Pokémon GO Trading Feature Explained, Is It Good For The Game?

By Jeff Thompson - 03 Mar '17 05:28AM

The developer Niantic explains the much-discussed trading feature of Pokémon GO. It confirmed that there is no trading possible over the internet and only local trading option is available for the gamers. Interestingly, people have to physically meet each other to trade Pokemon, which is aimed to avoid any black market trading.

The product manager of Pokémon GO at Niantic, Tatsuo Nomura detailed the upcoming feature. People were demanding for the trading feature through different social media accounts to make the game more engaging. It should be noted that the firm has not yet officially announced the feature for the game yet. "People who are away in 100 miles can't do the trading and people should be present in the proximity to swap the creatures," said Nomura.

"We can't think of a system where people can exchange things virtually," Nomura further added. "Our aim is to bring people together to recreate the world a better place." Though the date is not confirmed Nomura said that the firm is working on possibilities to bring the feature to the game mostly in 2017. However, there are few concerning factors that might ditch the trading feature if not carefully orchestrated. People in remote areas may find this feature not much useful, whereas people in cities would find it highly useful considering the potentially high number of players.

There are a few contradictions that the trading feature itself is not good for the spirit of the game. Be it online trade or offline trade, there are high chances of black marketing especially in cities. People can sell the creatures for money in the locality.

Though it is designed for swapping between relatives and friends, black marketers in local may use this opportunity. This can unbalance the game with trades. Rather than a game, it can become a commodity for trade in future for the sellers, and for buyers, it is not experiencing the game but getting a bought pride - naturally it reduces game engagement. Both can potentially kill the game in the long term.