Well in case you haven't heard by now, Wizards of the Coast will not be licensing the Pokemon TCG after their current commitments are completed. Full details of the announcement can be found at http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=company/pr/20030312b. This means they won't be doing any of the ADV Pokemon from Ruby/Sapphire, but they still have three expansion sets that will be released during this remaining year. This also means there will be no Challenge Series or World Championships (at least not run by WOTC), but they will continue to run Battle Zone & Super Battle Zone until their contracts expire. They will also be running major tournaments at Origins & GenCon including a "Fan Appreciation Tournament" on July 26th. Meanwhile, the Weekly Chats will continue to be held for the foreseeable future (you can't get rid of Chrisbo *that* easily), so let's see what the MT's had to say about all this.
Hang in there,
- CHRISBO
THE FUTURE OF POKEMON TCG... :
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #392 from jpdevilliers80:
Can you perhaps tell us why you guys lost the
license?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ever hear of business?
Pokemon is a business just like Star Wars is a
business. We enjoyed (very much) being
involved with Pokemon the last 5 years. We
wish it the best of all futures as it continues on without us."
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#404 from soslowpoke:
Was it a bit of a shock to you all when you found
out the offer for licensing was rejected?
darkmt_mike says, "You have to be prepared for any
eventuality. That is the nature of the
game. It was something we wanted to
continue to do."
master_trainer_mike says, "We wanted to continue with Pokemon and even though we won't be, we wish it the best of luck."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #402 from skywolf9653:
Mike, did WotC and TPC part on friendly terms?
darkmt_mike says, "Yes."
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure. Different
directions were chosen after discussion."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #427 from lugiasforce:
Is there any possibility of you making another
offer for the license?
master_trainer_mike says, "TPC and WOTC have
chosen to go their own ways."
darkmt_mike says, "I don't think that is an
option."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #393 from pojo_phil:
Who is picking up the license?
master_trainer_mike says, "I dunno."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #422 from lugiasforce:
Can you tell us how to contact TPC?
master_trainer_mike says, "No, but I've seen post
on the Gym with contact info."
darkmt_mike says, "Look there."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #394 from lepi1962:
Can Nintendo release ADV set at the same time as
you release Jamboree?
master_trainer_mike says, "No idea."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #444 from skywolf9653:
Mike, will these chats continue, or is this the
last one?
master_trainer_mike says, "They will continue for
a while."
[CHRISBO NOTE: Whew, that's a relief.]
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #383 from mysterioustrainer:
What is going to happen to the Professor Program
after WotC is done with Pokemon? Do you think the Pokemon Company can keep it
running?
master_trainer_mike says, "The Pokemon Company has not contacted us yet about what their OP plans are."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #447 from mysterioustrainer:
Will you still be giving MP status to those who
earn 5 points this year?
master_trainer_mike says, "I will do the last run
for Master Professor status on August 31st, 2003. Earn your points before
then."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #391 from ukpokemonpro:
At some point the plug will be pulled on the DCI
and PokeGym .. it will happen .. can you tell us when?
master_trainer_mike says, "The Pokemon Company has
not contacted us about what their OP plans are.
We plan on supporting all of our programs while we
are still involved with Pokemon."
darkmt_mike says, "The Gym will continue to run at least through out our involvement with Pokemon"
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#401 from nidoking12345:
Will the Pokemon company continue to run organized
tournaments
darkmt_mike says, "You will have to contact them
for that info."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #562 from profpoinko:
when Pokemon completely reverts over to tpc, will
we still be able to run sanctioned tournaments and stuff, or will all of that
be in tpc's hands?
master_trainer_mike says, "That will be up to the Pokemon Company and their programs"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #473 from skywolf9653:
Mike, are you hopeful that the successor company
will continue OP with this game?
master_trainer_mike says, "They have OP plans, but
what they are we dunno."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #465 from gym_leader_blaine:
do you know if TPC is planning to continue with
some kind of Pokemon stuff this year after you are done, or will there be a
gap between the change over?
master_trainer_mike says, "They have not told us of their plans, sorry."
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#406 from farbsman:
has TPC said anything about what will happen with
cards and future sets, will old cards be allowed in any play after Wotc is
done with it?
darkmt_mike says, "No.
They have not said anything."
master_trainer_mike says, "TPC has not contacted
us about OP plans yet."
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#441 from skywolf9653:
Mike, will cards printed by WotC, be valid with
the successor company, or wouldn't you know?
darkmt_mike says, "That is up to them."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #410 from nopoke59:
will you be involved in the transition of pokemon
to Nintendo?
master_trainer_mike says, "I will still be working
to run all of the rest of our involvement with Pokemon.
After that, I work on Neo Pets and Avalon Hill
board games (any one up for Risk 2210?)"
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#454 from michel1be:
Can you tell us when exactly will be the end of
Wizards involvement with Pokemon ?
darkmt_mike says, "Nope. Not exactly."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #555 from chrisbo:
Has there been a termination date set yet for
WOTC's involvement with Pokemon? Or is it still pending?
master_trainer_mike says, "we will continue to
support all of the sets we release; no date
set yet"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #409 from mysterioustrainer:
After Pokemon is done with WotC, will you still
play with us?
darkmt_mike says, "Of course."
master_trainer_mike says, "Sure! I plan on winning
every tournament!!!"
darkmt_mike says, "Fat chance!"
