Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Seek Trading Enhancements

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 rewards in future events. However, this promise was immediately broken, as the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event did not include any Trade Tokens.

The trading system's controversial aspects include the Trade Token requirement, criticized for its high acquisition cost. Players must delete five cards of the same rarity to obtain one Trade Token. This, combined with existing restrictions on pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases, fuels accusations of monetization prioritizing profit over player experience.

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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 developer admitted the current limitations negatively impact casual play. Future improvements are planned, including alternative methods to acquire Trade Tokens, though specifics remain undisclosed.

The statement offers no details on potential refunds or compensation for players who traded using the current system. Changes to Trade Token costs could significantly impact those who traded early.

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. Their absence from the Cresselia ex event contradicts the developer's recent promise.

Player criticism highlights the perception of the trading system as a revenue-generating mechanism. The inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher is seen as a deliberate tactic to encourage spending on packs. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete a single set. These accusations, coupled with the game's estimated $200 million revenue in its first month, have led to strong player condemnation, with terms like "predatory," "toxic," and "monumental failure" being used to describe the trading mechanic.