Players to Experience Nearly Double Increase in the Cost of Remote Raid Passes
Pokémon GO, the popular mobile game developed by Niantic, has announced a significant price increase for remote raid passes. This move has sparked mixed reactions among players who used to purchase a single pass for 100 coins or three passes for 250 coins. Now, they will have to pay 195 coins for one pass or 525 coins for three passes, nearly double the previous cost.
Raid battles are a crucial component of the Pokémon GO game, requiring players to gather at a specific location to fight a rare and powerful Pokémon. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote raid passes were introduced to allow players to participate in raid battles from a safe distance. However, Niantic also used this feature as an additional income stream.
Niantic’s mobile games, which rely on AR technology, are intended to motivate players to explore their surroundings. However, the inclusion of remote raid passes may appear to go against this goal, as it reduces the need for players to physically meet up with others. Despite this, the remote raid pass feature has made the game more inclusive for individuals who face mobility constraints and cannot venture outside.
In a blog post, the Pokémon GO team stated that they consider this change to be crucial for the game’s long-term well-being, and they did not make this decision hastily. They believe that this alteration is necessary to maintain and enhance the distinctive gameplay experience of Pokémon GO.
Limitations on Raid Battles
Along with the price increase, players will also face limitations on raid battles. They will now only be allowed to participate in five raids per day, further changing the dynamic of the game. It remains to be seen how this will impact the gameplay experience of players and the overall popularity of the game.
Pokémon GO is one of the most profitable mobile games globally, generating over $6 billion in revenue from in-app purchases. However, Niantic has faced headwinds, and the company was valued at $9 billion in November 2021 when it openly criticized Meta and declared its plan to build a “real-world metaverse.” Still, the company conducted layoffs and canceled four projects last year.
Beyond its function as a lucrative source of revenue, Pokémon GO is a significant contributor to Niantic’s expansion plans. The development of Niantic’s “AR metaverse” is heavily reliant on the vast collection of AR location data that has been amassed through the use of Pokémon GO. Although sharing AR scans is not a prerequisite for playing the game, players who engage with it outdoors may be more inclined to do so.
Conclusion
Overall, the increase in remote raid pass prices and raid limitations will undoubtedly change the dynamic of the game for players. Whether this change is beneficial or not remains to be seen, but it is clear that Niantic believes the price increase is necessary for the long-term health of the game. Players will have to weigh the benefits of playing remotely versus gathering in-person to play and determine if the cost is worth it.