BATTLE ZONE / SUPER BATTLE ZONE:
master_trainer_mike says, "Also, starting plans on the next Super BattleZone next week. Looks like we will be shooting for the weekend of May 24-25th for it (so we avoid Mother's day)."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #443 from nidoking12345:
Are you gonna have SBZ at different locations this
time
master_trainer_mike says, "Some will be the same,
some different"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #466 from soslowpoke:
provided the next SBZ is a success, do you think
there'll be more for LCII and/or Jamboree?
master_trainer_mike says, "mmmmaybe"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #385 from pokesensei:
Hey Mike and Mike,
with the news of the future,
how long will BattleZone go on?
What will be the last month kits will be sent out?
master_trainer_mike says, "BattleZone will be produced and supported throughout WOTC's involvement with Pokemon. August will be the final kits."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #421 from soslowpoke:
Why aren't you able to support battlezone
throughout the rest of the year? It just seems like everything other than sets
are ending by August
master_trainer_mike says, "WOTC will support all of our Pokemon programs throughout the rest of our involvement with the brand. TPC has their own plans. We wish them the best of luck."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #399 from wizo_pokemom:
will those of us who are "behind" in kits, due to
merchant issues be able to order ALL of them, even the ones we've missed?
master_trainer_mike says, "Details still being worked out."
SKYRIDGE, LEGENDARY COLLECTION 2, and JAMBOREE (yee-haw!):
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #396 from ukpokemonpro:
So is the plan to release Skyridge in April, LCII
in May and then Jamboree sometime in Late Summer
master_trainer_mike says, "Something like that
(though as you all know, sometimes things change)."
darkmt_mike says, "Can't be exact."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #418 from pojo_phil:
Will Jamboree and Legendary Collection 2 be in 11
card boosters or 9?
master_trainer_mike says, "Dunno."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #525 from profpoinko:
Is LC II and Jamboree going to be ecard format? or
will I be smited for asking?
master_trainer_mike says, "nope, and no smiting
today"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #405 from lepi1962:
Do you still see the purpose for LC2?
darkmt_mike says, "Very clearly."
master_trainer_mike says, "Yeah, lots of new
players unable to get the older cards.
Also, hopefully it will be great for limited play (like LC was)."
MAJOR TOURNAMENTS:
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#400 from soslowpoke:
So no Challenge series or worlds this year?
darkmt_mike says, "Nope."
master_trainer_mike says, "We were unable to make
plans for the Challenge series or a World Championship while the future of
Pokemon was uncertain. Instead we are
providing a huge fan Appreciation tournament for players of all ages at Gen
Con. European players who have won trips in
qualifiers for Worlds will instead be sent to Gen Con to join in the
festivities! Be there or be a rhombus!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #397 from michel1be:
Will Origins be an open tournament ? Everybody
could then participate.
master_trainer_mike says, "Origins will have the
Professor Championship (professors only). There will also be numerous open
tournaments of all types for players of all ages.
Gen Con will have the Team Multiplay Championship,
numerous open tournaments, and the Fan Appreciation tournament (open to
players of all ages)."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #398 from mysterioustrainer:
The president of WotC mentioned about a Fan
Appreciation Tournament at GenCon, any details?
master_trainer_mike says, "A great big multiple
format (sealed and constructed) tournament with lots of fun and prizes for all
who come!"
darkmt_mike says, "Be there."
master_trainer_mike says, "Be there or be a
trapezoid!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #450 from lugiasforce:
Where is the fan appreciation tourny gonna be at?
master_trainer_mike says, "Gen Con in
Indianapolis."
darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question
#482 from soslowpoke:
What are the GenCon dates for this summer?
darkmt_mike says, "July 25-27"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #403 from indigomaster33:
so what is this "fan appreciation" tournament
going to consist of?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sealed (theme deck
challenge) rounds and modified constructed rounds. Prizes for ALL who
participate!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #424 from mob2099:
what are the formats for origins/gencon and fan
appr. tournies?
master_trainer_mike says, "Those details will come
but quickly. Prof championship is like last
year (sealed, modified constructed and then rochester for top 8).
Team Event at Gen Con is sealed and modified
constructed as is the fan tournament"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #413 from mysterioustrainer:
Will professors be needed at Origins and Gencon
alot?
master_trainer_mike says, "All Professors who show
up and offer to help will be used and duly rewarded."
darkmt_mike says, "Yeah!"
KUDOS TO WOTC:
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #382 from skywolf9653:
Mike, I just want to say THANK-YOU and the entire
Staff at WotC for 5 years of the best game that I have ever played.
master_trainer_mike says, "Gee thanks :)"
darkmt_mike says, "You are welcome."
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #527 from master_o_pokemon:
I want to let you guys know that throughout the
4-5 years you guys have run the game, we've enjoyed it. Thanks.
master_trainer_mike says, "We have enjoyed hosting
you all, thank you!"
darkmt_mike says, "Thank you. We have enjoyed it
also!"
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with
question #395 from nidoking12345:
I just wanted to say, you did an awesome job on
Pokemon
darkmt_mike says, "Thank you."
master_trainer_mike says, "Thanks gang, you were
all AND are still a lot of fun to work with.
It's not over yet gang!"
[CHRISBO NOTE: Emphasis
mine!]