In Pokémon GO there is currently a big discussion about changed bonuses. Now players, YouTubers, and other content creators are sharing an open letter to the developers online.
What is going on? When the COVID-19 pandemic began, developer Niantic introduced some bonuses to make playing from a distance easier. This includes larger interaction radii for PokéStops or Gyms.
However, while the bonuses remain active in German-speaking areas, they have been somewhat changed in parts of the world. In the USA and New Zealand, for example, players now need to get closer to PokéStops to activate them. A detailed list of all changes can be found here.
This step has been controversially discussed in the community for days now. Now another step has been added: An open letter to Niantic is being shared on social media by various players and content creators, expressing the disappointment of many players.
Update from August 6: Niantic has responded! In a long statement, they explain how the changes came about and what their next steps are.
Open letter calls out: “Hear us, Niantic”
What kind of letter is this? The open letter, signed by “The Pokémon Community”, is currently being shared on platforms like Reddit or Twitter. It is being shared under the hashtag “#HearUsNiantic”.
Along with many players, international YouTubers, content creators, and other platforms are involved in the action.
- The “best player in the world” in Pokémon GO for many, Brandon Tan, is involved
- The PokeMiners, who often search for leaks in the code, are participating
- Large YouTubers like “Trainer Tips” (977,000 subscribers) and the YouTuber “ZoëTwoDots” (213,000 subscribers) shared the letter
- Pokebattler, LeekDuck, PvPoke and many others also participate
- The letter was also shared in the Pokémon GO subreddit “TheSilphRoad” and has received many awards (via reddit).
What is written in the letter? The letter mainly revolves around the reduced interaction radius. This was introduced during the pandemic but had a positive effect on the community overall.
The authors of the letter break this effect down into three points.
- Safety: Thanks to the increased radius, one no longer has to cross dangerous streets to interact with stops. Entering private property also became less of an issue because of this. Furthermore, one can stay in safe locations in bad weather and generally avoid safety risks when one doesn’t have to go into unsafe areas for stops. In addition, there is the distancing due to the pandemic.
- Accessibility: It is pointed out here that stops have become somewhat more reachable, and one could avoid stairs or other barriers. Trainers who want to avoid crowds were also able to play from a comfortable distance. Additionally, young children can be better supervised while playing.
- Consideration: Non-players are more respected because of the bonuses, as trainers do not, for example, overcrowd or block businesses, private property, playgrounds, or similar places.
From the perspective of the letter’s authors, abolishing the expanded radius negatively affects the community: “Exploration and the desire for exploration were never negatively impacted by the extended interaction radius of PokéStops. What negatively affects exploration is the global pandemic,” the statement says.
This is what the trainers want: Finally, it is demanded that the increased interaction radius returns and remains as a permanent improvement in the game. The authors demand a response by August 9, 2021.
Whether and how the developers will respond to the letter remains open at this point. We will keep you updated here at MeinMMO.
What do you think of the action? Do you view the change in bonuses critically, or do you see it differently? Tell us here in the comments!
On Thursday, August 6, the second part of the Hyper Bonus will start; what to expect can be found here.
