I don’t think so. The TCG online has no micro-transactions. You have to buy real packs to get digital packs in the game.
I believe this new game will just be advertisement for the TCG by itself, without the F2P stuff we are used to in other games. Giving people this app for free, and expect to convert some of them into TCG players who will buy real packs.
That's a loot box with extra steps. You get loot box physical trash and loot box digital trash. TCGs are the original microtransactions.
Now, the extra steps are a small barrier that makes it slightly less bad, because you have to physically go to a store or at least order and wait to get them. But it's not that much less bad.
Depends how you see it. TCG is by itself a lootbox game, but with physical cards instead. However, it does not seem that the Pokemon Company wants to turn its TCG game into a digital business, but instead use those apps as promotional products for TCG. Personally, I think it’s a much better model than the one pursued by everyone else. The apps are more a bonus / promotional stuff than a real thing. For this particular app, I won’t be surprised if there is no other way to get packs than waiting for the next day.
Yes but if it’s free, I don’t think it’s a big issue. Very different than allowing people to buy lottery tickets (it could be the case, but I don’t think so).
It’s true for TCG online, but I doubt it will be the case for this one. They announced nothing regarding micro transactions nor how to get extra packs. They can totally make this one free, as it’s marketing value for physical cards is enough by itself.
If this game doesn't have microtransactions, I'll straight up eat my hat.
Edit: Maybe i spoke too soon. I'm not very familiar with the online TCG or the physical->digital card system in place, but you could very well be right that they would stick with that system.
That said, there's too much to be gained from microtransactions, and they know that all too well with Pokémon Go. I stand by my statement regarding the headwear and the mastication thereof.