Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Looking to Improve Trading Following Major Player Backlash

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket developer Creatures Inc. is actively working to enhance the trading feature that was introduced last week, following significant backlash from the player community.

In a statement shared on X/Twitter, Creatures Inc. expressed gratitude for player feedback and acknowledged that the trading feature, designed to prevent abuse, had inadvertently restricted casual enjoyment. "The item requirements and restrictions implemented for the trading feature were designed to prevent abuse from bots and other prohibited actions using multiple accounts," the company stated. "Our goal was to balance the game while maintaining a fair environment for all players and preserving the fun of collecting cards that is core to the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience."

However, the statement also admitted that "some of the restrictions put in place are preventing players from being able to casually enjoy the feature as intended." Creatures Inc. is now investigating ways to improve the feature to address these concerns and plans to offer multiple ways to obtain Trade Tokens, including through event distributions.

Despite these promises, the recently launched Cresselia ex Drop Event on February 3 did not include any Trade Tokens as rewards, contrary to what was suggested in the statement. This event offered other rewards like promo cards, Pack Hourglasses, Shinedust, shop tickets, and experience, but no Trade Tokens.

The trading system has been criticized for its restrictive nature, particularly the high cost of Trade Tokens, which requires players to delete five cards from their collection to trade one card of the same rarity. Moreover, the availability of Trade Tokens has been limited, with only 200 offered as premium rewards for Battle Pass subscribers at a cost of $9.99 per month.

Players have expressed frustration, viewing the trading system as a means to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher further fuels this sentiment, as it encourages spending on random card packs to complete collections. One player reportedly spent around $1,500 to complete the first set, highlighting the potential financial burden on players.

Community feedback has labeled the trading mechanic as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure." Creatures Inc.'s statement, while acknowledging the issues, remains vague on specific changes and timelines, leaving players uncertain about future adjustments and potential compensation for early trades made under the current system.

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