Rural players of the popular mobile game, Pokemon Go, are facing considerable challenges and have been vocal about their dismay recently. They argue that the game creators, Niantic, have overlooked their experiences, focusing mainly on urban players. These complaints have escalated with players lamenting they are unable to complete game challenges such as Shadow Raids leading to greater dissatisfaction and anxiety within the community.
The question of rural players' limitations has typically raised heated debates within the Pokemon Go community. Being a game that is based on user location, it has frequently been reported that players from less populated areas face difficulties engaging in standard gameplay. Whether it is leveling up their characters, replenishing items, or participating in various game tasks and events, these players argue they are disadvantaged in comparison to their urban counterparts.
A common challenge that the rural players point out are Shadow Raids. These typically require multiple players and the rarity of players in rural areas makes successful completion a true feat. Due to these struggles, rural players have vented their frustrations, feeling that Niantic has imposed more limitations through the rules of the game on those residing in less populated areas.
One particular player brought up several issues concerning the difficulties of being a rural player and trying to participate in Shadow Raids. They voiced their struggles in an online forum, explaining the problems they face.
The player elaborated on issues they encounter including limited availability of Shadow Moltres, a legendary bird Pokemon, during weekends. They also pointed out the long interval between raids and the difficulty of participating in them as the Shadow Raids require players to be physically present. No invitations can be sent to other players leading to the solo completion of these raids, which is more difficult.
Having laid out the issues, the player was desperate for a solution. A sentiment that echoed among many other dismayed players in the game community. Players alike have vented their frustrations and have sought answers from the game's development team.
Responses to the player's complaints were filled with sarcasm and frustration. Most players agreed with the sentiments shared and expressed their disillusionment with the treatment of rural players by the mobile game developers.
One respondent quipped, 'You're a rural player. You're not supposed to play at all because Niantic hates you.' Another shared the sentiment but also pointed out the unfortunate truth that 'This game has literally never been made with rural players in mind. The entire design of the game is not compatible with being in a rural area.'
It was not all criticism as some players also noted the recent changes in the game which have detrimentally affected most of the player base. They noted that Niantic managed to alienate a good portion of their players by making it more difficult to complete raids, particularly those in higher tiers.
Though villagers often grapple with the limitations of Pokemon Go due to their location, Niantic has tried to alleviate these issues to some degree by allowing players to request PokeStops and gyms to be added to their area. Despite this effort, more work clearly needs to be done from Niantic to create a game that is as accessible for rural players as it is for those based in populous regions.
The outcry of the rural players and their struggles to fully participate in the game like their urban counterparts have raised serious questions about the fairness of location-based games. While they create a unique, dynamic environment for most, this also leaves the potential for players in less populated areas to be left out in the virtual cold.
In conclusion, Niantic is tasked with addressing the challenges faced by their rural gamers. Pokemon Go should not just be a game for players in urban areas but a game for all. This can only be achieved by ensuring that all players, regardless of their location, can fully enjoy their gaming experience.