Concerns Over Recent Game Decisions Affecting Player Experience

[Foodax14]

Dear Pokémon Revolution Online Community,

 

I am writing to express the collective concerns that have been circulating among players regarding recent developments within the game. The decisions made in the past month have significantly impacted our gaming experience, leading to frustration and a sense of neglect. However, I want to start by acknowledging the tremendous amount of work and dedication that the development team, many of whom are volunteers, has put into this fan-made game. We all understand that PRO isn’t an officially developed game, and that the team is doing their best with limited resources.

 

This post is not intended to criticize, but to help improve the game and to unite the community. We want to see PRO thrive, and in order to do that, we need to work together and voice our concerns in a constructive way. After all, the game is nothing without its players. The more players we have, the better the game becomes, and the happier the community is, the more vibrant and engaged it will be. If the game gives to everyone, then everyone wins, and the community and the game itself will flourish.

 

1. Delay of the Valentine's Day Event and Lack of Communication

The Valentine's Day event, a highlight for many players, was anticipated with great enthusiasm. However, its delay without clear communication has left the community disheartened. Players have been eagerly awaiting updates, but the absence of information regarding the event's status and expected launch date has led to uncertainty and disappointment. We know that the devs are working hard behind the scenes, and we can empathize with the challenges they face, but clearer communication would go a long way in alleviating player frustration. Especially when delays occur, it’s important to keep players informed to prevent negative assumptions from building up.

 

2. Omission of EXP Share Party Boost in the Event

Traditionally, special events like Valentine's Day have introduced features such as the EXP Share Party Boost, enhancing the gameplay experience. Its absence in the recent event has raised questions about the commitment to maintaining engaging and rewarding content for players. This omission feels like a missed opportunity to enrich the event and cater to the community's expectations. Again, we recognize that the development team is limited by resources, but adding such boosts would have made the event feel more rewarding for all players. Instead of removing this feature completely and surprising the player base, it could be replaced with something equally exciting and beneficial to the players. A simple removal without warning or alternative left many feeling disappointed.

 

3. The Litwick World Quest and Membership Concerns

The Litwick World Quest, introduced today, has been met with mixed reactions. While new content is generally welcomed, the execution of this quest has sparked a lot of debates. Many players have expressed concerns that the requirement to subscribe to the paid membership to make it easier to complete the Litwick quest feels like an intentional push to monetize the game. This decision has led to frustration within the community, as it appears that certain content is being locked behind a paywall rather than being made accessible to all players. We understand the challenges of running a free-to-play game and the need for funding, but this approach risks dividing the player base. It is essential to unite everyone, not create divisions among players based on their access to content. The decisions made should bring players together, not set them against one another.

 

4. Perception of Decisions Aimed at Frustrating Players

A concerning trend has emerged where certain game decisions appear to be intentionally frustrating players. Features that were once standard are being altered or removed without adequate explanation, leading to a sense of alienation within the community. While challenges are a natural part of gaming, the current direction seems to prioritize difficulty over enjoyment, undermining the core purpose of gaming as a source of fun and relaxation. We understand that every decision is not easy, and the devs are doing their best, but the constant changes can sometimes feel like they are pushing players away rather than bringing them closer. The goal should always be to create an environment where players feel included and engaged, not frustrated or excluded.

 

The essence of Pokémon Revolution Online lies in its community and the shared experiences that make the game enjoyable. The recent decisions have strained this bond, leading to a decline in player morale and engagement. It is crucial for the development team to acknowledge these concerns and work collaboratively with the community to restore the game's integrity and player satisfaction.

 

I, myself, do not disagree with all decisions of the devs—many are understandable and come from a place of trying to balance the game’s longevity and balance. However, it is really sad to see how some of the recent decisions have affected the player base and the overall atmosphere within the community.

 

A huge thank you to the devs for everything you do—running a fan-made game with limited resources is not an easy task. We know that, and we deeply appreciate the efforts you put into keeping this game alive. We understand the challenges and limitations, but we also want to ensure that the players continue to enjoy the game as much as possible, and that the community stays united.

