Pokémon TCG Pocket Dev Gifts Players Trade Tokens But Still Doesn't Have Answers to Fix Controversial Feature

Creatures Inc., the developer of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, has addressed player concerns regarding the recently implemented trading mechanic by gifting players 1,000 Trade Tokens. This is enough for only two substantial trades. The developer is continuing to investigate and refine the system.

Players received the Trade Tokens silently in their in-game Gift menu. However, Creatures Inc. issued a statement on X/Twitter expressing gratitude for player feedback and patience. The initial introduction of trading last week was met with significant criticism, with many players describing the system as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system, like other aspects of Pokémon TCG Pocket, incorporates restrictions designed to encourage in-app purchases. These restrictions, including the Trade Tokens, require players to delete five cards from their collection to trade one of similar rarity. This high cost sparked considerable backlash.

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Despite prior assurances that player feedback would be considered, the initial implementation fell short of expectations. Creatures Inc. subsequently acknowledged that the restrictions hindered casual enjoyment of the trading feature. The developer promised to address these issues by offering necessary items as rewards in future events, a promise yet unfulfilled by the recent Cresselia ex Drop Event (released February 3rd).

Many players believe the trading system is designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly generated $200 million in its first month—before trading was even available. This suspicion is fueled by the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher, a restriction seemingly designed to incentivize players to spend money on packs for a chance to obtain rare cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, highlighting the potentially high cost of collection completion. The third set was released last week.