Pokemon GO player suggests Niantic "is definitely hiding reviews on the app store"

Pokemon GO's recent avatar customization update has sparked criticism from its user community. Amidst the outcry over changes perceived as negative, allegations have surfaced suggesting that the app's developer, Niantic, might be manipulating user reviews on the App Store and Google Play to maintain a favorable public image.

This particular topic was stirred up by a certain community discussion on Reddit. According to the Reddit user, The_Scrungler:

"Pokemon GO is definitely hiding reviews on the app store."

Pokémon GO is definitely hiding reviews on the app store byu/The_Scrungler inpokemongo

The post further gets deeper explaining Pokemon GO's rating inexplicably rose from 4.0 to 4.1 stars shortly after the avatar update, despite a surge in negative feedback and what they described as a "review bomb."

This user noted an unusual scarcity of recent reviews, with very few visible since the update's release, suggesting potential interference in the review display process.

The_Scrungler pointed out that some of the few visible reviews seemed suspiciously positive and uninformative, hinting at the possibility of these being generated by bots. "They're lying, and think people won't notice," the user stated, expressing frustration over the apparent manipulation of user feedback.

Other Pokemon GO players were quick to respond (Image via Reddit)

The Reddit community quickly engaged with The_Scrungler’s accusations, sharing their observations and experiences. User a_disappointing_poop noted a discrepancy between the overwhelming number of one-star reviews they saw and the game’s relatively high overall rating.

Another user, SuperOnion, claimed:

"Not just hiding, but straight up deleting reviews. I left a one star review with a pretty lengthy message for them. The next day, my review was gone and I could submit a new one. This is pretty par for the course just disappointing to see"

Some users, like Jazs1994, offered potential explanations:

"Probably because Google does a thing to weed out what they determine as "bot/ bought reviews" so when there's an influx of any reviews they'll take a little while before being verified"

However, this did not raise concerns, as meatjun argued:

"That's what they want you to think. I've seen plenty games with bot 5* reviews and it stays up just fine, this game included. Yet the 1 stars are hidden to make the games look more appealing. Google and Apple are also incentived to hide bad reviews because they get a cut of the profits."

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the transparency and integrity of review systems on major platforms. As user interactions with these systems increase, so does skepticism about the authenticity and fairness of these mechanisms. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns over how companies might influence or manipulate user feedback to maintain a positive public image.

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The Pokemon GO Avatar update controversy

The new customisations available in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The update that triggered these allegations introduced a new avatar system in Pokemon GO, designed to enhance personalization and inclusivity. However, the execution received mixed reactions. Critics argued that the new designs lacked diversity and realism, detracting from the game's appeal and accessibility.

Influential figures like Twitch streamer Asmongold have also weighed in, critiquing the update for various shortcomings.

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The unfolding drama around Pokemon GO's review ratings and avatar update is a reminder of the delicate balance companies must maintain in the digital age. User feedback is a crucial barometer for public sentiment, and perceived manipulation of this feedback can significantly harm a company's reputation.

As this situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Niantic addresses these accusations and whether any changes will be made to restore trust among their user base.