Pokémon GO is Disappointing

Don’t get me wrong on this one. I understand the hype behind Pokémon GO. Players were definitely right in seeing huge potential in the app. But in my opinion Niantic’s focus was completely off. The game was already a widely popular game breaking records left and right. Still, through a simple shift in priorities, it could have been even more popular. Even more important it would have taken much longer for the hype to die down.

The focus clearly should have been on collecting and trading first. Instead of putting gyms in the game first, Niantic should have implemented trading between players. The fighting mechanics of the gyms are really not impressive. Also the gym fights do not at all contribute to the most fun part of Pokémon GO, that is meeting and talking to people who play the game as well. On the other hand trading, would have made interactions between players so much more fun and meaningful. You would have something to talk about and negotiate. Furthermore it would encourage players to interact more, as it then has a direct impact on the game.

Later on you could still have implemented fights and gyms. Even there Niantic’s focus was on the wrong end. Pokémon battles between players would be nearly as good a feature as trading, and would have similar effects on player interaction. And — let’s be serious here — who wouldn’t think it’s cool to challenge another person to a Pokémon battle.