Multiple new features announced by Niantic will affect the functionality of PokeStops in Pokemon GO. The features are currently being tested in one region of the globe and may be rolled out globally in the near future.
Many Pokemon GO fans have been requesting new features recently. Recent controversies within the game’s community regarding a perceived lack of effort on the part of the developers have caused stagnation among the player base and a decline in revenue for Pokemon GO.
The recent announcement of new features that may alter how players interact with PokeStops in the popular mobile game appears to be a step in the correct direction on the part of Niantic.
Niantic began testing new PokeStop features for the first time at this year’s Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles, and a recent tweet from the company’s official support Twitter account reveals that one of the features is now being tested in New Zealand.
The new feature in question is PokeStop Showcases, which will enable trainers to display Pokémon with unique attributes such as size and weight in exchange for prizes. This feature, along with the recently expanded compatibility with Pokemon Home to include Scarlet and Violet, provides numerous incentives for returning players.
Recently, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, was asked if he should be concerned about some of the challenges the TV streaming industry has faced, such as subscriber losses and content overload. Spencer responded that Xbox Game Pass and Netflix differ in one significant way:
The Pokemon GO community in New Zealand has already confirmed the functionality of this feature multiple times. It appears that Showcases will occasionally appear for a limited period at various PokeStops, requesting a specific Pokemon with a particular attribute.
For instance, during the beta testing phase in New Zealand, PokeStops are requesting the largest Fomantis. Players within range of the PokeStop may submit their Fomantis, and whoever submitted the largest specimen by the conclusion of the Showcase will receive a reward. This lends an intriguing additional layer of utility to XXL and XXS Pokemon.
A participant on Pokemon GO’s subreddit reveals that the reward they received was 2700 Stardust, 1 Incense, and 3 Ultra Balls, although it seems probable that the reward will vary.
Rewards for Pokestop Showcase: 2700 stardust, 1 incense, 3 ultra balls
by u/Neonsttcc in TheSilphRoad
The other feature that could receive a comprehensive launch in the near future in Pokemon GO is Route Creation. Fans have been anticipating this feature for quite some time, despite the fact that it is presently not part of the New Zealand beta test.
Once it goes live, it should be a fantastic tool that encourages players to discover fascinating walking paths for other players to explore in their local communities. Both of these features may be exactly what the app requires in light of the perceived Pokemon GO development stagnation and waning player interest.