>>28628331Making a second post responding to OP because it wouldn't fit in
>>28629192You know why VGC doesn't get as big as MtG? Well, aside from the fact that MtG has been around much longer and the competitive scene in Pokemon didn't explode until a good few years ago.
VGC format is shit. Yes, it's more balanced than singles without restrictions. It's even more balanced than singles with the same restrictions. But it's still unbalanced as all hell, and the restrictions in place are fucking dumb.
>Jirachi, Celebi, Manaphy, anything not obtaining through regular gameplay is banned despite not having any significant edges over those who don't have them>Genies are okay, weather setters are fine, megamom is a-okayOn top of that, the vast majority of Pokemon players are accustomed to 6v6 singles. If you wanna even start into VGC, you have to relearn the entire metagame as well as learn how to build a team that won't be gimped when you have to leave two of them behind in an actual battle.
Sure, 4v4 doubles is faster than 6v6 singles. But it also effectively removes certain playstyles from the game, especially set-up and stall. They're not impossible, of course, but damn near it since you will always have to deal with the possibility that your foes will gang up on whichever Pokemon you intend to utilize these strategies with. It's just not viable.
VGC can be very off-putting to most players. On top of that, it just doesn't have the same presence as MtG. You get a few regionals, some nationals, and a worlds each year. All of which require a bit of travel for most wishing to participate. It's true there's a local format, but it seems most shops hosting tournaments would rather focus on the TCG than VGC.
TL;DR VGC isn't anywhere near as accessible as 6v6 singles, let alone MtG. Gamefreak needs to pick one format for both the basic game and competitive play.
