Do you actually own printed cards in the WoW TCG?  Yes, in fact you do.

Do the trading cards with the possiblitiy of winning a loot item primarily serve a function in the TCG itself?  Yes, they do.

Do the loot items available in the TCG enhance the performance of your WoW character?  In other words, are they necessary to be competitive in the game you are already paying a subscription fee for?  No, they do not enhance the performance.  All loot items currently available are "cosmetic" in nature.

Are the odds of obtaining a card with loot attached to it publicly verifiable?  Yes, it appears that they are, since they are printed cards with a verifiable drop rate.

This is all easy to check out, here:

http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/wow/en/products/FAQ/default.aspx

Let's look at SOE's TCG:

Do you actually own printed cards in the TCG? No, they are all virtual; the player has no ownership.

Do the loot cards have any function in the actual TCG?  No, they are only useful in StarWars Galaxies.

Do the loot cards enhance the performance of the SWG character, or serve other useful functions in a game that people are already paying a subscription fee for?  Yes they do.  They give you combat buffs, a vehicle with a speed advantage, or unique structures.

Are the odds of obtaining a loot card publicly verifiable?  With no actual printed cards, and SOE alone knowing the actual drop rates, apparently not.

These games are the same in name only: "TCG." The way they function is not at all alike.  Like I said though, feel free to check for yourself, you don't have to take my word for it.

P.S.  Again, it's not difficult to understand why millions of MMO players are congregating in one game, and not the other.  It's obvious that these players find the following regarding WoW: it works, it's fun, and they don't get the shaft from the service provider.  Also, I don't play this game, so this isn't p.r. for Blizz.  I happen to think the character customization options are crap lol.  At the same time, I can't help noticing why they are successful, and why SWG continues to go from one scandal to the next, and barely maintain itself on life support.

When I was back on the most recent vet trial in November, I asked one of my few remaining friends what the deal on the card game was.  "Do they send you the packs in the mail?"  "No, they're all virtual".

WTF?

The trading card game doesn't exist in meatspace?  The whole point of these things, I thought, is that they're a meatspace marketing tool.

Hell, SOE can't even get THAT right!

So if SOE removed the TCG from SWG you would calm down?

The fastest speeder in the game is not from the card game, it's the command BARC you can only buy with ingame credits from a factional recruiter once you reach the colonel rank.

Every "combat" buff you can get from the card game takes the same buff slot as another combat buff you can get ingame as part of gameplay.

Do you get 5 free packs (15 cards per pack) of TCG cards each month as part of your subscription in WoW?

Originally posted by Gutboy

Do you get 5 free packs (15 cards per pack) of TCG cards each month as part of your subscription in WoW?

 

 

Those cards aren't free are they? Don't they come with the $15 monthly subscription? If they were free, you could mail in and get them for nothing other than the cost of a stamp, just like when you enter a McDonald's giveaway promotion. Hence the "no purchase necessary" line that goes with the McDonald's promotion.

If you don't pay your $15 monthly fee, do you still get the cards? If not, then they're not truly free.

Edited for clarity.

Originally posted by Gutboy

So if SOE removed the TCG from SWG you would calm down?

The fastest speeder in the game is not from the card game, it's the command BARC you can only buy with ingame credits from a factional recruiter once you reach the colonel rank.

Every "combat" buff you can get from the card game takes the same buff slot as another combat buff you can get ingame as part of gameplay.

Do you get 5 free packs (15 cards per pack) of TCG cards each month as part of your subscription in WoW?

 

 

I felt my comparison of the two TCG's was calmly stated.  I sure felt calm while I was typing it out.  The question has been raised in a number of threads, so I looked it up, and quickly found some answers :).

This is an FYI thread for people with questions about the two TCG's: similarities and differences.  I think the differences are very clear.

Regarding the faster vehicle (podracer), I was informed by a current player and friend that they have a speed advantage over other vehicles.  I believe(d) this information to be correct.  Are you saying the podracer does not give you a speed advantage?  If you could prove my friend wrong, I'm open to new information.  The combat buffs and unique structures also still differ from WoW btw, clearly.

Also, the 5 packs are not currently advertised as "free" on the SOE TCG website...because they aren't free.  In fact there is a very long fine print paragraph that explains all the costs involved in obtaining them.  Again, feel free to check out the site if you don't believe me, I have no reason whatsoever to make these things up.  I just happen to enjoy looking for and posting accurate information about MMO's for my gamer friends, in between marking some really long sociology essays lol.

Oh, and no I don't think it would be in the best interest of current players who enjoy the TCG to remove it.  I do, however, think SOE would do good by it's players to only have ingame loot, that gives them advantages, available via game play or purchase with ingame money.  For this to be fair to those who spent hundreds of real dollars trying to get these items, they'd have to be reimbursed of course.  I also am of the opinion that trading card games that allow you to actually own physical cards are more fun.  That's just a personal preference though.  If I collect things, and I do to a limited extent, owning and displaying them is part of the fun.  I can then, of course, actually trade them to whomever I wish for whatever we mutually agree on.  Can't do that in the SOE TCG, and the options are even more limited if you get your virtual cards via the monthly subscription route.  You can't even trade those ingame.

