Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, is actively seeking ways to enhance the recently introduced trading feature, which faced significant criticism from the player community upon its launch last week. In a statement shared on X/Twitter, the company expressed gratitude for the feedback received and acknowledged that while the trading feature was designed to prevent abuse, it has inadvertently hindered players' ability to enjoy it casually.
The company had promised to address these issues by offering required items, such as Trade Tokens, as rewards in upcoming events. However, the latest Cresselia ex Drop Event, which debuted on February 3, did not include any Trade Tokens, contrary to their recent assurances. This has added to the frustration among players, as they were expecting some relief from the stringent trading restrictions.
The trading system in Pokémon TCG Pocket is layered with various restrictions, including limits on opening packs, Wonder Picking, and now trading, all of which are designed to encourage players to spend real-world money. A particularly contentious aspect is the introduction of Trade Tokens, which require players to discard five cards from their collection just to trade one card of the same rarity. This has been widely criticized for its high cost and restrictive nature.
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Creatures Inc. defended their approach in the statement, explaining that the trading restrictions were intended to curb bot abuse and maintain a fair gaming environment. They emphasized their goal to preserve the essence of collecting cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket. However, they also admitted that the current restrictions have impacted players' casual enjoyment of the feature. The company is now exploring improvements and plans to introduce multiple ways for players to acquire Trade Tokens, including through event distributions.
Despite these promises, the statement remains vague about specific changes and timelines, leaving players uncertain about future updates. There is also no clarity on whether current trades will be compensated or refunded if the Trade Token costs are adjusted, which could significantly affect early adopters of the trading feature.
The commitment to include Trade Tokens in events seems half-hearted, as only 200 tokens were made available as premium rewards for Battle Pass subscribers on February 1, sufficient for trading just one 3 Diamond card. Moreover, the absence of Trade Tokens in the Cresselia ex Drop Event further undermines the company's recent pledges.
Players have voiced their concerns, suspecting that the trading mechanics are primarily designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month before the trading feature was introduced. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher reinforces this sentiment, as it compels players to spend money on random card packs in hopes of completing their collections. One player reportedly spent around $1,500 to complete the first set, a scenario that highlights the financial burden placed on dedicated fans.
The community has described the trading system as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure," reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and a call for more player-friendly adjustments to the game's mechanics.