As you have probably noticed, there is more and more information about the coronavirus and there is a reason for that – unfortunately, SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly impacting the world of technology. In addition to many cancelled events and other much more unpleasant consequences of this virus, there are also less conventional situations – such as that associated with Pokémon GO.
Pokemon GO creators want you to stay at home
Let’s put it bluntly – the coronavirus is especially unwelcome for Pokémon GO and all other augmented reality games which are location-based and require you to get out of your house and play outdoors. While we can play other games in the comfort of our own home following the governments advice on avoiding unnecessary contact with other people, it’s not so easy to do that with Pokémon GO.
However, the developers of the game (Niantic) have found a solution – one that’ s still semi-finished, but nevertheless it’s a step in the right direction. First of all, we can buy a set of 30 Incenses in the game shop for just 1 Pokécoin, which will make it easier for us to collect Pokémon without leaving home. Second, many of the mechanics will work faster, e.g. new eggs will hatch faster. Thirdly, the number of places where we may find Pokémons will increase. All these changes are intended to encourage players to stay at home, and the Sunday event called Abra Community Day has been cancelled.
Of course, it must be added that these changes are only temporary and when the coronavirus pandemic is over the game will return to its previous state
But is it enough?
From my point of view, the best decision for Niantic would be to completely block the application for some time in the regions that are the most affected, but I also understand that business is business. It’s also a pity that no announcement is being given to players when switching on the game or at least a change in the operation of the stores – unfortunately we still have to go through these. In any case, it’s nice that at least to some extent it has been decided to safeguard the health of the players – I look forward to a similar (or even more courageous) move in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Minecraft: Earth.
