COVID has affected people all across the globe, and the video games industry has seen some major shake-ups that many gamers are feeling the ramifications of. Some COVID restrictions are lifting in the entertainment industry, as is the case with Pokemon GO, which previously changed some of its features in light of current events and is now reverting some of those changes.
Many Pokemon GO players are used to the quickly-changing nature of the game, which has plenty of events happening throughout the year, including monthly Research Breakthrough Pokemon. There’s also a ton of new features that Niantic and The Pokemon Company try out, including some social isolation-situational bonuses that players will now have to say goodbye to.
Starting in October, the following changes will be implemented. Niantic isn’t getting rid of every COVID-related change, as it acknowledges that in the current situation, social distancing is still ideal. However, the company’s announcement points out that walking and exercise are great for people’s mental, emotional, and physical health, and playing Pokemon GO while exercising is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Here are the temporary changes Pokemon GO will be rolling back, and the COVID tweaks from before that the game will keep.
- Pokemon Egg Hatch Distance will return to the higher amount it was pre-COVID
- Incense will have an increased effectiveness during walking only
- Buddy Pokemon will only give the player Gifts when they’re low and only once a day
- Spinning at PokeStops won’t guarantee a Gift, although it will remain at an increased chance
- More boxes in the in-game shop will have incubators
- Item Bags can carry a maximum of 20 Gifts
- The player’s first daily Pokemon catch will grant them thrice as much Stardust and XP
- Incense lasts for an hour
These changes will go into effect on October 1 at 1 PM PDT, just a few days after the Shiny Skitty Spotlight Hour event. The company also plans to keep certain changes for the “foreseeable future” such as remote raids and GO Battle League updates. Live events are also being rescheduled to 2021 as Niantic keeps an eye on the global situation with bated breath (along with everybody else).
Although at this point a rapid end to COVID may look no more likely than a Sinnoh remake, one can only hope that those working hard on bringing a vaccine to the world will be able to do so quickly. In the meantime, Pokemon GO players should follow Niantic’s and health officials’ advice to take precautions while going outside to play any video game.
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO
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