The first week of the latest Pokemon Go season has players worried for the game’s future after World of Wonders introduced five paid tickets in its first week.
Pokemon Goplayers have long been frustrated with the game’s monetization. Over the years, the free-to-start title has introduced more and more microtransactions and paid content, such as exclusive Timed Research for events andMasterwork Research for things like Shiny Mythicalsand Master Balls.
That’s only been reinforced with the start ofWorld of Wonders. Just one week into the season, which runs from March 1 through June 1, Niantic has already announced 5 paid tickets for events ranging fromGo FesttoPrimal Kyogre and Groudon Raid Days.
The increasing volume of these paid events has players wondering what Niantic has planned next, with one possible “solution” causing some concerns.
The discussion started withReddit user Entire_Pineapple4732pointing out just how many paid tickets Niantic has introduced in just one week.
Since the start of World of Wonders, the game has asked players to pay for Go Fest Global,Wonder Ticket, separate Primal Kyogre and Groudon Raid Days, and paid Timed Research for last weekend’s Charged Up event.
To put that into perspective, buying all five will set you back $36, withGo Fest Global alone being slammedfor costing more than some full-price games.
This has frustrated players asking for a solution.
“Would be cool if you could just pay a flat rate and get everything for free after the fact,” suggestedone commenter, who also compared the current system to a “gambling loop.”
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The suggestion has garnered mixed reactions. Some players seem willing to pay more upfront for additional content, especially if it guarantees stronger events and rewards.
While often frustrating – and potentially costly – others are okay with the current system. “Personally I kinda like paying for the events I want to play rather than pay up front for a season pass,” saidone Reddit user. “This way I can see if an event is worth paying for before I pay for it.”
Noelle Corbett was a Senior Writer on Dexerto’s US team. She is a Gaming expert, covering Pokemon, Baldur’s Gate, Dungeons & Dragons, and RPGs. She also has bylines at CBR.
