Niantic is still working to keep players involved with Pokemon Go despite the increasing number of "shelter at home" mandates popping up across the globe thanks to the current worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus. After players complained about a growing lack of Pokeballs, Niantic launched a massive in-game bundle deal on them that will last until March 30th. Niantic is hoping to encourage trainers to continue to be as involved with Pokemon Go as they can be, including staying connected with friends through gifts and the recently introduced Pokemon Go Battle League.
Because of the spreading coronavirus and the resulting social distancing efforts put in place by multiple governments, many players have found it difficult, if not impossible, to leave their homes and catch Pokemon and collect Pokeballs. Niantic has already implemented improvements to other in-game items and increased spawn rates of Pokemon to help "safe at home" trainers, and they are also implementing new Pokemon Go updates to gift giving and receiving, which will allow players to help their friends in the pursuit of Pokeballs and other supplies.
As reported by Polygon, Pokemon Go players can now buy 100 Pokeballs for one Pokecoin. This new deal is to help players who cannot leave their homes and stop by Pokestops to replenish their supply. Niantic has also increased the number of gifts players can open and send per day, so trainers who can get to Pokestops can help their friends by sending along other game supplies and items. This new Pokemon Go deal is the first of many future weekly bundle deals Niantic is planning on releasing.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused quite the upset to Pokemon Go's March plans. Originally, this month was supposed to be packed with new raids, Team Go Rocket events, and more. However, once the coronavirus started effecting daily life more seriously Niantic prepared for as far in advance as they could. Ultimately, they had to cancel events like March's Pokemon Go Community Day, and postponed several Safari Zone events.
It's hard to imagine the world going back to normal after the coronavirus pandemic is under control, but these changes could certainly affect Pokemon Go in the long run. Eventually, Niantic will have to determine if the need for increased spawn rates for Pokemon or continued deals on Pokeballs and other supplies is a viable option. Once people are able to get outside like they used to, and use Pokemon Go the way it was designed to be played, it's difficult to argue that Niantic will keep these changes in place. It could prove beneficial for them to keep the current methods the same, however, because not only will players grow accustomed to the new Pokemon Go in the interim, but these updates and changes are incredibly helpful for players who were home-bound before the pandemic, and will continue to be stuck at home after. Niantic could welcome a whole new subset of players to Pokemon Go if they keep these updates in place once the days of social distancing are long gone.
Source: Polygon