Creatures Inc. announced that it will be making adjustments to the Pokémon TCG Pocket trading system. The decision came after a wave of criticism from the community, who found the mechanics confusing and discouraging. The feature, launched on January 29, generated dissatisfaction due to its requirement for specific tokens, rarity restrictions, and a stamina system to complete transactions.
Faced with the negative backlash, the developer acknowledged that the imposed limitations were making trading less accessible to casual players. According to the company, the initial goal was to prevent abuse and maintain game balance, but the restrictions ended up frustrating users.
How does the exchange system work?
Currently, to trade cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket, players need Trade Tokens and Trade Stamina. Trades can only occur between cards of equivalent rarity, capped at four diamonds or one star. Additionally, Trade Stamina regenerates over time but can be accelerated with specific items.
This structure generated strong backlash from the community, who pointed to the system's bureaucracy as an obstacle to more dynamic player interactions. The requirement for specific tokens was also criticized, as it limits trading possibilities and can make it difficult to obtain desired cards.
Faced with complaints, Creatures Inc. stated that it designed the system to prevent abuse, such as bots and multiple accounts. "Our goal was to balance the game while preserving the fun of collecting cards, which is the heart of the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience," the company explained.
What will change in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
While the developer hasn't yet released details of the changes, it has confirmed that it is exploring ways to make trading more accessible. Among the potential improvements, the company is considering offering new ways to obtain Trading Tokens, including event distributions.
The community hopes that these changes will eliminate some of the barriers that hinder trading, allowing for a more fluid and balanced experience. With the game growing rapidly and attracting new players, overhauling this system could be crucial to maintaining user engagement.
While the controversy persists, Pokémon TCG Pocket continues to expand. Recently, the game received a new update featuring Lucario, bringing new card packs and improved mechanics.
Accelerated growth and market impact
Released in October 2024, Pokémon TCG Pocket has become a hit in the mobile gaming segment. The free-to-play title allows players to collect cards and participate in online and offline battles.
In just two weeks, the game grossed $120 million, reflecting its global popularity. Furthermore, the game has surpassed 60 million downloads, solidifying its position as one of the flagship products of DeNA, the company responsible for development alongside Creatures Inc.
Financial data for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 shows that in-game virtual currency consumption tripled, generating over 85 billion yen (approximately R$2.85 billion). This growth prompted a revision of DeNA's annual revenue projections, reinforcing the game's importance in the mobile sector.
The free-to-play monetization model, which includes a Premium Pass and the sale of additional boosters, has been largely responsible for the game's financial success.
The impact of the changes on players
The trade system overhaul demonstrates that Creatures Inc. is listening to community feedback and is committed to improving the player experience. With the overhaul, trading is expected to become more accessible for both newcomers and veterans, without compromising game safety and balance.
Pokémon TCG Pocket has already established itself as a phenomenon among fans of the franchise. Now, with changes on the horizon, the game is expected to continue evolving and attracting even more players to the world of digital card battles.
