Pokémon Go players are just realising that nerfed item might return after ‘valid concerns’ – director speaks out

POKÉMON Go players called to boycott the game after a fan-favourite item was nerfed.

The mobile game has millions of players from all over the world including those who live in rural and remote areas.

To help these players get into the game, developer Niantic introduced Remote Raid Passes, which allows people to catch strong Pokémon from far away.

As those in remote areas often don’t have any raids they can travel to, this is the only way many people playing Pokémon Go can catch legendaries.

While this goes against the social nature of the game, there are few other options available to many players.

However, in April, Niantic nerfed these Passes not only by putting a limit of five uses per day, but also by doubling the price.

Speaking to Eurogamer, game director Michael Steranka said: “Ultimately, the way Remote Raids have evolved over the years has led to what we consider a pretty unhealthy way to engage with Pokémon Go.

“We saw a lot of players hopping in and doing dozens of remote raids for Legendary Pokémon every day, sometimes hundreds. 

“And that’s kind of antithetical to what we envisioned this game to be.”

While many players could understand putting a limit on the number of Remote Raids, they saw the decision to double the price as greedy.

Pokémon Go’s in-game currency can be earned or purchased with real money. 

In terms of earning coins, there is a cap of 50 per day, and the rest need to be purchased.

Changing the price of Remote Raid Passes to 200 coins, means that players would only be able to earn one every four days.

The change was then seen as a way to get players to spend more real money on the game.

If the limit had been added, and the price lowered, players would have likely accepted the change without boycotts or backlash.

Niantic appears to be rethinking the change following players’ reactions.

Steranka tweeted: “I know that many of you are frustrated with some of our recent decisions, but just know that we see the feedback and are thinking of ways to address many of the valid concerns without sacrificing on our mission and vision for Pokémon Go.”

Hopefully a change will be implemented soon that both Niantic and players are happy with.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.