In Pokémon GO there are controversial “scan tasks” where players are supposed to film locations from the real world. Niantic has now stated: Those who do this poorly will no longer receive the tasks.
What are scan tasks? The “AR mapping research” has been in Pokémon GO since fall 2020. To solve these research tasks, players are supposed to visit and scan certain PokéStops in the real world.
Once on site, players should take out their mobile camera, circle around the stop, and film in order to submit the video. According to the explanation in the game, this serves to create 3D maps of PokéStops and gyms. As a reward, there are various items.
What is the problem? The scan tasks are quite controversial in the Pokémon GO community. For instance, there are PokéStops located in places where trainers classify filming as problematic – such as playgrounds or hospitals.
In the discussion, “workarounds” often come up, such as simply filming the ground or covering the camera while walking the route where a PokéStop is supposed to be scanned. This way, tasks can be completed discreetly and a reward can be collected.
However, it is questionable whether such “cheating” will still be possible in the future – as Niantic announced a change.
Trainers who provide “low quality” will no longer receive AR scan tasks
This is what Niantic says: Over the Twitter account “Niantic Support”, it was explained that the AR scan tasks have been modified. It states that “some trainers with a history of submitting low-quality AR scans” will no longer receive these in the future.
Niantic leaves it open who or which videos are specifically affected, but shares a link with tips on how to make high-quality scans (via niantic.com).
This includes, for example:
- That one should look out for obstacles before walking a suitable route.
- The camera should be focused and not blurry. One should move around an area instead of just moving the smartphone at one spot.
- One should walk at a “normal” pace, slowly and steadily. Sudden changes of direction should also be avoided.
- The “PokéStop should always be in the center. Focus on the PokéStop and move around it 360°. If it is not safe or possible to move around the object, scan as much as possible” (via niantic.com).
- Distance and angle should be varied.
Additionally, Niantic explains that some things should be avoided if possible. This includes, among other things, scanning in dangerous situations such as on the road, scans of PokéStops that are too far away or too close, or making scans when the smartphone gets hot.
As a final point, Niantic also mentions that one should avoid “uploading scans that do not show the respective PokéStop” (via niantic.com). This would, for example, speak against videos from the ground.
How do trainers react? In the comments on Twitter, the change apparently is not received very well. Also on reddit, players discuss the feature rather critically (via reddit). Some trainers report that they probably will not scan anymore in the future, as they feel uncomfortable when they have to scan more accurately.
How do you view the scan feature in Pokémon GO? Do you use it or is it rather not for you? How will you deal with it in the future? Let us know in the comments.
Otherwise, Pokémon GO has some eventful weeks ahead. The season’s end is approaching, plus the Hoenn Tour and other events are coming up. You can find the exact overview of all events in Pokémon GO in February 2023 here.
