An update to Pokémon GO has activated the new tracker in Germany. Not everyone is happy about it.
As Niantic reported last night, the new tracker, the “Nearby” feature, is now also activated in Europe, including Germany. They will look at feedback via social media and respond accordingly. The tracking is now also active in the rest of the United States. Previously, the new “Nearby” feature was limited to a few US cities before Niantic expanded it to the western parts of North America and Australia.
Pokémon GO Nearby Update – New “Nearby” feature now also in Germany
Trainers, we are expanding the test variation of the Nearby Pokémon feature to new areas. https://t.co/o6oc92hZ0B
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) December 1, 2016
The new “tracking” system became necessary because Niantic could not maintain the “old” system anymore, which led to system crashes in Pokémon GO. Players then relied longer on “Pokeradar” and other third-party “map programs” – but that is no longer possible or only possible to a limited extent.
The new system is supposed to provide trainers with a more accurate way to locate wild Pokémon by indicating which important location a Pokémon is near.
However, the new system is controversial: It only shows Pokémon near Pokéstops. Good for players in the city with many Pokéstops. Bad for players in the countryside, where such stops are rare – they usually orient themselves to specific locations or landmarks – which are simply less common in rural areas than in a metropolis.
Pokémon GO: New tracking triggers a lot of criticism
The system was first tested in San Francisco and other major cities in the USA – it was okay there. However, when it was extended to rural areas, trainers criticized the tracking more frequently and harshly.
On Reddit, the new system is currently being heavily discussed: This tracking ruins Pokémon GO for countless players. The old “half-hearted” tracking was still better. Even people who see many Pokémon complain: They are shown every worthless creature, and the “good and rare” Pokémon they found yesterday will be missed.
Therefore, the demand of many players is: Either you bring more stops to the countryside or come up with a different tracking system.
Pokémon GO: No love for the countryside – New tracker annoys trainers in rural areas
