For years, Pokémon Go was both a good and a bad obsession. Like Ash Ketchum, I’d light up whenever something new showed up and I raced to catch the latest pocket monster. However, the Pokémon GO Grind is very real and exhausting; honestly, I didn’t bother playing during the 10th anniversary party that took place last weekend. That’s because there’s nothing exciting about. Not even Gimmighoul holding a 10th Anniversary Coin seemed inspiring.
As for the big one coming up, the Global Fest event where there’s going to be Mega Mewtwo X or Mega Mewtwo Y, sure. However, since I like something to display on my table than on a mobile screen, maybe I’ll just hunt around for a model instead. The reason is not because the came is such a rinse and repeat action, but the release schedule for new ‘mon is so tiny, it makes playing on a regular basis boring.
As for the social side, the newer party play mechanics are good to try and convince players to band together, but if there’s nobody around to play with, that dynamic fizzles out fast. And the overwhelming increase of paywalled upgrades and goods to use during special events, I’m surprised there are people willing to spend money on it. I’d rather cash in my coins for something physical to hold!
When news broke that the property had been sold to Scopely last year, everyone knew this game was no longer truly free-to-play. I pretty much stopped logging in every day. After months of letting gyms go unconquered, I discovered something liberating: more time for other pleasures. I’ve returned to rolling dice at TTRPG tables, hanging out with friends doing actual physical activities and enjoying the hobby of 3D Printing my own custom products. I’ve turned Gengar into a practical late-night driveway marker system. I made reflectors where his eyes would brighten so I can see where the concrete begins and ends. And I feel supporting Game Freak over Scopely is far more important.
As for Pokémon GO swag, if they even exist, requires travelling to far-off destinations. These events are designed to drive up tourism and I’m not against that at all. I like a reason to visit Copenhagen or Tokyo. As for those living nearby who can hop on a train, the why not often comes to mind. It won’t cost a dime for them, but for those spending $3K to catch pocket monsters, I hope they took the time to explore the historic sites and sample the local cuisine too.
When limited-edition t-shirts from these events turn up, they don’t compare to a stuffed doll you can bring home. Timed events and challenges from local groups offering real prizes felt meaningful because I participated in one back when the game first launched. What I won was an auto-catcher device. It got a lot of use before giving up the ghost and becoming unable to hold a charge. As for newer in-game options meant to foster group play, not everyone is active in it. I won’t go into complete details, but let’s just say Pokémon Go simply stopped being important.
And in doing so, it reminded me that real progress isn’t measured in CP or medals. It’s in what you reclaim for yourself, and in playing games that actually build a social life rather than keeping you glued to a screen. There are arguments for and against this style of play, and I won’t get into those. When bragging about the latest catch, only the Pokémon Go community cares. Everyone else will just ask, “You’re still playing that?”
The Pokémon GO Grind as Defined
by One Particular YouTuber
