Pokémon Go managed to make a Go Fest that worked in 2020

A few months ago, many believed that 2020 could mark the end of Pokémon Go. This game, which has motivated millions to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the thrill of gameplay, faced unprecedented challenges as social interactions and in-game activities like raids and trading became impossible. Events were canceled or indefinitely postponed, leading many to question if the game could ever fully recover.

However, it turned out that players still had a deep love for Pokémon Go. A few months later, over a million players purchased a £15 ticket to the weekend’s Go Fest 2020, which offered 20 hours of special bonuses and new creatures to catch. While the situation had improved in some areas, Niantic’s proactive changes made the game significantly more accessible to players regardless of their location.

Transforming Go Fest 2020

Go Fest 2020 was a departure from the usual summer celebrations. Instead of gathering hundreds of thousands in key cities worldwide, the event was opened to everyone. Rather than concentrating on specific parks with themed areas, the game implemented a rotating schedule of Pokémon spawns every hour. Instead of physical hot air balloons signaling Team Rocket’s arrival, the sky was filled with virtual balloons piloted by the villains, culminating in celebratory fireworks at the end of the event.

Diverse Pokémon Spawns

This year’s event featured a wide variety of Pokémon spawns, from rare species like Gible to regional creatures typically found only in other countries. Go Fest 2020 introduced more highly-prized Shiny Pokémon than any previous event, along with the debut of a new Mythical Pokémon (Victini) and the surprise addition of another species (Rotom). Players were also treated to the powerful Shadow Mewtwo and improved versions of other Shadow Legendary creatures, alongside premium items to enhance their gameplay experience.

Real-Time Community Engagement

The event’s questline was initially light on its first day, yet players remained engaged with the rotating spawns and real-time challenges that unlocked additional bonuses. The ability to track the global community’s progress and compare achievements with friends added an exciting layer to the experience. Small touches, like confetti to signify active spawn hours and completed challenges, enhanced the atmosphere. As the event progressed, Team Rocket took over the storyline, creating an engaging climax.

Challenges Faced

Despite the enjoyable gameplay, Go Fest 2020 was not without its challenges. Server capacity issues plagued the event, particularly in the UK, where players faced delays due to overloaded friend lists. As the US player base logged in, some noticeable slowdowns occurred, especially when Japan began playing. Although these disruptions were relatively minor compared to the total gameplay time, the frustrations were understandable, particularly when catching rare Pokémon was at stake.

Additionally, the Shiny Pokémon capture rate was lower than expected for some players. This variation can be subjective, as experiences differ greatly. While some players reported catching a high number of Shiny Pokémon, others felt their totals were disappointing. However, many noted that overall, the reward balance over the weekend equaled that of previous years, especially considering the cheaper ticket price without the need for travel.

Inclusivity and Enjoyment

Without the need to physically attend locations, Niantic struck a balance that made the event feel less pay-to-win for those who didn’t purchase tickets, while still providing valuable experiences for those who did. Many players enjoyed a wealth of activities, from raiding to battling Team Rocket, making the event enjoyable for everyone. The sense of community was palpable, with players coming together, whether online or in person, to enjoy the game.

Ultimately, Go Fest 2020 reinvigorated both lapsed and dedicated players for the remainder of the year. Many ended their weekends reconnecting with friends in a park, evoking a sense of normalcy that had been missing for quite some time. This event showcased how adaptability and creativity could lead to a successful and enjoyable Pokémon Go experience in challenging circumstances.