MOP’s Andrew has been covering Pokemon Go’s many problems – including whaling problems – in his Massively on the Go column for the last few years, but I suspect that the latest bit of news is going to set even his head to spinning, as players have uncovered Niantic’s plan to add a new reward program with an incredible attempt at whaling.
The players in the Pokeminer Discord have publicized the company’s new reward program, which is apparently trialing for Australian and New Zealander players through January 1st.
“The Reward Road is a monthly reward program where Trainers can earn Reward Points with eligible purchases every month,” says Niantic. “Earn a certain amount [sic] of Reward Points to level up the Reward Road and unlock rewards!”
Notably, Reward Points “expire at the end of the calendar month,” meaning you can’t just hold them over to the next month and eventually pool them for a big prize; you’d have to go all-in on one month or lose everything you’ve earned.
It might be no big deal except that players on Reddit are estimating that it would cost a player around $500 for the 3000 points needed to pick up all the rewards… every month, with no way to carry over.
Needless to say, Reddit is not only irritated at the idea of being asked to pay $500 a month (so $6000 annually) for top rewards on a battle pass but also at the specific rewards, which are reportedly crap (the stickers are drawing the more ire). Please don’t participate in this nonsense.
