Pokemon GO player envisions "freemium" options for in-game items

In a recent Reddit discussion, Pokemon GO player Gallad475 proposed an intriguing concept: offering “freemium” versions of premium in-game items. This idea, which builds upon their earlier popular post about a "Bad Incubator," imagines cheaper, slightly less effective alternatives to some of the game’s most sought-after items. The post stated,

"What if every Premium Item had a lesser, inferior “Freemium” option?"

What if every Premium Item had a lesser, inferior “Freemium” option? byu/Gallad475 inpokemongo

Gallad475 outlined a series of ideas for freemium items that could cater to casual players or those unwilling to invest heavily in the game:

• Chipped Starpiece
• Mediocre Incense
• Semi-Remote Raid Pass
• Junior Raid Pass
• Diet Poffins
• Faulty Lure Module
• Spoiled Lucky Egg

These items aim to enhance accessibility for players while maintaining some exclusivity for premium versions. The post garnered significant attention, sparking a lively conversation among Pokemon GO community members about the feasibility and potential impact of such items.

The community responded with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. While many appreciated the creativity behind these suggestions, others raised concerns about balance and naming conventions.

Some users, like Sad-Platypus, suggested additional premium options like a “Gourmet Poffin,” which could triple all buddy hearts but reduce its active time.

Comment byu/Gallad475 from discussion inpokemongo

This idea highlights how freemium options could complement the existing ecosystem by catering to different player needs.

Other players, such as Burnstryk, found the suggested item names off-putting.

"I mean, good ideas in theory, but can't quite get over the naming. 'Faulty', 'spoiled', 'mediocre', almost seems like you're insulting people who don't want to pay in the game lol"

Lil_saul highlighted the potential utility of the Mediocre Incense and Semi-Remote Raid Pass, particularly for players who can't move around much.

Comment byu/Gallad475 from discussion inpokemongo

However, balancing the cost of these items with their effectiveness would be crucial to avoid undermining existing premium offerings.

La10deRiver and others expressed strong interest in the Semi-Remote Raid Pass, pointing out its utility for players living in less raid-dense areas.

Post by Gallad475 made other pokemon GO players appreciate their creativity and raise interesting opinions (Image via Reddit)

Gallad475 suggested a pricing range of 120 to 150 PokeCoins and proposed making the pass available through events or research to ensure accessibility without eclipsing premium options.

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All existing Pokemon GO Items

Items in bag as seen in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Niantic already offers a variety of valuable items designed to enhance gameplay:

• Medicine items include Potions (Regular, Super, Hyper and Max), Revives and Max Revive.
• Poke Balls including Great, Ultra and Master Balls.
• Berries (Razz, Nanab, Pinap, Golden Razz and Silver Pinap).
• Trainer Boosts like Incenses, Star Pieces and Lucky Egg.
• Different variants of Lures.
• Evolution items (Sun Stone, Upgrade, Dragon scale Etc).
• Different Passes (Premium, Remote and EX Raid).
• TMs.
• Gifts and Stickers.
• Other (Rare Candies, Rocket Radar, Poffins, Shadow Shards, Incubators).

These items are typically priced in PokeCoins, encouraging players to either purchase them directly or earn coins by holding gyms.

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The freemium model suggested by Gallad475 could address a common issue in Pokemon GO: the gap between free-to-play and pay-to-play users. By introducing fewer versions of premium items, Niantic could attract more casual players without alienating its paying audience.

However, careful consideration of naming, functionality, and pricing would be essential to ensure these items enrich the experience without disrupting the game’s economy.

This discussion illustrates the community's creativity and passion for enhancing Pokemon GO. Regardless of whether Niantic takes inspiration from these ideas, they underscore the potential for innovation in making the game more inclusive and enjoyable for players of all types.

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