Top Pokémon Go players ask Niantic to reconsider shedding pandemic changes • Eurogamer.net

Prominent Pokémon Go players have asked developer Niantic to reconsider its decision to remove the game’s extended interaction scope, which was implemented last year when the pandemic hit.

Influencers, YouTubers, and community leaders have now used their massive social media imprint for everyone Share an open letter to Niantic Explaining the reasons why they believe the game’s extended interaction distance should remain, days after it was reversed in the US and New Zealand.

The list of reasons includes the possibility to play with a greater social distance and to keep the game accessible to less capable players. Other reasons listed include the ability to play away from the general public for reasons of personal safety and away from business or monuments to avoid traffic jams.

In short, players are so used to playing with the extended reach of the game that they really don’t want to give it up.

For his part, Niantic said he wants Pokémon Go back to a stage that encourages safe in-person encounters that spark interaction between players, as well as encouraging more exploration and more outdoor games.

This is the message in its entirety:

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The Pokémon GO community has been patiently waiting for a response for the past few days, but unfortunately many trainers have left. We are asking for your attention and response because the community really needs you right now.#ListenUsNiantic #Pokemon Go pic.twitter.com/mpcJtJI9Jo

– BrandonTan91 #HearUsNiantic (@brandontan91) August 5, 2021

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In June, Niantic Submit a roadmap On how many of their Pandemic Era rewards end, change, or become permanent, with new, short-term “Exploration Bounties” for regions that lose their rewards first against a pandemic. He also warned players that he would move New Zealand and the United States into this category first, at the end of July, with other regions to follow up “in a phased manner, where it makes sense for every location in the world.”

But the change in reaction radius has become a sticking point, with a negative response only getting stronger this week when the US and New Zealand saw the changes live in the game for the first time (and, as some players pointed out, COVID cases in the US continued to rise.) Throughout all of this, no Niantic addresses the issue further.

ZoëTwoDots, a popular Australian Pokemon on YouTube, is one of many notable players saying so Stop spending money in the game So Niantic realizes the fans’ feelings and reconsiders the case. fellow streamer PkmnMasterHolly Yes Brandon TanThe world’s most famous Pokémon Go XP crusher said the same thing.

Real estate raids canceled this week. Raid Time will not be hosting Dialga Wednesday on Twitch. I can’t afford to give Niantic more money when they ignore us. Tweet embed If you would like us to continue offering community raids, please contact us.
details: https://t.co/JPyzyJIGD5

– PkmnMasterHolly #HearUsNiantic (@PkmnMasterHolly) August 3, 2021

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Today, the topic is starting to gain wide coverage in places like Watchman, while the hashtag #BoycottNiantic It is gaining momentum among the predominantly US Pokémon Go players on Twitter. Many players share pictures with slogans like “Pokemon no”, encouraging others not to gamble or spend money today in protest.

Who else could be behind this? ?? #Pokemon Go #BoycottNiantic # pokemon no day …… Could I! pic.twitter.com/AOUketUUQ7

– Maitre 27 TL47?? # God’s forgiveness (@ listen_27) August 4, 2021

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But not everyone was so critical, and in fact, some fans’ response was criticized against individual Niantic developers. The famous player wrote: “This society has become highly toxic in the name of an obvious good reason.” Sophie 7, which has 2.11 million subscribers on YouTube. “My compliments to my community for staying fresh with good vibes.”

Will these calls to action make a difference? It’s hard to remember a time when so many famous game players were talking out loud about a particular topic. However, the often cautious game developer appears to be particularly determined to reduce the scope of interaction and has continued with its busy summer schedule without further comment so far.

It seems likely that Niantic will want to wait and see how important any reaction to this week’s changes between participation and overall player spending will be before deciding on his response. In the meantime, it’s also hard to imagine that a “boycott” of today, a quiet Thursday between major gaming events with little money to spend currently, would have a significant impact on Niantic’s highly profitable and profitable long-term results.

“As we announced in June, we are introducing new exploration rewards to players in the US and New Zealand and are removing or modifying some of the rewards offered last year,” the carrier told Eurogamer today. “People can look at the Today view in-game to see what specific rewards are available to them. We will continue to monitor health and safety guidelines regarding outdoor activities.”