Gameplay in Pokémon GO is currently being changed to encourage in-person engagement, but Community Day meetups negatively affect rural players, preventing large numbers from participating. Pokémon GO was originally marketed as a way for Pokémon fans to come together in person and enjoy the series. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic changes were made to help provide a safe environment for players. In a recent Pokémon GO 2022 roadmap, it was revealed Niantic plans to refocus gameplay to promote in-person interactions and exercise, but for many, these changes are having a widespread negative impact.
In recent months, Niantic has implemented several changes designed to encourage community gameplay. This has included cutting Community Day durations in half, as well as nerfing the effectiveness of the Incense item. While these changes have likely helped get fans out and playing at the same time, they have also negatively impacted those who are unable to play Pokémon GO during the given event windows, or who have mobility challenges. Because of this, Pokémon GO has seen a backlash from players, with many calling for the changes to be reverted.
However, in a recent update on PokémonGoLive, Community Day meetups may be a new point of frustration for many Pokémon GO players. Community Day meetups are large-scale events that encourage players to congregate in a single location for the duration of a Community Day event. However, these meetups are only available in select locations, with most being large urban areas like Seattle or San Francisco. Because of this, rural players in states like Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and many others won't be able to participate unless they travel a large distance. Because Pokémon GO's Community Day events are now only three hours long, and often have nothing particularly special included, this type of travel would be a frustrating and unreasonable waste for players.
Additionally, the in-person meetup information also included a list of areas that offer Pokémon GO players bonus items for spinning Pokéstops. These stops, similar to the in-person Community Day meetups, are primarily congregated in densely populated areas, omitting players in rural towns. Unfortunately, Pokémon GO's negative impacts on rural players aren't a new issue. Since the mobile app's release in 2016, events, spawn rates and stop densities have all favored urban locations. Because of this, those who live days away from the nearest large city are often unable to participate in the most basic functions of the game, making it almost unplayable without large amounts of travel that can't be done on foot.
Sadly, it seems Pokémon GO's rural players will continue to see an unfair accessibility gap in comparison to urban players during the months to come. With Pokémon GO's Seasons of Alola event coming to a close and the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 just around the corner, those who live in less populated areas may choose not to purchase an event ticket and jump in on upcoming celebrations. If Niantic wants to ensure that all players can access Pokémon GO's events and benefits, it will be important to make sure that meetup areas and gameplay-needed locations are evenly distributed regardless of population density. Otherwise, players may choose to stop participating and look for other options to enjoy the series with friends.
Source: PokémonGoLive