Starter packs sound like a good idea if you want to attract new players. They would be a great way for a new player to start the game, learn how it works, and understand some of its functionalities.
But, when it comes to soulbound NFTs (cards), it's a big NO, NO from my point of view.
In my opinion, that was the last nail in the Splinterland's coffin - the point from which the wagon went downhill unstoppably. The current (quite expensive) unchain possibility, unfortunately, doesn't help them much, if at all. From my perspective, it's like an attempt to milk a dead cow.
However, the fact is (not opinion) that I started to stop playing Splinterlands when they implemented soulbound cards, and that is the exact reason why I moved and started to play your game! (And I'm not the only one!)
I don't know what your plans are, whether you plan to expand and develop the game, bringing in new players, or not. But in both scenarios, the implementation of soulbound cards, from my perspective, is the perfect way to start killing the game.
So, if you don't want to stay alone in the game with a couple of top players eventually, who will stay in the game only to, in effect, try to sell their huge decks of cards to some other players who still wouldn't be able to realize that the wagon actually started its downhill path, please think about it again!
Last but not least, I'm genuinely sorry that I had to say all of these, as I really liked the game so far, but if I wanted to speak out my point of view honestly with further success and expansion of the game on my mind, then I had to tell you what I did.
!ALIVE
I am curious as to why you think soulbound NFTs are a big NO NO... can you expand on that so I understand your point of view "technically". Be as much technical or detailed as you wish.
Well, my answer is not technical, but...
For me, soulbound NFTs, or, as I would call them, NFTs "glued" to an account or wallet, are a big NO, NO for the following principal reason.
When I buy something, I expect to have full ownership. This includes the absolute freedom to dispose of that ownership as I see fit. I should be able to sell it, give it away, rent it, or even destroy it if I choose to. Any limitation on these rights means that I'm not truly the owner but merely a user who paid for this usage.
So, to better understand my point of view, let me give you a more "plastic" real-life example.
Imagine buying a blender, microwave, bicycle, motorcycle, or even a car that would somehow (by fingerprint, iris scan, or whatever else) be "glued" to you for your usage only. Your mum, dad, sister, brother, wife, daughter, son, friend, or neighbor can't borrow or use it. You can't rent or sell it, either. Maybe you can destroy it (throw it away), but maybe not even that (as is the case with some Splinterlands cards).
In other words, if I want to rent any of these items, i.e., a car, I would go to some rent-a-car and rent it, and this rental may be glued to my name solely for my usage, etc. But if I buy to own some of those items, the story is entirely different.
Therefore, (back to the game) the same principles apply or should apply to NFTs. That is even more if we are talking about some play-2-earn games, and especially when we speak about pay-2-play (and eventually earn) games.
And on top of all these, and thinking about Web3 (where we all are supposedly going or at least aiming to) which main principles, besides being built on blockchain technology (in the first place), as far as I know and understand, are ownership and control over your data as well as the self-custodied ownership (without limitations, censorship or whatever similar else).
I hope I managed to clarify my point of view on those big NOs (of mine) a bit better!?!
!ALIVE
!PIZZA
Got it. Thanks
NP - You are welcome.
!ALIVE
Soulbound cards are only limited to the starter pack and they are not even mandatory to play the game. So if you don't want to buy them, you don't have to!
Thank you for the reply! It's good to know that those cards from the starter pack are not mandatory.
Although, in the post, it wasn't that clearly stated, I figured it out.
But what worried me was the following question, "What if in some future Gamma packs, there would be a Recipe/Cooking card for which preparation/cooking some of these cards (ingredients) will be needed?" - For example, some bok choy soup or just steamed bok choy!?! - As if it happens, in a certain way, those cards will immediately become mandatory. - But if you say something like that wouldn't happen, then it's all good.