Pokemon Go seems to be gearing up for some sort of subscription service. Earlier this week, Pokemon Go released a new update this week and dataminers have already teased some intriguing information out of the game code. One of the bigger surprises is that Pokemon Go seems to work in some sort of subscription service. Details about the alleged subscription service are sparse, but the subscription will be purchased from Pokemon Gois in-app and can be set to auto-renew.
If Pokemon Go is preparing to set up some sort of subscription service, it should come as no surprise to some fans. About the last year, Pokemon Go has significantly increased the number of “paid events” that offer players exclusive research and in-game benefits. In addition to last summer’s worldwide Pokemon Go Fest, Pokemon Go is hosting an event with a Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto ticket in February. Players who have purchased a ticket for Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto will also get access to the special study with tickets for January and February for that month’s Community Day. Recently, Pokemon Go also tested a new type of ticketed event, requiring players to purchase a ticket in December to see a Galarian Mr. Get Mime. This was the first event where players had to pay money to access a specific Pokemon.
While some fans may be upset at the thought of a subscription service, other ‘free to play’ games have used the subscription services to great effect. Fortnite, arguably the largest game in the world, uses a Season Pass to offer players a variety of premium items and additional benefits. Many other games also use subscription services to increase their earnings and reward players for their loyalty. Keep in mind that most games’ subscription services are optional, and we don’t expect that Pokemon Go to move away from the current “free to play” model.
In the meantime, Pokemon Go Players can currently participate in a Sinnoh Celebration event this week and a Hoenn Celebration event next week, both of which will feature more spawns of certain Pokemon. Pokemon Go is also organizing a Community Day with Machop this weekend.