Pokemon GO players call for boycott after safety benefits end

Olivia Richman Published 02/08/2021

The Pokemon GO community has been in an uproar over Niantic’s decision to remove lockdown-era benefits last week.

Despite major backlash from players, Niantic went ahead with the decision to remove a lot of the benefits the developer added to the mobile game in 2020 to keep players engaged while they were less able to safely travel. Since many trainers were not leaving their homes a lot last year, Niantic implemented some updates that increased the range of spinning a PokeStop or stopping at a gym. The range has now been decreased from 80 meters to 40 meters.

The changes have already occurred in New Zealand and North America. Pokemon GO players in these regions have taken to social media to call for a boycott of Pokemon GO. Some declared that Niantic was motivated by greed, while many others criticized the company for not caring about players’ safety as the health crisis continues.

This was a change that the Pokemon GO community knew was in the works for a while, causing many players to be vocal leading up to the implementation. A lot of fans reached out to Niantic over social media to question the decision and voice their disdain and Niantic’s silence on the matter since announcing the rollback plans has not been received well.

The removal of double distance is nothing short of a slap in the face towards the #PokemonGO Community.

I’ll realistic and say I that I’ll quit GO if changes aren’t being made ASAP.

I REFUSE to cover a game that doesn’t have it’s player base in its best interest.
— REVERSAL – Pokémon GO (@REVERSALxPoGO) August 1, 2021

In response to Niantic’s decision, players around the globe have announced that they won’t be spending any money on Pokemon GO until Niantic reverses the decision. A lot of players admitted that they spent $100 to $200 a month in the popular mobile game. They say their wallets are now closed due to Niantic’s update.

#PokémonGo won’t get another penny out of me until this is rectified. We have a month left of these bonuses here but our brothers and sisters across pond don’t. I stand with you by boycotting the game from today – not in 30 days time, Today. My wallet is closed ????????
— B (@b_pokemon_1) August 1, 2021

Slowly falling out of love with Pokemon Go, their greed and their decisions are incomprehensible and they are so lucky that people love Pokemon so much otherwise this game would have failed within the first year.
— PhuckleLuck ⭐TL50⭐ (@PokemonPlayerUK) August 1, 2021

Niantic has yet to respond to the community outcry. For now, Pokemon GO players are calling the decision “shameful” and “greedy.” Other countries have 30 days left until their range bonus is also removed.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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