When the pandemic started spreading in countries around the world a little more than a year ago, it was obvious to Pokemon GO players that the game needed to quickly evolve if it wanted to stay relevant. So much of the mobile AR experience was originally focused on going out into (often crowded) public spaces, walking around outdoors, and interacting (often with strangers) to complete Battle Raids. All of those core mechanics of the game had to change to keep the community engaged while in lockdown and social distancing.
Luckily, Niantic responded quickly and enacted a number of very popular changes that made it easier to play the game from the safety of a player's own house or maybe even from a parked car not too far away from a Pokestop or Gym. Changes to Incense length and effectiveness, required range for interacting with Gyms, and free gifts from Buddies all helped make the last year one of Pokemon GO's most popular to date. As Niantic revisits many of those changes this summer and looks to put a focus back on in-person play, some trainers are reacting negatively on social media.
The big changes were outlined in an update from Niantic yesterday that detailed new features coming to Pokemon GO, pandemic features that are being removed, and pandemic features that are becoming permanent changes. These are the features that are being removed and causing a bit of drama on social media with some fans of the game...
"Over the next few months, we’re planning to remove or change some of the bonuses introduced last year. We will not make these changes until after Pokémon GO Fest in July, and we will remove them first as a test in the U.S. and New Zealand starting at the end of July. We will remove or change them on a rolling basis in other countries and regions over time, and at the same time introduce new exploration bonuses."
-Over the past year, Incense effectiveness was increased to attract Pokémon to you more frequently, even if you weren't able to leave home. After the change, this effectiveness will be set at the standard level when you’re stationary and increased effectiveness will kick in when you are moving.
-Previously, your Buddy Pokémon brought you more Gifts each day, up to five gifts at once and up to three times a day. This was because we knew Trainers were running low on supplies like Poké Balls and berries to help them catch Pokémon. As we move to encouraging Trainers to play outside more, they can continue to receive supplies from spinning PokéStops. After the change, the frequency of these gifts from Buddy Pokémon will be reduced.
-Previously, PokéStop and Gym interaction distances were increased, to enable people to engage from further away. After this change the distance will revert back to the standard distance, when it makes sense in different places, though may be increased during future events and as part of certain features.
Complaints about the changes seem to be two-fold. First, there are many players who still don't feel safe returning fully to the old style of in-person play and they would prefer to wait until coronavirus case numbers drop even lower before making these kinds of changes. Second, there are many rural players who feel that the current play options have made Pokemon GO a much more enjoyable game for players outside of big cities. The idea of losing some of those few features could once again make it difficult for rural players to stay engaged with the game and get the same kind of enjoyment out of it that they have been able to over the last year.
It will be very interesting to see how Pokemon GO changes after GO Fest 2021 when these changes take effect. Whether or not the game becomes less popular or starts making less money likely won't be immediately obvious from a public perspective, but there will surely be vocal reactions on social media if the changes do impact the quality of life for daily players.
In the coming weeks, we should learn more about what other events will be arriving during the rest of the Season of Discovery. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.