In the latest “Pokémon GO”- update, access to the game is blocked for users with rooted or jailbroken smartphones.
“Pokémon GO” fans currently have to be patient regarding the new update. The rollout has already started in some regions but is still pending for many users in Germany. Among other things, the “Buddy Pokémon”-system is introduced, where trainers and Pokémon establish a stronger bond and receive candies as a reward.
Additionally, the developers no longer allow users with rooted or jailbroken smartphones to access the game with this update.
Stricter Measures Against Cheaters
In the patch notes for update 0.37.0 (Android) and 1.7.0 (iOS), the developers state that they want to specifically remove bots from the game. Furthermore, it is mentioned that smartphones with jailbreak or rooted systems will no longer be supported by the game. This can be effective against bot users but simultaneously takes away a means for “regular players” to play Pokémon GO.
When considering Niantic’s decision objectively, one can see the motive behind it. Users with rooted or jailbroken systems often find it easier to use a bot or modifying software for Pokémon GO. However, this does not mean that all users who utilize a root or jailbreak are cheaters. A blanket ban on the entire user group seems to indicate that a “simple solution” was sought.
Although there are workarounds using special software to bypass this block, you should only use these methods at your own risk.
The future of jailbreaks and roots in Pokémon GO is unclear. So far, the developers have not commented further on this matter. There is already a petition on Change.org, requesting the developers to remove the block for rooted smartphones.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Is it better to block an entire group and exclude legitimate users from the game, or should roots and jailbreaks be allowed?
