Pokemon competitive matches are normally won through a combination of strategy and luck. Lately though, some players think that luck is now the most important element in winning.

Pokemon Streamer Vents His Frustration

Twitch streamer Shofu regularly shows his Pokemon competitive battles in his channel. He was dismayed though when his Masquerain got burned when it tried to use Focus Sash as its first attack against the Marowak opponent. The match was figuratively over before it even began.

In his frustration, Shofu posted a tweet badmouthing the Pokemon competitive matches that he regularly participates in. Some sent their sympathies while some wonder how a Pokemon game can be considered a competitive sport if player mainly relies on luck to win.

Pokemon players or the least the hardcore ones spend a lot of time preparing their pets for battle. They also raised Pokemon to improve their stats. This is made possible through a lengthy process known as effort values or EV training. This is the reason why losing a battle to a casual player because of luck is upsetting to them.

Pokemon Critics Overreacting

Some Pokemon players though think that some of the critics are overreacting about the role of luck in the game. They point out that a number of popular games also rely a lot on luck combined with strategy. Players of another online game like Hearthstone oftentimes win matches just by getting the right cards at the same time.

Some also criticized the critics for expecting too much from the game. It is also important to note that most Pokemon games target younger gamers and families. Nintendo will therefore keep the game mechanics or gameplay to a level that is easily understandable. It just so happens that a lot of adults got hooked on the game too. Despite the criticisms, thousands of players compete in Pokemon Competitive tournaments every year.