Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Looking to Improve Trading Following Major Player Backlash

Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading feature, launched last week, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer Creatures Inc. to address concerns. In a statement on X/Twitter, Creatures Inc. acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining the initial restrictive design aimed at preventing bot abuse and maintaining a fair playing environment. However, they admitted that these restrictions inadvertently hindered casual enjoyment of the trading feature.

The developer pledged to improve the trading system by offering Trade Tokens—currently a highly criticized, expensive resource required for trading—through future events. This promise, however, has already been broken. The Cresselia ex Drop Event, released February 3rd, notably lacks Trade Tokens as rewards.

The trading system's limitations, including Trade Tokens and existing restrictions on pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases, have fueled player frustration. Players must delete five cards of the same rarity to obtain one Trade Token, making trading prohibitively expensive. The inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher further exacerbates the issue, forcing players to spend significant sums on packs for a chance to obtain desired cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.

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Creatures Inc.'s statement, while acknowledging the issues, lacks specifics on the nature or timing of planned improvements. The company hasn't clarified whether existing trades will be refunded or compensated for should changes to the Trade Token system occur. The limited availability of Trade Tokens (only 200 offered as premium Battle Pass rewards) further fuels suspicions that the trading mechanics are designed to boost revenue. The game reportedly generated $200 million in its first month, before the trading feature's release.

Player reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, with descriptions ranging from "predatory and downright greedy" to a "monumental failure." The lack of immediate and concrete solutions leaves the future of the trading feature in Pokémon TCG Pocket uncertain.