Pokémon Go, the mobile augmented reality (AR) game that became an instant sensation when it was released in 2016 is currently losing players due to changes that its developer, Niantic, plans to make to Remote Raids and Passes.

Niantic introduced Remote Raids to the game in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing players to participate in raids from the safety and comfort of their homes.

IGN tells us that Remote Raids kept the game alive during a time when people were not going outside much. However, three years later, Niantic is hiking prices and placing caps on Remote Raid Passes to encourage players to return to playing the game as intended.

Critical Changes to Pokemon GO

What is the controversial move from Pokemon GO? Niantic plans to limit players to a maximum of five Remote Raids per day, which will go into effect on April 6. Read Niantic's announcement here.

The announcement sparked widespread outrage among the game's fans, who organized a Change.org petition urging Niantic to reverse its decision (as of writing, the petition is 600 signatures away from reaching its 10K goal). Some players have stated that they intend to delete their accounts or the app even before the update.

How This Will Affect Pokemon GO Players 

Disabled fans and players from remote areas who rely on Remote Raids to play have largely led the opposition to these changes. 

Limiting the number of raids that players can participate into five per day is a content limitation that ignores the needs of people who may be unable to engage with the game in any other way. "What do you do if you literally cannot?" asks Steven Spohn, senior director of AbleGamers on Twitter.

Read Also: Nintendo Switch Eshop Spring Sale: Enjoy 30% Discount for Select Shmup Titles Until April 16

These changes will also disproportionately impact players who live in rural areas where Pokéstops, Gyms, and raids are scarce. Players who have physical access to raids, on the other hand, are also dissatisfied with the changes. 

Some players prefer the flexibility and convenience of Remote Raids, which can be especially helpful for those with hectic schedules.

The changes to Remote Raids represent more than just a loss of convenience for many players. Remote raiding has helped players develop a sense of community by allowing them to make friends and connect with people from all over the world. 

For some players, the update may spell the end of that community.

Players Uninstalling Pokemon GO in Droves

According to Dexerto, a post on the Pokemon Go subreddit picked up steam after one user wrote a lengthy statement in a post titled "To those permanently leaving the game by April 6, don't forget to thank the community."

The post thanked the community and reflected on the great times they had played the game in the past, but it also made a point of criticizing Niantic and its recent controversial changes.

Whether Niantic will listen to community concerns and reverse its decision remains to be seen. For the time being, many players are abandoning the game.

Pokémon GO was once a sensation, but it appears that its time has passed. The game's player base has been dwindling, and the latest update may be the final nail in the coffin.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: 'GTA Online' to Lose Free Perks, Exclusive Rewards from Prime Gaming Linked to their Rockstar Account