If you aren't willing to spend money on packs to get cards I do have to wonder if a TCG is for you. I think the fact that there is no way to get packs without spending money is quite possibly one of the best things about Artifact. Don't get me wrong, if they didn't have the marketplace it would be absolutely terrible but the whole point here is they're recreating the economy of a physical TCG where cards can retain some value that you can later cash in on if you want to do something different. And at some point I can totally see packs being a reward for winning limited/draft modes (but also you will probably have to buy ~3 packs to play the mode much like in Magic).
It's worth noting that the statement that the game "all but requires a constant cash flow from its participants" is a complete fallacy, since once you buy a deck you own it and can always later on sell it to buy a new one if you want to change strategy. I'd much rather sell my deck for cash at a 15% loss on the marketplace than dust my deck for a minimum of 75% loss in Heathstone. If it's referring to the fact when new expansions come out you will need to buy new cards to remain competitive, well, that's how card games work. It's no different in HearthStone even with the free packs (you always have to dump cash in).
I guess the point I'm trying to make is they're making a digital card game for fans of card games, not casual players. The choices to make the game paid and not allow free packs are to allow for a card economy that will (hopefully) ensure player's investments aren't devalued, but obviously require the player to actually buy in to play. As a fan of Magic I see this only as a good thing, provided the game is actually deep and fun.
Regarding the chat though, their current stance is definitely short sighted. I have to hope at a bare minimum you can turn it off by default (which I will definitely be doing), but in that case why even include it in the first place.
Can't wait for Metal Gear Battle Royale 6 months from now.
I dunno about you but that sounds kinda great. It already has the map for it, the weird fog storm effect for the zone, and the combat is excellent. PUBG with better action and stealth options and all the gadgets? Sign me up.
Bollard's comments