Microtransactions have never been the most beloved of features in games like Pokémon GO, and now players have a new target in the game’s seemingly random pricing for Lure Module Boxes. This isn’t the first box-based issue players have had with the game. Just a couple weeks ago, players were angered to find that the game’s Cyber Week Boxes weren’t discounted. It seems like this issue just keeps popping up.
Like many free-to-play games of its ilk, Pokémon GO is funded through a wide variety of in-game purchases. While some elect not to spend any money on the game, many more do in order to get the rewards they seek faster or more efficiently. These purchases are usually pretty cheap, but they can pile up over time. Much discussion has been had about the nature of microtransactions in games, with even some government officials questioning if microtransactions - especially loot boxes -should be legislated like forms of gambling. Pokémon GO has been part of this conversation, since some of its in-game purchases - like those related to eggs - have been likened to loot boxes and gambling. At least most of the time prices, while arguably too high, are standard across the board. When prices fluctuate from player to player, though, things get tricky.
Now, a report from Dexerto and an informal player survey posted by TheRealGuen on Reddit, suggests that players are seeing a varying range of prices in the in-game store for Lure Module Boxes. This item is available starting today, and players from around the world are discussing the price and how it differs. Prices seem to range from 350 coins all the way up to 700, with no explanation given as to why some pay more while others pay less. Just a couple of months ago, there was an issue where the Pokémon GO Meowth balloon event wasn’t showing up for some players, so this isn’t the first time players have had different experiences with something that should, in theory, be the same for everyone.
A glance at Reddit indicates plenty of players are frustrated by the seemingly random way the price of the box is determined for each player. Posters are comparing prices and their in-game levels, and seem to be finding no commonalities. The original poster, TheRealGuen, suggests that Niantic may be doing some sort of market research with the boxes, perhaps to see what players feel is a fair price for them. Some players in the same city report different prices, and one player’s partner even had a different price from them. Niantic is currenly silent on the issue, leading many to feel frustrated by the disparity. The company certainly addressed Pokémon GO player concerns in the past, so if the community makes enough noise, it’s possible that this, too, will be changed.
Like any other game, Pokémon GO has had its ups and downs; with player concerns ranging from these microtransaction issue to complaints about seasonal event rewards feeling less than satisfactory. Many players seem to feel that launching these new boxes with varying prices and no explanation is an underhanded tactic. It would be wise of Niantic to address this sooner rather than later, before it finds the flow of cash from Pokémon GO suddenly running dry.
Source: Dexerto, TheRealGuen/Reddit