Niantic recently introduced the Explorer Bonus for Pokémon Go players in New Zealand. However, the developer announced the rollback of this bonus yesterday, effective immediately, due to New Zealand entering Warning level 4 because of rising COVID-19 cases. Under alert level 4 instated on August 17, citizens won’t be allowed to leave their homes except for essential personal movements.
Earlier this month, Niantic revoked the bonuses in Pokémon Go to what they were before the pandemic, a move that invited heavy criticism from players. After making an announcement that encouraged trainers to go back outdoors, the company remained firm on its position.
The Explorer bonus has been revoked in New Zealand after looking at the current circumstances in the country, where there is a lockdown and players cannot leave their homes.
Niantic received flak from the players for the selective rollback of the bonus- it has been canceled in New Zealand, where a single COVID-19 positive case has been found, whereas the US players can still reap benefits from the Explorer bonus system despite the country currently having hundreds of active cases.
The Pokéstop and Gym distance will be changed to 80 meters, the same as during the peak of the pandemic. The lockdown is only for three days as of now, but it might be extended if the positive cases keep on rising. Niantic announced that they will reintroduce the discovery bonus system after the lockdown is removed.
What do you think about the revoking of the Explorer bonus system for Pokémon Go players in New Zealand? Let us know in the comments below!
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