The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features a Weavile ex card depicting a scene that has sparked significant online outrage. While the Weavile ex card exists in three variations, it's the 2-Star full-art version showcasing a group of Weavile poised to attack a defenseless Swinub that's causing the controversy.
Reddit users have voiced their concerns, highlighting the graphic nature of the artwork, which depicts Pokémon actively hunting each other. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, pleads, "NO! SWINUB LOOK UP!! LOOK UP!!" Comments express dismay and empathy for the Swinub, with many calling the scene unnecessarily brutal. The stark reality of Pokémon's depicted ecosystem, where even seemingly cute creatures engage in predatory behavior, has also been a topic of discussion.
However, some players offer a glimmer of hope, pointing to the Mamoswine full-art card (Swinub's evolution) as a potential positive outcome. This card shows Mamoswine protectively looking upward, suggesting it may have witnessed and intervened in the Weavile's attack. This interpretation provides a degree of comfort to those upset by the Weavile card's depiction.
Space Time Smackdown, a Pokémon Diamond and Pearl themed set, includes 207 cards (significantly fewer than Genetic Apex's 286), with a higher percentage (52 out of 207) of rare alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex.
The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to address the controversy surrounding the card artwork or the preceding trading update, remaining silent despite fan outcry and a request for comment from IGN. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" offering 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses was provided, the lack of official response to the negative feedback continues. The focus remains primarily on promoting the new Space Time Smackdown expansion.
