Niantic has introduced the PokeStop Showcase feature in Pokemon GO, marking its official debut. This feature has undergone extensive testing and is set to revolutionize the way players interact with PokeStops.
For a while now, players have been expressing their desire for certain changes in Pokemon GO. While the concept of hosting contests at PokeStops may not have been on their minds, it is still a welcomed addition to the game. This feature has been in development for quite some time and has been widely discussed within the community as it progressed towards its global release. And now, the moment has arrived.
The PokeStop Showcase feature is now live worldwide, coinciding with the 7th anniversary of Pokemon GO's launch. During select periods, specific PokeStops will host a PokeStop Showcase where players will be asked to find a specific Pokemon fitting into a certain category. For instance, the current Showcase is searching for the largest Squirtle in honor of Pokemon GO's 7th anniversary. Players who submit the largest Squirtles before the Showcase concludes will receive rewards. Niantic has stated that the top three players can win prizes such as an Incubator, a Star Piece, and more.
Currently, the only active PokeStop Showcase is the one for the largest Squirtle. The exact spawn rates and the likelihood of a Showcase appearing near a player are currently unknown, but it is likely that at least one Showcase will be available in major cities. This event will run throughout the entire Pokemon GO 7th anniversary celebration, starting today and concluding on July 12th. As Niantic has recently downsized its staff and shifted its focus to Pokemon GO, this is one of the first significant updates to the game following those changes.
Given recent controversy surrounding Pokemon GO and a perceived lack of quality-of-life updates, players are eagerly embracing any additions to the game. This sentiment is fueled by frustration over the removal of a recent update that increased the radius for Pokemon spawning, which was well-received by the community before being abruptly retracted within 48 hours. Niantic, the developer of Pokemon GO, is currently facing backlash from fans, as evidenced by negative comments on social media regarding the PokeStop Showcase announcement. These comments primarily reflect disappointment that the update does not address the specific changes players have been anticipating. However, it is hoped that these desired updates will be implemented in the future.