Creatures Inc., the developer behind the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, is currently addressing significant player backlash concerning the newly introduced trading feature. Launched last week, the feature has drawn criticism for its restrictive mechanics, prompting the company to issue a statement on X/Twitter. In it, Creatures Inc. expressed gratitude for player feedback and acknowledged that while the trading feature was designed to prevent abuse, certain restrictions have hindered casual enjoyment.
The statement also hinted at future improvements, with Creatures Inc. planning to introduce required items as rewards in upcoming events. However, the recently launched Cresselia ex Drop Event on February 3 did not include these promised items, leaving players disappointed. The trading system in Pokémon TCG Pocket already limits players' ability to open packs, use Wonder Picking, or trade excessively without spending real money. Adding to these restrictions, the new Trade Tokens system has been criticized for its high costs, requiring players to delete five cards from their collection to trade just one card of the same rarity.
Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown
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Creatures Inc. defended the trading restrictions, stating, "The item requirements and restrictions implemented for the trading feature were designed to prevent abuse from bots and other prohibited actions using multiple accounts. Our goal was to balance the game while maintaining a fair environment for all players and preserving the fun of collecting cards that is core to the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience."
However, the company admitted that some restrictions may be too stringent, preventing casual enjoyment. They are "actively investigating ways to improve the feature to address these concerns" and plan to offer multiple ways to obtain Trade Tokens through event distributions. Despite this promise, the statement lacks specifics about upcoming changes or their implementation timeline, leaving players uncertain about future adjustments.
There's also uncertainty regarding whether players who traded during the feature's initial days will receive any refunds or compensation, especially if the cost of Trade Tokens changes. Creatures Inc.'s commitment to including Trade Tokens in events seems weak, as only 200 were made available as premium rewards in the Battle Pass refresh on February 1, sufficient for trading just one low-rarity card. Furthermore, the Cresselia ex Drop Event failed to include any Trade Tokens, despite recent promises.
Many players believe that the trading system is primarily designed to boost Pokémon TCG Pocket's revenue, which reportedly reached $200 million in its first month before trading was introduced. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher further supports this view, as it forces players to spend money on packs for a chance to obtain rare cards. One player reportedly spent around $1,500 to complete the first set, with the third set launching just days ago.
The trading mechanic has been described by players as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure," highlighting the community's strong dissatisfaction with the current system.
