Exciting transformations are on the horizon for Pokémon Go! Just weeks after revealing its acquisition by Scopely, known for Monopoly Go, through a significant deal worth $3.5 billion, the game is implementing major changes to enhance the at-home experience for players.
In an exclusive chat with Nova Play, the Pokémon Go development team clarified that these exciting updates, which will double the daily Remote Raids from five to ten and introduce remote play options across various modes, were conceived independently from the recent sale.
According to senior producer John Funtanilla, this remarkable shift—set to be the most impactful adjustment in years—was entirely driven by the game’s leadership, reflecting ongoing discussions that have taken place over “years.”
Starting next week, players will have the permanent opportunity to engage in ten Remote Raids daily, allowing for more thrilling adventures right from their couches, eliminating the need to venture outside.
Remote raids first emerged during the pandemic, allowing players to continue engaging in gameplay and draw on their love for Pokémon during lockdowns, even as Niantic had emphasized outdoor play. This feature became a fan favorite, driving unprecedented revenue, though limitations were once imposed to encourage players back outside in 2023.
However, it appears the pendulum is swinging back, and fans couldn’t be more excited.
In addition to the increased Remote Raid allowance, players will soon have the chance to use Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids and Max Battles featuring Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon—options that were previously restricted to in-person interactions.
These updates will go live on May 13th at 7 PM UK time (11 AM Pacific), and will include enhancements to maximize battle mechanics. Specifically, the Max Particle (MP) limit will be increased to 1500, letting players stock up more than before, while you’ll earn additional Premier Balls and XP during in-person battles. Pricing and other mechanics will remain unchanged (MP accumulation from afar won’t be available).
“This decision is 100 percent ours, from within.”
Funtanilla shares during our video call, “The path to these changes has taken a long time; we take a methodical approach, grounded in our leadership’s vision.” He adds that the game’s leadership remains independent and at the core of these transformative decisions.
Given the recent acquisition, skepticism among the community about the timing of these announcements is understandable—many players speculated if Scopely might dismantle the Remote Raid Pass limits post-sale. However, Funtanilla firmly states that this monumental decision was not rushed.
“The timing is intriguing for us,” he acknowledges, “but the seeds for these discussions have been sown for years. I’ve been with Niantic long enough to see how we communicate and plan changes. Despite efforts to encourage outdoor play at the start of 2023 as the world began to recover from the pandemic, we’ve been building towards making this remote gameplay possibility a reality.”
Striking a balance between player engagement and preserving the essence of community gameplay remains pivotal, Funtanilla notes. The new Remote Raid limits aim to ensure that while engagement may surge, the core of Pokémon Go—the power of in-person community play—remains strong.
Reflecting on past changes, Funtanilla recalls the controversy surrounding price hikes for Remote Raid Passes and the introduction of Shadow Raids. He understands the concerns: “Going from five to ten Remote Raids might seem substantial, but it’s about ensuring we maintain a healthy gameplay environment without overextending ourselves.”
Interestingly, while remote players face dual costs—MP and a Remote Raid Pass—Funtanilla believes it’s a fair exchange for the convenience it provides. “Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon offer unique options; their value is in providing players with the opportunity to engage with enhanced Pokémon in their own time, which is a priority for us.”
So, why now? Funtanilla suggests the game’s treasure trove of content, such as “Dynamax, Gigantamax, and beyond,” as key motivators for offering more flexibility. Plus, the success of Max Battles—set to launch in September 2024—has emphasized the importance of healthy community interactions, leading the team to pursue remote opportunities.
“The number one goal was to get this feature into players’ hands and gauge community interaction, especially since these battles are complex and meant for endgame,” he explains. “Test events have shown great success, including a massive turnout in Taiwan with about 4,000 players collaborating for these challenges.”
