Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Respond to Trading Issues After Player Backlash

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, this feature has been met with widespread criticism, prompting the company to release 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, some restrictions have hindered casual enjoyment.

The company had promised to introduce required items, such as Trade Tokens, as rewards in upcoming events to alleviate player complaints. However, the recently launched Cresselia ex Drop Event on February 3 did not include any Trade Tokens, contrary to their earlier commitment. This has further frustrated the community, as players continue to face the standard restrictions of the game, which limit pack openings, Wonder Picking, and now trading without spending real money.

The trading feature introduced an additional layer of restriction through Trade Tokens, which have been criticized for their high cost. Players must delete five cards from their collection to trade one card of the same rarity, a system that has been labeled as overly restrictive and cumbersome.

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Creatures Inc. explained that the trading restrictions were intended to prevent abuse by bots and multiple account usage, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable environment for all players. However, they admitted that these measures have inadvertently impacted casual players' ability to enjoy the feature. The company is now actively exploring ways to improve the trading system and has promised to offer multiple avenues for obtaining Trade Tokens, including through event distributions.

Despite these assurances, the statement from Creatures Inc. remains vague, lacking specific details on what changes will be implemented or when they will be introduced. This leaves players uncertain about potential refunds or compensations for trades made under the current system, especially if the cost of Trade Tokens changes.

Moreover, Creatures Inc. has not shown a strong commitment to integrating Trade Tokens into events. For instance, only 200 Trade Tokens were made available as premium rewards for Battle Pass subscribers, which is barely enough to trade a single low-rarity card. The absence of Trade Tokens in the Cresselia ex Drop Event further highlights this issue.

Many players believe that the trading feature is primarily designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher is seen as a tactic to encourage spending on packs for a chance at completing sets. One player reportedly spent around $1,500 to complete the first set, underscoring the financial burden placed on players.

The community has described the trading mechanic as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure," reflecting the strong dissatisfaction with the current system.