Pokémon TCG Pocket has officially issued a warning to its players just days before the much-anticipated trading feature launches on January 29, 2025. The notice, sent to players via the app on January 27, addresses inappropriate conduct and cheating as concerns grow about potential abuses of the upcoming trading system.
Since its release in late October 2024, Pokémon TCG Pocket has gained immense popularity, yet it initially lacked the ability to trade cards between players—a feature many fans were eagerly awaiting. With the official announcement of trading support, the developers—DeNA and Creatures Inc.—aim to create a fair environment and keep the gameplay experience enjoyable for all players.
According to the notice sent to users, the developers are already aware of instances where players have engaged in behaviors violating the game’s Terms of Service (ToS). The cited inappropriate conduct includes data tampering and trading involving real money. The developers emphasized, "If we confirm... we will warn them, suspend their account, or take other action." This approach reflects the company's commitment to maintaining integrity within the game, ensuring everyone can enjoy it comfortably.
Some players speculate the warning serves as preparation against the practice known as Wonder Pick farming. This involves players creating multiple accounts to exploit promotions, like rolling for god packs containing numerous rare cards. Selling access to these accounts—often through third-party platforms—explicitly violates the game's ToS. Players are left wondering how the enforcement will play out: Will both sellers and buyers face penalties, or will the focus be solely on sellers?
While the warning does not pertain solely to Wonder Pick farming, it signals the developers' vigilance, especially considering the trading feature soon to go live. Players have expressed frustration over the restrictions already placed on trading. Once available, players can exchange cards up to levels of rarity ♦1-4 and ★1, which means many desirable cards will remain off-limits to trading—an approach aimed at curtailing exploitation.
The team added several layers of limitations to the trading system, utilizing items like Trade Hourglasses and Trade Tokens, which players must be aware of as they contemplate trading opportunities. This structure is intended to deter any inclination toward 'real money trading', which could lead to imbalances and unfair advantages among players.
“We are aware,” the developers stated, “that some players have engaged... violating the Terms of Use... we will continue to strive to provide... safe and comfortable experience.” This statement reinforces their stance on ensuring fair play and competent moderation of the trading feature.
Players have questioned what impact the developers' new strict policies will have once trading goes live. Speculation abounds concerning how the temptation to engage with real money might entice some users to break game rules. But, with the warning and the measures taken beforehand—such as the rarity limits on tradeable cards—developers appear to be poised to curb these behaviors effectively.
Trading is about to change the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience, but whether it will lead to rampant inappropriate conduct or if the developers can maintain order remains to be seen. Fans of the game will be paying close attention to how these changes take effect and the developers' engagement with players concerning violations.
By issuing these directives, Pokémon TCG Pocket shows its commitment to developing a vibrant trading community—one where players can exchange cards legitimately without interference from outside practices. It remains to be seen how successful these measures will be against the backdrop of ever-evolving player tactics.