As I've mentioned though, this was an fyi thread for all those who have had questions about the similarities and differences of these two Trading Card Games.  When I looked into it, I learned some things, and decided to share the information.

Originally posted by Harleyrider

Originally posted by Gutboy

Do you get 5 free packs (15 cards per pack) of TCG cards each month as part of your subscription in WoW?

 

 

 

Those cards aren't free are they? Don't they come with the $15 monthly subscription? If they were free, you could mail in and get them for nothing other than the cost of a stamp, just like when you enter a McDonald's giveaway promotion. Hence the "no purchase necessary" line that goes with the McDonald's promotion.

If you don't pay your $15 monthly fee, do you still get the cards? If not, then they're not truly free.

 

Edited for clarity.

Here's what you need to do to get the non-tradeable virtual cards.  You could substitute this paragraph for the word free, and it would be more accurate:
 

"*Active or former Star Wars Galaxies or Station Access™ subscription required. Former Star Wars Galaxies or Station Access subscribers with accounts in good standing are also able to access and play the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game. Star Wars Galaxies or Station Access accounts no longer in good standing may result in inability to play, use or access Star Wars Galaxies trading cards. Booster packs, starter packs, loot or promotional cards received as part of a promotion or included at no additional cost with valid, current, paid Star Wars Galaxies subscription are non-transferable and non-tradeable. Redeemed items are non-transferable and non-tradeable; may be limited to one per account; access to redeemed items available only with current, paid Star Wars Galaxies subscription in good standing or with Star Wars Galaxies trial account (but only for duration of such limited trial account -- ie, up to 14 days). Internet connection required. Players are responsible for all applicable internet fees. Additional recurring subscription fees apply to Star Wars Galaxies and Station Access accounts. Bonus loot card (and items redeemed from such cards) limited to one per account. Items are non-tradeable and non-transferable. Booster pack cards included at no additional cost with valid, active Star Wars Galaxies subscription are non-transferable and non-tradeable. Additional starter packs and booster packs sold separately. Star Wars Galaxies and the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game are digital files only. No physical boxes, trading cards, disks, software, documentation or other tangible materials will be sent to you." (From the TCG website)

Also, you may note that the cards you get with your subscription etc. (see above) are not tradeable.  To call them "trading cards" therefore is also inaccurate.  You can't trade them...well and they're not actual cards.  Lol the more I look at this, the more I think the people at SOE are dropping acid.

SOE management person A: "let's have a trading card game, and let's give them trading cards for free, that aren't free, and that they can't trade, oh and they're not really cards, we'll just call them that."

SOE management underling: "Genius...sheer genius."

Again, Blizz is selling actual cards (see any deck of cards in your house for an example), that you can of course actually trade with whomever you wish, because you actually own them, hence the term "Trading Cards."  You'd think that SOE wouldn't need someone to spell this all out to them...

Dear Arc,

You have a slight oversight in your comment about the Star Wars Trading card game.

You forgot to mention the "loot cards" are not even playable within the trading card game, so SOE indeed fails on all three words in T(rading) C(ard) G(ame).

Thank you for your time.

Trev.

P.S. Happy Holidays to all!

Hmm...  Seems that Blizzard made sure their card game is legal...  Whilst SOE is just grabbing every dollar they can.

I dont know if this could be the beginning of problems for the TCG but many people are reporting that they did not receive their "free, with a paid subscription, so actually not free at all" cards this month.

Probably just a bug, but might be related to the legal problems that SOE are on a collision course with.

S

Thanks for the info Arc. That clears some things up.

Yet another thought provoking and detailed post, Arch. Always glad to read your posts. You should start a blog or something.

Kef

Originally posted by kefkah

Yet another thought provoking and detailed post, Arch. Always glad to read your posts. You should start a blog or something.

Kef

That's a helluva good idea Arc. I'd certainly read it.

I've already reported the TCG scheme to two state AG's.  One of them seemed quite interested in pursuing it.

I offered my SWG account info if they needed it.

Originally posted by ArcAngel3

Originally posted by Gutboy

So if SOE removed the TCG from SWG you would calm down?

The fastest speeder in the game is not from the card game, it's the command BARC you can only buy with ingame credits from a factional recruiter once you reach the colonel rank.

Every "combat" buff you can get from the card game takes the same buff slot as another combat buff you can get ingame as part of gameplay.

Do you get 5 free packs (15 cards per pack) of TCG cards each month as part of your subscription in WoW?

 

 

 

I felt my comparison of the two TCG's was calmly stated.  I sure felt calm while I was typing it out.  The question has been raised in a number of threads, so I looked it up, and quickly found some answers :).

This is an FYI thread for people with questions about the two TCG's: similarities and differences.  I think the differences are very clear.

Regarding the faster vehicle (podracer), I was informed by a current player and friend that they have a speed advantage over other vehicles.  I believe(d) this information to be correct.  Are you saying the podracer does not give you a speed advantage?  If you could prove my friend wrong, I'm open to new information.  The combat buffs and unique structures also still differ from WoW btw, clearly.

