Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading feature, launched last week, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer Creatures Inc. to address concerns. A statement on X/Twitter acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining that while the trading restrictions aimed to prevent abuse, they inadvertently hindered casual enjoyment.
Creatures Inc. pledged to improve the system by offering Trade Tokens as event rewards. However, this promise was immediately broken; the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event did not include any Trade Tokens.
The trading system, already criticized for its pay-to-play elements (restricting pack openings and Wonder Picking without spending money), introduced Trade Tokens as an additional hurdle. Players decried the high cost of acquiring these tokens, requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of equal rarity.
Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown
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Creatures Inc. clarified that the restrictions were intended to combat bot activity and multi-account abuse. While aiming for a fair environment, the company admitted the current system negatively impacts casual players. They are actively exploring improvements and plan to introduce multiple ways to obtain Trade Tokens, including through future events.
The statement lacked specifics regarding changes or timelines. Uncertainty remains regarding refunds or compensation for players who traded under the current, potentially disadvantageous, system.
The limited availability of Trade Tokens further fuels concerns about monetization. Only 200 were offered as premium Battle Pass rewards (a $9.99 monthly subscription), sufficient for trading a single 3-Diamond card. The absence of tokens in the Cresselia ex event contradicts the company's recent promise.
Player criticism has focused on the perceived revenue-generating nature of the trading mechanic. The inability to trade 2-Star or higher rarity cards further reinforces this, as readily trading for missing cards would diminish the need for in-app purchases. The high cost of completing sets (one player reported spending $1,500) adds fuel to the fire.
Players have expressed strong disapproval, labeling the mechanic "predatory," "toxic," and a "monumental failure."
