Remote raids have colored the raid scene in Pokémon Go since they were introduced nearly three years ago. Just about any Trainer who has used one (or more) can testify. Recently, though, this feature of Pokémon Go may be considered to have transitioned into a new but continuing saga, and it's not necessarily a delightful one. In fact, a good number of Trainers have made an uproar about it, and while I'm more soft-spoken about it, I still have my impressions about it too. Therefore, I find it necessary to make a discussion about it.
And... their next saga involves them becoming more expensive and more limited. The Remote Raid Passes, which are necessary for this purpose, are now priced at 190 coins, nearly double what they were before. A bundle of three of them now also costs 525 coins, which is discounted but not by much (that comes out to 175 coins apiece). Furthermore, one can now only use them a limited number of times each day, with 5 being the norm. The only consolation thus far is that the limit can be raised for certain events, a similarly discounted bundle for three regular non-remote Premium passes is available, and in-person raids can now reward more Candy XL. All these changes took effect earlier this weekend.
The reason behind all this is the "in-person (real-world) play" commitment of Niantic. While they admitted that many changes have taken place in the past few years, they also said that remote raids need to be "de-emphasized"; it currently forms the bulk of raids, and that doesn't mesh with the vision that they have. Their vision is noble in some ways, but the approaches above may be slightly flawed. I had been discussing things with others who play, and while they thought the limiting and price hike makes some sense, the extent may be questioned - particularly for the price, which may be better to be 150 coins or slightly less than that, with my suggestion being 120.
Meanwhile, others have deemed that the approaches above are rather "punishing" for rural, disabled, introverted, or otherwise homebound people, some of whom have been known to play. This too makes sense, especially considering that I may share some commonalities, weak though they may be, with all the kinds of people I mentioned above. While I love going out to meet people and raid together, it's not something that is permitting all the time, especially if I need to be home not because I don't want to go out, but because there is something that absolutely needs to be dealt with at home and only at home. Again, the answer may lie in adjusting the approaches as above.
If the past saga of remote raids is considered to be a disappointing one, it seems that the current continuing saga has the pendulum shifting in the other way yet still resulting in a disappointment. As expected as it may be, the solution still has to involve making that pendulum "meet in the middle". Or, going back to the "color" analogy, the right ones may have to be used in the right ways. If that were to happen, it may be believed that remote raids still have a place in the picture of the raid scene, only more pleasing to look at for everyone of concern.
One year ago: Quickies: Making Friends with Mud Skippers
Two years ago: The Sound of Instant Gratification
Three years ago: Pokémon Upbringings
Four years ago: Benefits
Five years ago: Ex-Raids and Cancellations
Six years ago: The (Current) Fate of the Megas
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