'Pokémon Go' Trading Feature: Why It Isn't in the Game Right Now
Still no specific date known for when trading may be added to 'Pokémon Go'
Trading has long been regarded as an essential feature for "Pokémon Go," one that could significantly impact interest in the game and provide people with additional reasons to pick the game up and play. And yet, several months after launch, the seemingly obvious addition remains unavailable.
For those wondering why this is the case, some folks from Niantic have offered some reasons.
First off, Redditor "bureika" recently shared what happened when they attended a panel known as "Origins of Pokémon Go" that featured some comments from Niantic technical artist/designer David Hollin, among other things.
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At some point during the panel, Hollin talked about trading, hinting that the developers are taking their time when it comes to making this feature available. He then noted that trading is somewhat like a Pandora's Box before mentioning bots and spoofers briefly.
As Game Rant pointed out, Hollin's comment related to bots and spoofers seems to be hinting that adding trading to the game could also provide some players with more ways to gain unfair advantages.
It is understandable that the folks over at Niantic are being very careful with trading. Trading is something developers can launch to reignite interest in "Pokémon Go," so getting it right is obviously a priority for them.
There is a downside to consider as well, however.
Speaking previously to Polygon, Niantic product manager Tatsuo Nomura commented on just how potentially impactful trading can be. He mentioned that failure to create the right kind of trading feature that will work with the mobile offering "can easily kill the game."
Given how much importance the developers are attaching to trading, it only makes sense that they have not pulled the trigger on introducing it just yet.
Trading is coming eventually, however, and when it does arrive, "Pokémon Go" players will be the ones who determine if it is indeed suitable for the game.
