Pokémon GO Reddit's Unexpected Move Shakes Up API Changes

The Pokemon GO subreddit has reopened after temporarily closing in protest of Reddit's proposed changes to API pricing. However, the subreddit's return does not signify a return to normalcy. Reddit's decision to raise API access prices to a level that would render third-party apps and essential moderation tools obsolete prompted many major subreddits to shut down. The threat of removing moderation teams compelled most of these subreddits to reopen, but certain communities, such as the Pokemon GO subreddit, are choosing to continue the protest in a different manner.

On June 12, a widespread protest erupted on Reddit, resulting in the shutdown of numerous prominent subreddits. Although these subreddits were initially inaccessible for 48 hours, many opted for an indefinite closure until Reddit showed willingness to compromise. The objective of this protest was to urge Reddit to reconsider its plans for a significant price hike in API access. This increase in pricing is forcing several popular third-party Reddit apps to cease operations, leading to a significant impact on accessibility and limiting the availability of moderation tools that combat issues like spam, bigotry, and harassment.

Pokemon GO's popular subreddit closed on June 12 along with many others and has remained inaccessible ever since. However, on Monday, there was a shift in the situation due to ongoing pressure from Reddit leadership. They threatened to remove moderators who refused to reopen their subreddits. Despite this, the Pokemon GO subreddit is choosing to continue their protest in a different manner. A recent community poll revealed that 68% of the subreddit's members support making changes that would allow them to sustain the protest. In response to this, the moderators are taking action.

The Pokemon GO subreddit has implemented new rules that limit the content to photos featuring John Oliver, Pikachu, or Spark, or a combination of the three. This decision was influenced by John Oliver's support of Reddit users' protests and similar rules implemented in other subreddits. These rules will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The impact of this protest on Reddit is uncertain. It is possible that the rule changes may result in decreased traffic to the subreddit, which could negatively affect Reddit's overall financial performance. While the Pokemon GO subreddit alone may not have enough influence to bring about significant changes, showing solidarity with other protesting subreddits may lead to future growth in protests and potentially prompt Reddit to make alterations.

Subreddits beyond Pokemon GO are still actively participating in protest activities since the shutdown on June 12. Among these subreddits are gaming-focused ones such as AmongUs, Gamedev, gamernews, Hearthstone, MinecraftMemes, Nintendo, pathofexile, Warframe, and witcher. While there is a possibility that Reddit may take some form of action against these subreddits, it is evident that they have successfully raised their communities' concerns. The game Pokemon GO can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.

Source: Reddit