Pokemon GO players may have been worried that the game would fall apart when stay-at-home orders began a few months ago, but some quick changes from Niantic have helped keep the mobile app as popular as ever. The game added a number of play-at-home features that make it much easier to participate in events and daily activities solo, even for players who can't leave their homes or meet up with friends. As lockdowns and stay-at-home orders start to disappear around the country, many players are wondering how many of these features will stick around.
The core gameplay loop of Pokemon GO has always been about getting out into the world, exploring, and meeting other members of the community to tackle challenges together. So, as the lockdowns begin to end, players are wondering how many of the bonuses that don't necessarily support or require those core themes will stick around. Obviously, this is also something that Niantic has been working to figure out.
Game ZXC had a chance to attend a press event with the Niantic Pokemon GO team recently and the topic of stay-at-home bonuses was a point of conversation. When asked if features like the increased effectiveness of Incense would remain in the game going forward, representatives from Niantic explained that the development team is currently taking a close look at all of the bonuses that are currently in place. The team is trying to determine which effects might benefit the game in the longrun without distributing the core mission of Pokemon GO or the original vision of the game.
At this point, it definitely sounded like everything is still on the table. Some features like Remote Raiding are definitely here to stay, but others are still being evaluated and an announcement will likely arrive in the coming weeks or months about whether it will remain in the game in the future.
As the weeks continue to unfold, we look forward to seeing what decisions Niantic comes to in regards to the Pokemon GO play-at-home bonuses and features. Many players seem to be really enjoying the option to play more from home or work, so the whole community is likely pretty invested in these decisions.
For now, players may want to keep hunting down the best Unova Pokemon in the game if improving their Battle Raid rosters is their primary goal. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GOÂ is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.