Also, the 5 packs are not currently advertised as "free" on the SOE TCG website...because they aren't free.  In fact there is a very long fine print paragraph that explains all the costs involved in obtaining them.  Again, feel free to check out the site if you don't believe me, I have no reason whatsoever to make these things up.  I just happen to enjoy looking for and posting accurate information about MMO's for my gamer friends, in between marking some really long sociology essays lol.

Oh, and no I don't think it would be in the best interest of current players who enjoy the TCG to remove it.  I do, however, think SOE would do good by it's players to only have ingame loot, that gives them advantages, available via game play or purchase with ingame money.  For this to be fair to those who spent hundreds of real dollars trying to get these items, they'd have to be reimbursed of course.  I also am of the opinion that trading card games that allow you to actually own physical cards are more fun.  That's just a personal preference though.  If I collect things, and I do to a limited extent, owning and displaying them is part of the fun.  I can then, of course, actually trade them to whomever I wish for whatever we mutually agree on.  Can't do that in the SOE TCG, and the options are even more limited if you get your virtual cards via the monthly subscription route.  You can't even trade those ingame.

As I've mentioned though, this was an fyi thread for all those who have had questions about the similarities and differences of these two Trading Card Games.  When I looked into it, I learned some things, and decided to share the information.

The podracer is HUGE it's the size of a medium house, because of that as you drive it it's gets caught on everything, this slows it down ALOT.

When I say 5 free packs of cards in each subscription, what I mean is booster packs added to your subscription at no additional cost to the SWG subscriber. My subscription cost did not go up even 1 penny and the cards show up each 26th of the month. In fact if I never typed /TCG in spatial I would never know there was a card game withing SWG.
 

For the people who want to play the card game and not play SWG then it's true they have to buy cards, but then it's the cost of a new game and why should not the devs charge them for providing a game they like.

As far as the segment of people who play SWG, never play the card game and only buy additional cards to get that "awesome loot" it's their money. Every single loot item is available for trade within SWG for ingame items or credits, no one needs to use real cash for the loot if they don't want to.

Only the loot from BOUGHT cards is tradeable.  The items from the "free" cards is not.

Originally posted by FelesLXXXIV

Only the loot from BOUGHT cards is tradeable.  The items from the "free" cards is not.

There is no point in trying to convince them there is anything wrong with the SWG card game. They would have to be willing to admit that their great messiah John Smedley was capable of making a mistake...something they are unable to do.

Originally posted by FelesLXXXIV

Only the loot from BOUGHT cards is tradeable.  The items from the "free" cards is not.

I know that, but there are enough people who actually play the game and buy cards to provide more than enough "loot" items for people like me who have not and will not spend a penny on the card game.

I have zero problem trading items/credits I have earned in game for these loot items if I want them. Also they have weekends where a particular card drops from mobs (or is granted when you craft items or dance/play music) that the people who actually play the card game want and trades happen then as well from something not purchased.

Originally posted by pdxgeek

Originally posted by FelesLXXXIV

Only the loot from BOUGHT cards is tradeable.  The items from the "free" cards is not.

There is no point in trying to convince them there is anything wrong with the SWG card game. They would have to be willing to admit that their great messiah John Smedley was capable of making a mistake...something they are unable to do.

It was actually poining out how there are two 'classs' of "cards" and that those who do the "no purchase necessary" (despite the fact this doesn't actually exist, you have to be a NGE subscruber) and their cards are treated as a seperate, LESSER class (ie: no trade) unless they PURCHASE "cards" that got the interest of the Attorney General's office of my state.

It is that angle where SOE may and truly be arsed here.

SOE is screwed here.  Incompetence and refusal to seek or listen to advice outside the insular "groupthink" may have opened themselves to fines, restitution, and treble damages.

There is no way in hell Smed consulted lawyers when dreaming up the TCG scam as it is in the NGE.  Unless their corp lawyers are even more incompetent than their Devs that is.

I'm being deadly serious here, SOE stands to lose, if it is determined that TCG is an illegal lottery, and is an illegal online gambling operation, SEVERAL TIMES that which they made from it, not to mention the possibility of criminal charges against those who operate it.

PS: I am willing to pay real money for video of a Smed "perp walk" if anyone in San Diego manages to film one for me.

Thanks for an informative post, Arcangel3.  I've heard people defending SOE's NGE by saying that WOW uses one as well, but I was unaware of the differences.  Kudos to you for taking the time to write this up.

Does this info really suprise anyone? I think everyone knows that SOE is a dishonest and incompetent company. Some people just do not care. I really believe that SOE has missed its mark with this TCG. They really should have just opened an item shop. The amount of money people would have spent would probably have tripled their monthly sub numbers.  Back in the day think of the money they could have made off of a set of non-decay Mando Armor.

I think its time for SOE to stop trying all of these stupid methods of making money off of SWG and just milk the last few dollars out of it that they can. An item shop while still charging a monthly sub. People will pay. There is no doubt. The people that play now just do not care what SOE does to them. There are lightsabers and Jedi. That is all that matters. If I was Smed I would rape the current player base as much as I could. They have shown time and again that they like it.