Summary
Pokemon GOhas introduced a new PokeCoin deal, but fans aren’t happy about it. Rather than the positive response that Niantic was likely hoping for, players have been taking the opportunity to voice their opinions on the state ofPokemon GOand what they’re calilng an increased focus on microtransactions.
Finding the balance in afree-to-play title with microtransactionsis always a difficult task for game developers, andPokemon GOis no different. The developer and publisher need funds in order to pay staff and to keep the game running, which typically means turning to microtransactions. However, too many microtransactions or price-gouging can upset the playerbase, potentially leading to few purchases or even crashing the game’s popularity.
Such is the tightrope that Niantic is walking withPokemon GO, and fans aren’t thrilled with how it’s handling it. In a recent social media post, Niantic advertised a new deal on PokeCoins in its web store, where players would be granted a 50% bonus on PokeCoins if they purchased the $99.99 USD bundle. Ordinarily, this purchase only comes with 14,500 PokeCoins, but during this limited offer, an extra 9,000 have been added, bringing the grand total to 23,500 PokeCoins. While it’s a significant boost in what players get for their real-world money, players have been blasting the post, complaining about microtransactions,bugs and problems inPokemon GO, and more.
Pokemon GO Players Grow Weary of Microtransactions
Long-time fans of the game will likely know that these complaints have been made for quite some time now. To make matters worse, the game has restrictions on things likehow many Max Particles a player can earnover the course of a day, making some feel as though they have to spend money in order to achieve their goals. Between raid passes, storage limitations, Gigantamax forms, and real-world events, some players have felt like the game is constantly urging them to spend real cash. The notion of spending a hundred bucks on the game is something that many seem unwilling to consider.
Pokemon GOhas come a long way since it was introduced and took the world by storm. While there are still many dedicated players, including both F2P and those who spend money, Niantic should take care to not drive its audience away with an excessive emphasis on microtransactions. While the intent of the bonus deal may have been to encourage players tobuy PokeCoinsand feel good about it, players may be resistant to the idea of spending a hundred dollars in a free-to-play game, especially with the looming worries over tariffs impacting gaming in the future.
WHERE TO PLAY
Now you can battle other Pokémon GO trainers online! Try the GO Battle League today. Join Trainers across the globe who are discovering Pokémon as they explore the world around them. Pokémon GO is the global gaming sensation that has been downloaded over 1 billion times and named “Best Mobile Game” by the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year” by TechCrunch
UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
