Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Limited Promo Cards May Cause Long-Term FOMO

novembre 12, 2024

Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has quickly become a massive hit in the mobile gaming world. Released internationally on October 30, 2024, this Pokemon spin-off reached over 30 million downloads within its first week, raking in approximately $3 million in a single day. With high user ratings on both the Google Play Store (4.5/5) and App Store (4.8/5), it’s clear the game has captivated audiences worldwide. However, while Pokemon TCG Pocket has impressed players with its gameplay, it has also raised concerns around microtransactions and FOMO (fear of missing out) due to the time-limited nature of its promo cards.

FOMO and Promo Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, promo cards can only be obtained during specific events, a model inspired by the physical Pokemon TCG where promotional cards are exclusive to select events and products. Currently, only eight of the game’s 24 promo cards are available for direct purchase, while the others can only be unlocked through time-sensitive events. For instance, Chansey (Promo-A 11) and Meowth (Promo-A 12) are exclusively available through the Wonder Pick event from November 1-15, 2024. Once this event concludes, these cards become completely unobtainable, creating artificial scarcity and incentivizing players to participate while they still can.

Pokemon GO’s Similar Use of FOMO-Driven Content

This isn’t the first time a Pokemon mobile game has utilized FOMO. Pokemon GO has been widely criticized for placing certain Pokemon, costumes, and items behind limited-time events, often region-locked. Though some of these event-exclusive items do eventually return, the sheer volume and pace of these events can overwhelm players, making it difficult for casual fans to keep up with the game’s rotating content.

Is There a Need to Balance FOMO in Pokemon TCG Pocket?

Given the early success of Pokemon TCG Pocket, it remains unclear whether the time-limited promo cards will ever be re-released, as they often are in Pokemon GO. It would be wise for The Pokemon Company to consider offering these cards again in the future or reducing the number of event-exclusive cards to avoid long-term player dissatisfaction. A few rare, time-limited cards are acceptable, but oversaturating the game with exclusive cards may leave fans feeling frustrated and pressured to spend.