Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, has acknowledged significant player backlash regarding the recently launched trading feature. In a statement released on X/Twitter, the company expressed gratitude for player feedback and admitted that the controversial trading feature, designed to prevent abuse, has inadvertently restricted casual enjoyment for many users.
The statement highlighted the intention behind the trading restrictions, which were meant to curb bot abuse and maintain a balanced and fair gaming environment. However, Creatures Inc. recognized that these measures have overly limited players' ability to enjoy the feature as intended. They are now "actively investigating ways to improve" the trading system to address these concerns.
Creatures Inc. also promised to introduce required items, such as Trade Tokens, as rewards in upcoming events. Yet, this commitment has not been fulfilled in the latest Cresselia ex Drop Event, released on February 3, which notably lacks any Trade Tokens as rewards. This event instead offers promo cards, Pack Hourglasses, Shinedust, shop tickets, and experience points.
The trading feature in Pokémon TCG Pocket includes a mechanic called Trade Tokens, which has been criticized for its high cost. Players must sacrifice five cards from their collection to trade one card of the same rarity, a system many find restrictive and costly. Additionally, the game limits trading to cards below 2 Star rarity, further frustrating players who feel this is a deliberate move to boost in-game purchases.
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Creatures Inc. mentioned plans to offer multiple ways to obtain Trade Tokens, including through event distributions, but specifics and timelines for these changes remain unclear. The lack of clarity has left players wondering whether their current trades will be refunded or compensated should the Trade Token costs change.
Furthermore, the integration of Trade Tokens into events seems minimal. Only 200 Trade Tokens were made available as premium rewards for Battle Pass subscribers paying $9.99 a month, which is sufficient for trading just one 3 Diamond card, the lowest rarity requiring Trade Tokens.
Players have voiced strong criticism, describing the trading mechanic as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure." Many believe the restrictions are a clear attempt to increase revenue, especially given the game's reported $200 million earnings in its first month. The high cost of completing card sets, with one player spending around $1,500 on the first set alone, further fuels these sentiments.
