Opinion: Pokemon GO’s anti-player practices increase the gulf between dev and community

Pokemon GO, launched by Niantic in 2016, revolutionized mobile gaming with its innovative use of augmented reality and geolocation. Apart from the technical issues, the game has been well-received by critics and players alike. Yet, despite its success, a growing discontent brews among its dedicated playerbase.

This stems from several practices within the game that many perceive as anti-player, potentially increasing the gulf between the developers and the community.

NOTE: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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What caused the increase in the gulf between Pokemon GO community and devs?

The monetization tightrope

Pokemon GO players feel that the general progression is a slow and expensive process. (Image via The Pokemon Company)

One of the principal grievances from players centers around changes to features like remote raiding and egg-hatching distances. Initially introduced to make gameplay more accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic, these features were later scaled back. For instance, the distance required for hatching eggs was increased, and limitations were placed on the number of remote raids.

These adjustments necessitate a greater time investment or push players towards in-app purchases to maintain the same level of accessibility and convenience as before. For many, this shift feels like a direct nudge towards spending money, fostering a perception that profit, rather than player experience, is driving these decisions.

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Rural player challenges

The inconsistent options in Rural areas have been an increasingly frustrating complaint amongst niche players. (Image via Reddit || The Pokemon Company)

Pokemon GO’s gameplay heavily depends on players visiting local landmarks, Pokestops, and Gyms. However, this design inherently disadvantages players in rural areas, where such resources are sparse. This limitation not only affects their ability to collect items and engage in battles but also curtails their overall enjoyment and progression within the game.

While urban players find Pokestops at every corner, rural players might travel miles without encountering one, creating an uneven playing field.

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Event Overload

Pokemon GO frequently has events going on for player engagement. (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Niantic frequently rolls out special events featuring exclusive Pokemon and bonuses. Although these events are designed to keep the game exciting and dynamic, the relentless pace has led to what many players describe as 'event fatigue'. The constant pressure to participate in every event to avoid missing out can be overwhelming, leading some players to disengage from the game.

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Collateral damage in anti-cheat efforts

Many players saw unfair bans which caused a lot of mistrust in the developers. (Image via Reddit || The Pokemon Company)

To counter cheating, Niantic has implemented stringent measures. Unfortunately, these sometimes snag innocent players, leading to account flags or bans. Such incidents not only disrupt gameplay but also create mistrust and frustration among the player community, particularly those wrongly accused.

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Bridging the gap

Despite the lows, Pokemon GO can rebuild players' trust with the right steps. (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While it is understandable from a business perspective that Niantic needs to monetize Pokemon GO to sustain its development, the execution of this strategy is crucial in maintaining a loyal playerbase. Improved communication could serve as a key tool in this respect. Transparent discussions about changes, challenges, and the reasons behind new features or adjustments can help players feel more involved and valued.

Moreover, finding a middle ground where monetization feels fair and doesn’t impede enjoyment could be beneficial. For example, Niantic could offer more balanced options that do not heavily disadvantage players who prefer or need to play for free.

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A successful and enduring relationship between game developers and the community relies on mutual respect and understanding. For Niantic, this means not only listening to their players but actively engaging with them to forge a game that continues to excite and reward its diverse player base.

By addressing these issues, Niantic can not only enhance player satisfaction but also ensure the long-term viability and success of Pokemon GO. Hopefully, with thoughtful adjustments and continued dialogue, Niantic can bridge the widening gap and reinvigorate its community’s trust and enthusiasm.