Pokémon TCG Pocket Dev Gifting Players Trade Tokens in Partial Compensation for 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 actively investigating further improvements to the system.

Players received the tokens silently in their in-game Gift menu. Creatures Inc. subsequently acknowledged player feedback and apologized for the initial implementation on X/Twitter. The trading feature's launch was met with significant criticism, with many players labeling the system as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system, like other aspects of Pokémon TCG Pocket, includes restrictions designed to encourage in-app purchases. Players need to discard five cards to trade one of equivalent rarity, leading to complaints about the high cost of trading.

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Over a week after the controversial launch, Creatures Inc. acknowledged that the restrictions hindered casual enjoyment of the trading feature. While they promised to address these issues through future events offering necessary trade items, the recent Cresselia ex Drop Event (February 3rd) failed to deliver on this promise.

Many 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 available. This is further supported by the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher, a restriction that forces players to spend significant sums for a chance to obtain rare cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set alone, with the third set released just last week.