Previously, I had brought up a discussion about the Pokémon TCG with regard to the possible use of symbols in order to represent the actions on the cards. I had also noted that it could be a step towards achieving what I call "language independence" for the realm, and that I would be discussing it later. Well, later is now, so I thought I'd get that discussion going for all it's worth and what those other steps may be, along with the associated challenges for the effort.
To make the TCG "language independent", it would mean making it be able to be played regardless of language, which has been both a source of convenience and a limiting factor for the present state of the TCG. Specifically, it can supplement currently playable TCG sets in whatever language they may be, and it might also help to bridge understanding between the players who might possess and use sets in different languages in their TCG gameplay.
With that, given a regular TCG card, aside from the actions as described in the previous post, the next prime target for "language independence" would be the Pokémon name, which could opt for the English name as a way to generalize things internationally, even though certain regions have their own names. That may just go for the special (Trainer) cards, even though it may also be possible to leave their titles blank as the cards can be recognized by the art.
Still, the TCG cards also have non-gameplay elements that are different in different language versions as well. The only apparent answer to deal with these seemingly would be the same as the above: leaving the elements blank. Then there are the move names, which might adopt the approach of representing them with uniquely distinct symbols, which could be vaguely similar to the approach for the actions. Yet this could be more difficult in contrast to that approach.
Given the above, perhaps true "language independence" may not be completely achievable for the cards, at least not without extreme modifications to the cards. Yet it is still fanciful to try to think about it, moreover because the Pokémon TCG is globally diverse nowadays and players from different parts of the world interact with each other. The effort and challenge to make "language independence" happen could still be considered to (help) facilitate that further.
One year ago: Quickies: In Puffs of Smoke
Two years ago: The Batik Motifs of Pikachu's Journey
Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/23/2023
Four years ago: New Factions Battlefields Plus
Five years ago: Unite Uptake
Six years ago: Making Time, Taking Time
Seven years ago: Doubleheaders and Such
Eight years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 2nd
Nine years ago: Pikachu and Poké Ball New 2DS XL
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