Pokémon GO is currently under criticism from many players in the UK. They broke advertising rules and had to quickly backtrack.
What was offered: In April, the Safari Zone in Liverpool, UK will take place. Ticket sales started last Friday, and one could purchase a regular ticket for £12 or an early access ticket for £18.
However, the surprise for many trainers followed. Those were not the final prices, as taxes and processing fees were added on top. Niantic did not disclose this in their advertising for the event, violating rules in the UK. You have to declare such fees there. This is set by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
Hundreds of complaints – Niantic adjusts prices
This is what trainers said: Shortly after ticket sales began, complaints from trainers started. On reddit there were various threads discussing this issue, and dozens of players stated they forwarded it to the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
The magazine Eurogamer inquired with the ASA. They confirmed that already, within a few hours, 180 complaints had been received on this matter.
This is how Niantic reacted: After several hours of discussion, developer Niantic also spoke out. They wrote on Twitter that they had adjusted the prices and apologized for this “Error.”
The prices are now changed as follows:
- Regular ticket: £14.40 instead of £12
- Early access ticket: £21.60 instead of £18
Additionally, there are service fees of £3.60 per order.
These prices were already what trainers had to pay before the change. Now, however, Niantic is also advertising these prices.
Is this the first time for Niantic? Last year, there were comparable situations. Niantic had advertised tickets at certain prices, but additional fees and taxes were added later. This was the case, for example, with the GO Fest in Dortmund.
The UK has strict laws regarding this, and Niantic is not allowed to advertise an event in this country in this way. Therefore, there are now consequences, as until now the developers have not violated advertising regulations of certain countries.
Will there be further consequences? That remains to be seen. After all, hundreds of players purchased tickets at the incorrectly advertised prices. In return, Niantic reacted quickly and adjusted the prices.
It is likely up to the ASA whether Niantic still has to face consequences or whether they have saved themselves with the price adjustment.
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