The Pokémon GO community was recently sent into a frenzy after a prominent datamining group, The Pokemod Group, unearthed code in the latest game update that suggested the introduction of widespread advertising. The discovery ignited a wave of concern among players, many of whom worried that the immersive, exploration-based gameplay they have enjoyed for years was about to be disrupted by intrusive ads. However, Niantic, the developer behind the popular augmented reality game, has swiftly and unequivocally denied these claims, offering an explanation for the seemingly alarming findings.
The report from The Pokemod Group, which gained significant traction on social media, indicated the presence of code supporting numerous major mobile ad networks, including GoogleAdMob, IronSource, and ApplovinMax, among others. This revelation sparked fears that Pokémon GO, which has largely avoided traditional in-game advertising, was preparing to adopt a monetization strategy more akin to other free-to-play mobile games, potentially impacting the user experience negatively.
These concerns were amplified by the recent acquisition of Niantic’s entire game library, including Pokémon GO, by mobile gaming giant Scopely, known for its heavily monetized titles like Monopoly Go! This acquisition left many players apprehensive about the future direction of Pokémon GO, fearing that the new ownership would prioritize aggressive monetization tactics to recoup the substantial investment.
According to Van Lommel, the datamined code referencing ad networks was misinterpreted. He explained that the latest game update included an upgrade to a third-party library, and this new version of the library contained references to common ad networks as part of “standard industry practice.” He clarified that this inclusion of ad network references does not signify any intention on Niantic’s part to introduce advertisements into Pokémon GO.
This explanation attempts to reassure a player base that has, at times, been critical of the game’s existing monetization practices, which primarily revolve around optional in-app purchases. The prospect of forced advertisements appearing during gameplay was met with widespread disapproval, with many players expressing concerns about the potential disruption to the game’s flow and their overall enjoyment.
While Niantic has addressed the ad controversy, The Pokemod Group’s datamining efforts also uncovered another potentially significant development: a “Hyper Training Service” system. This feature, reportedly in the works, would allow players to increase the stats of their Pokémon in exchange for a new currency called Bottle Caps. This discovery has triggered a different set of concerns within the community, with some players worried that this system could lead to a “pay-to-win” scenario, where players who spend more money could gain a significant advantage. As of now, Niantic has not commented on this particular leak.
The Pokémon GO community has a history of closely scrutinizing datamined information, often providing accurate insights into upcoming game features and events. While Niantic has denied the immediate implementation of intrusive ads, the community remains vigilant, especially in light of the recent acquisition by Scopely. The assurance from a senior figure like the Director of Communications offers some comfort, but players will likely continue to monitor future game updates for any signs of a shift in monetization strategy.
It is important to note that Niantic’s Senior Product Director for Pokémon GO, Michael Steranka, had also addressed the ad concerns earlier in March, stating definitively that intrusive ads would not be coming to the game, reinforcing the message conveyed by Van Lommel. Steranka emphasized that Scopely recognizes the unique nature and success of Pokémon GO and has no plans to fundamentally alter its core gameplay or introduce disruptive advertising.
The swift and direct response from Niantic highlights the company’s awareness of the community’s concerns and its commitment to maintaining the current gameplay experience. While the “Hyper Training Service” leak remains unaddressed, the denial of intrusive ads offers a significant reassurance to Pokémon GO trainers worldwide who feared a drastic change to the game they love. The coming months will reveal whether these assurances hold true and what the future holds for the evolution of Pokémon GO under its new ownership. For now, players can continue their adventures, catching Pokémon and exploring the world around them, without the immediate worry of disruptive advertisements popping up on their screens.
