Playing Pokémon Go from the sofa

As regular game sales surge, spare a thought for Pokémon Go. Its real-world gameplay faces a unique and sustained existential challenge, whose effects are already being felt by its community, even in areas not yet on lockdown.

The social aspect is what I miss the most. This weekend’s ticketed Genesect event would typically have been a chance to meet up, throw some lures down in the park or pub, and catch up for a few hours. Instead, I spent Saturday largely at home, catching Pokémon while playing another game. Sunday was taken up by a long walk far from anyone else among the Sussex Downs.

As more people turn to video games and online hangouts for distraction and company, I find myself questioning how my favorite game for socializing and exercise will adapt in the coming months.

Apart from the obvious restrictions on being out and about, people have new priorities on their time and different worries on their minds. I know I do. On Saturday night, I found myself catching the end of a TV show and suddenly feeling emotional while watching clips of healthcare workers. It’s during moments like these that we need the kindness fostered by Pokémon Go’s vibrant community more than ever.

This weekend’s Genesect event was reworked to be playable solo, and it turned out to be a rewarding adventure, even if my chats with fellow players were relegated to messaging apps instead of face-to-face conversations.

Tasks set by Professor Willow primarily required players to battle in the game’s online PVP mode and catch certain widely available types of Pokémon. With the game’s supercharged and readily available Incense gift, players could fulfill the catching objectives with enough perseverance and time spent in their homes or gardens.

The event’s rewards were enhanced from last November’s first ticketed event, with premium items like battle passes and incubators justifying the ticket price, even without early access to the Mythical Pokémon Genesect. The event’s extended duration added to its value, ensuring players got more than just a short raiding session. Plus, the questline for the ticketed event is available to complete at any time once picked up and will never expire.

Developer Niantic has already introduced measures to support solo play and improve the experience for those isolated at home, including the addition of previously raid-exclusive Legendaries to the PVP league, which can now be accessed without requiring physical movement or payment. Players can also battle each other remotely, paving the way for entirely remote tournaments.

But what more could be done to make Pokémon Go suitable for sofa play? Fans have some suggestions, and Niantic’s leadership has indicated that more changes are on the way.

One straightforward request is for a similar offer to Niantic’s free Incense box, but for Pokéballs. Without the ability to spin PokéStops, players quickly run out of balls. Although players can obtain more from gifts, these require someone else to visit a PokéStop as well. A daily login bonus providing items like balls and Stardust would be a possible solution.

Others have suggested introducing a secret base concept, akin to a personal PokéStop, that could be placed at a player’s home location. This would allow players to obtain essential supplies for catching creatures without needing to go outside to replenish their item stocks.

All of this said, I cherish Pokémon Go for what it is and what it will be again when this current period passes. I don’t want any permanent changes that might undermine the spirit of what the game is meant to be. I simply wish to have a familiar escape during these times and a topic to discuss with my friends.