For the past year, augmented reality games have had to adapt. Where travel and leisure outside activities have been limited, Pokémon GO players have managed in troubling times. For Pokémon’s 25th anniversary, Niantic had big plans and was thankfully able to pivot. Following the pandemics’ health and safety guidelines, fans were impressed with the lengths Niantic had gone during the initial virus outbreak. Unfortunately, fans feel the bonuses are disappearing all too soon. Things like extended reach for pokestops and easy invites to remote raids are simple but great quality of life changes. Yet, Niantic has decided that it’s been long enough and removed these bonuses for all uses who have had them for the past year. This, in turn, caused massive backlash resulting in a day-wide Pokémon GO boycott. Finally, it seems that some of the criticism has made its way through. In response to such pressure, Niantic’s statement detailing their plans of responding better to the community’s needs.
In case you didn't see, Niantic put a response out to the GO Community's message. It's acknowledged but no change yet, just promises of a "taskforce". Let's hope that this actually provides results and isn't just a means to placate us for a monthhttps://t.co/fxqGohkEaq
— Joe Merrick (@JoeMerrick) August 6, 2021
How did Niantic respond to Pokémon Go Boycott?
The Pokémon trend that rallied players together was, of course, #hearusniantic. Many of whom took part in the Pokémon GO boycott did so with accessibility in mind as the 2020 changes have opened up a larger community as well. With the name of the boycott having made an impact, fans can only hope for the best. While their statement is an admission of fault, their plans are quite hazy. Putting together a special team to both keep the integrity of Pokémon GO while also being more inclusive. While kept internal very vague and brief, Niantic assures they will communicate more of their findings on September 1st. While it’s unlikely that some of the bonuses would return in such a strong fashion as before, they are at least listening to community feedback.
So how did you like Niantic’s statement? Be sure to let us know in the comments down below!
