Pokémon GO's current reward systems focus on PokéStops and Gyms but can reward exploration through other means. Pokémon GO's Buddy System was a step in the right direction, allowing players to evolve rare Pokémon more efficiently through walking. However, Niantic could take this a step further and extend rewards to items, quest progress, and boxes in the game's shop.
Pokémon GO's rewards provide more compensation for players who regularly interact with PokéStops or Gyms. Trainers who keep their Pokémon stationed within Gyms for a significant time receive premium currency. Seven-day streaks of interacting with PokéStops will also reward players with incentives like Pokéballs and experience. Several of Pokémon GO's most rewarding quests will require players to interact with different Gyms and PokéStops several times before progressing. Unfortunately, this system unfairly impacts rural Pokémon GO players and app users in crowded areas due to a lack of PokéStops and the current threat of the COVID delta variant.
Niantic could significantly improve its app by rewarding players through their step count. Instead of restricting rewards and milestones to interacting with PokéStops or Gyms, Pokémon GO should measure distance traveled to advance quests and replace PokéStop streaks. This change would reward a neglected rural fanbase, whose nearest PokéStop or Gym could be miles away on foot. Urban Trainers may be disappointed they can no longer complete their quests from their bedroom window, but Pokémon GO's outdoor activity is a core gameplay mechanic. Walking, running, or biking outdoors is something all players can participate in safely (weather permitting).
Pokémon GO Could Reward Travel With Pokémon Encounters And Lootboxes
Pokémon GO could also implement a random encounter mechanic, similar to mainline Pokémon games. Battles with wild Pokémon scheduled to happen after a set distance could better motivate players to explore beyond their usual stomping grounds. Increasingly rare encounters could encourage Pokémon GO players to meet milestones while tracking their physical activity. One hundred kilometers traveled could result in a legendary encounter, with more valuable Pokémon rewarded as players travel further.
While the Pokémon GO shop is primarily for microtransactions, it features a free Daily Box. By adding Travel Boxes to the shop, players could be rewarded for their distance traveled with items usually obtained at PokéStops or Gyms. Travel Boxes could introduce an incentive for players to earn items by traveling a kilometer a day. With public spaces likely to be increasingly affected by the delta variant, encouraging Trainers to stay outdoors (where it's easier to stay socially distant) could be the needed solution.
With the continuation of the pandemic, Niantic should promote mechanics to isolated players that would still reward physical activity. Pokémon GO's players were concerned at the planned departure of the game's COVID mechanics, despite the high transmission rates in many areas worldwide, but changes there should improve the immediate outlook. Hopefully, Pokémon GO will find other ways to reward outdoor activity over gathering in crowded, public spaces.