Pokemon Go players concerned after World of Wonders adds 5 paid tickets in one week

The first week of the latest Pokemon Go season has players worried for the game’s future after World of Wonders introduced five paid tickets in its first week.

Pokemon Go players have long been frustrated with the game’s monetization. Over the years, the free-to-start title has introduced more and more microtransactions and paid content, such as exclusive Timed Research for events and Masterwork Research for things like Shiny Mythicals and Master Balls.

That’s only been reinforced with the start of World of Wonders. Just one week into the season, which runs from March 1 through June 1, Niantic has already announced 5 paid tickets for events ranging from Go Fest to Primal Kyogre and Groudon Raid Days.

The increasing volume of these paid events has players wondering what Niantic has planned next, with one possible “solution” causing some concerns.

Pokemon Go players speculate Niantic plans to add subscription

The discussion started with Reddit user Entire_Pineapple4732 pointing out just how many paid tickets Niantic has introduced in just one week.

Since the start of World of Wonders, the game has asked players to pay for Go Fest Global, Wonder Ticket, separate Primal Kyogre and Groudon Raid Days, and paid Timed Research for last weekend’s Charged Up event.

To put that into perspective, buying all five will set you back $36, with Go Fest Global alone being slammed for costing more than some full-price games.

$36 worth of Tickets announced during the first week of the season
by inpokemongo

This has frustrated players asking for a solution.

“Would be cool if you could just pay a flat rate and get everything for free after the fact,” suggested one commenter, who also compared the current system to a “gambling loop.”

In reaction to that comment, another user speculated that Niantic could be looking to introduce a subscription to Pokemon Go, saying, “They’re going to wear us down with all these paid tickets and events. And then introduce a subscription for the season that gets you everything for a small discount.”

The suggestion has garnered mixed reactions. Some players seem willing to pay more upfront for additional content, especially if it guarantees stronger events and rewards.

Others view a potential subscription as a breaking point, with one saying they’d “put it down and never look back” if Niantic added a subscription or battle pass-like system.

While often frustrating – and potentially costly – others are okay with the current system. “Personally I kinda like paying for the events I want to play rather than pay up front for a season pass,” said one Reddit user. “This way I can see if an event is worth paying for before I pay for it.”