will be released in January, according to the Pokemon Company. The last Sword and Shield set will conclude the game’s Galar period with new VSTAR cards and three new Radiant Pokemon for fans to capture. Pokemon Trading Card Game Live will usher in a new era for the online branch of one of the world’s most popular TCGs.
