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 sufficient for only two substantial trades. The developer continues to investigate solutions to improve the controversial system.
Players logging in will find the Trade Tokens in their Gift menu without any accompanying message. However, Creatures Inc. issued a statement on X/Twitter expressing gratitude for player feedback and patience. The trading feature's launch last week was met with significant criticism, with many players describing the system as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."
The trading mechanic, similar to other in-game restrictions on pack openings and Wonder Picking, incorporates Trade Tokens as an additional limitation. Players heavily criticized the high cost of acquiring these tokens, requiring the deletion of five cards of the same rarity to trade one.
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It's been eight days since the release of the trading feature, which was met with considerable negative feedback, despite a prior warning from Creatures Inc. almost three weeks earlier. The developer acknowledged player concerns, inviting feedback after the launch.
This assurance led many players to anticipate a more positive experience, which proved untrue. Creatures Inc. subsequently admitted that certain restrictions hindered casual enjoyment of the trading system.
The developer promised to address complaints by offering necessary items as rewards in future events. However, the Cresselia ex Drop Event, released on February 3rd, failed to deliver on this promise.
Many fans believe the trading system is primarily designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly generated $200 million in its first month before trading was even available.
This is further supported by the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher. Allowing immediate trading for missing cards would likely reduce the need for players to spend significant sums ($10, $100, or more) on random card packs. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, with the third set arriving just last week.
