Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Address Trading Issues After Player Backlash

Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, is actively working to enhance the trading feature that was met with significant backlash from players upon its launch last week. In a statement released on X/Twitter, the company expressed gratitude for the community's feedback and acknowledged that the trading system, designed to prevent abuse, has instead hindered players' ability to enjoy it casually.

The trading feature introduced several restrictions, including the use of Trade Tokens, which have been criticized for their high cost. Players must discard five cards from their collection to trade just one card of the same rarity, leading to widespread frustration. Creatures Inc. initially promised to mitigate these concerns by offering Trade Tokens as rewards in upcoming events, but the recently launched Cresselia ex Drop Event on February 3 failed to include any such rewards, leaving players disappointed.

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Creatures Inc. explained that the trading restrictions were intended to prevent bot abuse and maintain a fair and fun environment for all players. However, they admitted that the current setup has not met player expectations and are now investigating ways to improve the feature. The company plans to introduce multiple methods for obtaining Trade Tokens, including through event distributions, but has not provided specific details or timelines for these changes.

The lack of clarity on how current trades will be handled if the Trade Token system changes has left players uncertain about potential refunds or compensations. Furthermore, Creatures Inc. has been criticized for not including Trade Tokens in events, with only 200 tokens offered as premium rewards in the Battle Pass refresh on February 1, which is insufficient for meaningful trading.

The trading system's design has led to accusations of it being a revenue-generating tactic for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month. The inability to trade high-rarity cards further fuels these claims, as it encourages players to spend real money to complete their collections. One player reportedly spent $1,500 to complete the first set, highlighting the potential financial burden on players.

Community feedback has been harsh, with players labeling the trading mechanic as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure." As Creatures Inc. continues to address these issues, the Pokémon TCG Pocket community eagerly awaits more concrete improvements and clearer communication regarding the future of the trading feature.