{"id":20139,"date":"2021-08-02T14:25:02","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T14:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ginx.tv\/pokemon-go-decreases-pokestop-interaction-range-to-pre-pandemic-faces-backlash"},"modified":"2024-07-20T11:26:06","modified_gmt":"2024-07-20T11:26:06","slug":"pokemon-go-decreases-pokestop-interaction-range-to-pre-pandemic-faces-backlash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ginx.tv\/en\/pokemon\/pokemon-go-decreases-pokestop-interaction-range-to-pre-pandemic-faces-backlash","title":{"rendered":"Pok\u00e9mon GO decreases Pok\u00e9Stop interaction range to pre-pandemic, faces backlash"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, countries around the world entered strict lockdowns rules, as quarantine was the best way to fight the disease.<\/p>\n

This resulted in a huge increase in the profits of the video game industry, as people were sitting in their homes and playing video games, and we have seen one of the best financial years in the history of the gaming industry across the board.<\/p>\n

\"Pokémon
(Picture: Niantic)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even a game like Pokémon GO, which relies heavily on people going outside and having interactions with other players, saw a record-breaking year, generating almost $2 billion in revenue in 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Niantic, the game’s developer, reacted quickly<\/a> and adapted to a new situation with a series of changes that allowed players to continue enjoying the game even during the lockdown.<\/p>\n

These changes allowed players to complete many tasks and receive a number of bonuses while in their homes, both of which were previously dependent on a player’s activity outside.<\/p>\n

Back in November 2020, Niantic said that these changes will be implemented for at least until June 2021, and it seems that now they are slowly going to reverse them.<\/p>\n

\"Pokémon
(Picture: Niantic)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the June announcement<\/a>, starting from August, PokéStop and Gym interaction distances will be decreased to their pre-pandemic range, first in the United States and New Zealand, where this will be tested before being implanted in other countries and regions that are removing COVID-19 safety precautions.<\/p>\n

Incense effectiveness was also decreased to a pre-pandemic level, which means that Pokémon will no longer come to players as often when they are stationary.<\/p>\n