Pokémon TCG Pocket Dev Offers Trade Tokens, Yet No Fix for Controversial Feature

Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, has recently distributed 1,000 Trade Tokens to players, sufficient for just two significant trades. This move comes as the company continues to explore solutions for the game's controversial trading mechanic, which has drawn significant criticism since its introduction.

Upon logging in today, players will discover these Trade Tokens in their Gift menu, though no accompanying message was provided. However, Creatures Inc. took to X/Twitter to express gratitude for the community's feedback and patience. The trading feature, rolled out last week, sparked a wave of negative reactions, with the developer being labeled as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system in Pokémon TCG Pocket comes with multiple restrictions, including limits on opening packs, Wonder Picking, and now trading, all of which encourage real-world monetary spending. The introduction of Trade Tokens added another layer of restriction, requiring players to sacrifice five cards from their collection to trade just one card of the same rarity, a cost many found prohibitive.

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It has been eight days since the trading feature was introduced amidst a storm of backlash. Creatures Inc. had previously hinted at the feature's rollout nearly three weeks ago, acknowledging fan concerns and inviting feedback once the feature was live. Despite these assurances, the reality fell short of expectations, leading to widespread disappointment.

In response, Creatures Inc. admitted that "some of the restrictions put in place are preventing players from being able to casually enjoy" the trading aspect of the game. The company promised to address these issues by introducing required items as rewards in future events. However, the recent Cresselia ex Drop Event, launched on February 3, did not include these promised rewards, further frustrating the community.

Many fans believe that the trading system is designed primarily to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month before trading was even introduced. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher is seen as a strategy to compel players to spend money on packs for a chance at obtaining rare cards. For instance, one player reportedly spent around $1,500 to complete the first set, with the third set arriving just last week.