A core idea of Pokémon GO is that the game is played outdoors. Interestingly, the time when this was not the case was the most successful period for the game.
The development of Pokémon GO is constantly progressing. While new features like the Dynamax feature have been introduced into the game, adjustments to existing mechanics and features have also been made over time.
This was also the case during the peak of Corona. While people were urged not to leave their homes and to maintain distance from one another, Niantic made changes to Pokémon GO to keep the game playable during this time.
And this was not only beneficial for the players but also financially rewarding for Niantic.
“Most player-friendly time in the history of the game”
What changes were made during this time? Some of the changes that were active in the game during this time are as follows:
- Remote Raid Passes cost 100 PokéCoins each
- 3 Remote Raid Passes were even available for 250 PokéCoins
- 20% chance of a legendary Pokémon as a reward in the Battle League
- Community Days lasting 6 hours
- Incense attracted a Pokémon every 40 seconds – even without movement
- Pokémon in events were not the same ones available in the wild
- Weekly box with strong rewards for 1 PokéCoin
- Extended radius for catching monsters and spinning PokéStops and gyms
- Running requirement for the Battle League was removed
With the lifting of the Corona measures, these changes were gradually rolled back. For example, the prices for Remote Raid Passes have significantly increased (a Remote Raid Pass currently costs 195 coins, the 3-pack 525), and the duration of Community Days was shortened again to 3 hours. The functionality of Incense has also been worsened again.
At least the extended radius for catching monsters and for spinning PokéStops and gyms has remained in the game as it is. The running requirement for the Battle League has not been reactivated to this day.
How successful was this period for Niantic? For the developer studio of Pokémon GO, this period was the most financially successful in the history of the game. Looking at the revenue of Pokémon GO on Statista.com, the 4 most successful years of the game are as follows:
- 2019: Revenue of $653.47 million
- 2020: Revenue of $908.94 million
- 2021: Revenue of $875.78 million
- 2022: Revenue of $652.24 million
For further comparison: in the remaining years from 2016 to 2023, revenues ranged from $444.75 million to $607.62 million.
The community misses the old changes
What does the community say about this? In the community, there are also many trainers who found this time more enjoyable and playable than the current time in Pokémon GO. Some comments on Reddit include:
- “Somehow crazy when you think about it: the era of social distancing was the most player-friendly time in the history of the game,” writes EquivalentReality988, the creator of the post
- “This is shocking. Back then, it was a game for us; now it is a game for them to earn more and more…,” writes Beautiful_Cat_6212
- “And the saddest thing is that they are not really earning more from in-app purchases,” comments RegaultTheBrave
- “The golden era of Pokémon GO,” says TheGreedySage
What is your opinion on this? Do you see it that way too? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments. Even today, Niantic continues to introduce new features and changes into the game. In the new season, there is a change that allows you to participate in many more free raids than usual.
