Pokemon GO is canceling its PokeCoin-rewards test in all countries after analyzing collected data and feedback. Developer Niantic is reversing course after making some experimental changes to the way Pokemon GO trainers were able to earn PokeCoins.
The majority of Pokemon GO players probably haven't heard of the testing, and for good reason. Initially, the game was testing only in Australia. The Pokemon GO test was later rolled out to only a few additional countries, including Germany, New Zealand, and Taiwan, before being canceled altogether. All involved countries will return to the original system next week.
Niantic first announced its coin-earning experiment back in May. Australia became the experiment's initial testing ground for the first few months. Pokemon GO expanded to the other countries in August following positive reception, but has canceled the entire test as of today. The developers wanted to try to address trainers playing at home more by giving them more ways to earn coins. This was done in various ways, including using a berry, winning a raid and making an excellent throw. Previously, the only way to earn coins was to defend gyms, something made difficult because of ongoing pandemic restrictions.
The test also tinkered with the amount of coins trainers could earn on daily activities. For Australia, the reduced rate for trainers defending a gym was six coins per hour to two. 55 became the daily PokeCoin cap. The gym rate then went back up once the test expanded, this time limiting trainers to 50 coins a day: 30 from gyms, 20 for featured activities. This turned optional activities into a requirement if players wanted to continue earning the maximum daily amount. The August update also introduced Team GO Rocket-related tasks in addition to the daily activities trainers could complete. The participating countries will revert to the existing system on November 5, just before Pokemon GO Animation Week begins.
It looks like it'll be back to the drawing board for Niantic, given the sudden cancellation after what seemed like successful run. There were definitely promising aspects about the changes, especially given the multi-country expansion over the past few months. Players should likely expect to see new tests, as the Pokemon GO team is stating it will continue to look for ways to improve how players can earn the in-game currency. Something sorely needed after the reveal that transferring Pokemon from GO to Pokemon Home will cost PokeCoins.
The PokeCoin test is hardly the only thing going on right now with the immensely popular app. Pokemon GO is currently in full-swing of its Halloween 2020 event, with plenty of other events scheduled for the upcoming holiday season. There's also new Pokemon coming to GO. Trainers can catch Galarian Pokemon as a celebration of the release of the Pokemon Sword and Shield Crown Tundra DLC. Niantic has yet to announce if, when, and where the next test will take place.
Pokemon GO is available now on the App Store and Google Play.
Source: PokemonGO