In a recent Twitter post for the Pokémon GO April Fool’s 2022 event, players have filled the comments with demands to revert recent changes to Incense spawn rates. Since 2020, Pokémon GO has utilized changes in certain mechanics to allow fans to play safely from their homes or in less crowded areas. However, Niantic recently shared a 2022 roadmap for Pokémon GO that details a return to the game’s original mission statement of community and exercise. While these changes may help get players back outside, they will also impact the accessibility offered by COVID-19 gameplay.

Pokémon GO has had a continuously frustrating history with overall accessibility. Large portions of event content are locked behind microtransaction paywalls, preventing those unable to spend money from fully participating. Additionally, the game lacked options to include players with disabilities or health issues previous to the pandemic, with Pokéstops and Gyms often placed in hard-to-reach areas or spread unusually far apart. The changes made to Pokéstop distances and the addition of Pokémon GO’s Remote Raid Passes have been a big step towards needed inclusive gameplay.

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Unfortunately, many of these beneficial changes are starting to revert, and the comments of a recent Twitter post shared by Pokémon GO have been filled with frustrated outcry from fans. While the post was meant to tease Pokémon GO’s April Fool’s 2022 event, many fans came forward expressing frustration over the recent changes made to Incense spawn rates. The item’s effectiveness had been boosted throughout the pandemic, allowing players to force-spawn Pokémon without needing to be in motion. However, the spawn rates were recently reverted to their previous pre-pandemic rates, with Pokémon only spawning once every five minutes unless the player is in motion. Many have come forward and vocalized frustration on the change, stating that it openly omits those unable to physically be in motion for the duration of big events.

This change comes alongside Pokémon GO’s Community Day timeframe backlash, with six-hour Community Day events also being reverted to the 3-hour events seen before the pandemic. The shorter timeframes, while meant to encourage players to all be in parks or urban areas together at the same time, also limit who will be able to participate, unfairly omitting those with daytime jobs or obligations. Additionally, it offers those who live in rural areas less time to complete themed Special Research, making the Community Day events more difficult to participate in.

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While many of these changes are likely being implemented to help offer gameplay challenges similar to Pokémon GO’s earlier years, the choice to walk back beneficial improvements could cost the mobile game some players. Despite the exciting events announced for Pokémon GO in the summer months, many may choose not to participate knowing accessible options are no longer available. Hopefully, Pokémon GO will find a good balance between exercise-positive mechanics and inclusive gameplay, ensuring that all players can enjoy Pokémon adventures.

Pokémon GO is available on iOS and Android.

Source: Pokémon GO

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Laura Gray
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Laura Gray is a writer, illustrator and gamer in cozy Boise Idaho. They have had a wild freelance career in being a nerd, spending time traveling as a professional cosplayer and becoming a published illustrator while working the night grind as an IT tech. Laura is currently a content writer for D&D campaigns and Screenrant while working on personal writing projects for publication. They are also busy welcoming their first child into their life, which has been the best adventure life has given yet.

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