 

We understand that the development team is working with limited resources and staff, and we deeply appreciate the effort that goes into keeping this game running. As a fan-made game, we know that there are many challenges, and we don’t take that for granted. However, lack of resources should not be used as an excuse to make decisions that negatively impact the player base. Instead, it’s essential that the developers find ways to prioritize the enjoyment of all players while still considering the sustainability of the game.

I suggest the developers consider the following actions:

 

• Transparent Communication: Provide regular updates on event statuses, feature implementations, and address community concerns promptly. We understand it can be difficult, but even small updates would help manage expectations. Especially when things are delayed, communication is key to preventing frustration.

• Community Engagement: Involve players in decision-making processes through surveys, feedback sessions, and open forums to ensure that changes align with community interests.

• Balanced Content Access: Avoid locking significant content behind paywalls and ensure that events and features are accessible to all players, bringing the community together, not dividing it.

• Replacing Removed Features: Instead of taking out features like the EXP Share Party Boost entirely, consider replacing them with equally exciting alternatives that players can look forward to, keeping the event engaging and rewarding for everyone.

 

We are all invested in this game and its future. By fostering a collaborative and transparent environment, we can work together to enhance Pokémon Revolution Online and restore the joy that has always been at its core. Let’s all join forces to create a better experience for everyone, regardless of their membership status. Together, we can make PRO a game that we can all be proud of.

Sincerely,
A Concerned Player

[Zeskyr]

Hello! Since you like AI, here is a perfect answer! 

 

Regarding your points : 

1 - Delay of the Valentine's Day Event and Lack of Communication

 

Concern: The delay of the Valentine’s Day event without clear communication left players frustrated and uncertain.

 

Counterpoint: While timely communication is ideal, it’s often better for developers to focus on delivering a polished, high-quality event rather than rushing to meet a deadline. Unexpected technical issues or last-minute bugs can arise, and addressing those behind the scenes prevents a buggy or incomplete experience. For example, games like Pokémon GO have delayed events but compensated players with extended event durations or extra bonuses, turning initial frustration into appreciation. Clearer communication would help, but prioritizing a better final product is a reasonable choice — especially for a small development team balancing many tasks.

 

2. Omission of EXP Share Party Boost in the Event

 

Concern: The removal of the EXP Share Party Boost made the event feel less rewarding.

 

Counterpoint: Removing the boost could be a way to preserve long-term balance. Constant EXP boosts during events might make regular gameplay feel sluggish and less rewarding in comparison. Instead of relying on temporary boosts, players are encouraged to explore other aspects of the event or use the opportunity to catch exclusive Pokémon. For example, World of Warcraft has event bonuses, but they rotate or change over time to keep the gameplay loop fresh — preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy progression system. If the devs removed the feature, they might be aiming for a more balanced event experience or experimenting with alternative forms of engagement.

 

3. The Litwick World Quest and Membership Concerns

 

Concern: Membership requirements for easier quest completion feel like a paywall, dividing the player base.

 

Counterpoint: Free-to-play games often rely on memberships or microtransactions to stay afloat, and optional perks for members are a common and fair way to reward those supporting the game financially. Memberships in PRO already provide value through increased rewards and convenience, so making certain quests easier for members aligns with that structure. However, the content isn’t entirely locked away — non-members still have access, albeit with more effort required. This model exists in many successful games (Runescape, for example) where members get enhanced experiences without completely excluding free players. It’s a way to keep the servers running and development active, not a malicious division tactic.

I will add that you could farm it without being membership. 

 

4. Perception of Decisions Aimed at Frustrating Players

 

Concern: Changes feel like they intentionally frustrate players, making the game less enjoyable.

 

Counterpoint: Balancing difficulty is a challenge for any game, and what feels frustrating to some players might feel rewarding to others. PRO is designed to be more challenging than official Pokémon games, appealing to players who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. The removal or adjustment of features might be to prevent exploits or encourage engagement with less-utilized mechanics. For instance, Dark Souls is famously difficult but beloved for its rewarding sense of achievement. Similarly, PRO’s difficulty curve may be a deliberate design choice to foster long-term player investment, making victories and progress feel genuinely earned.

 

Conclusion:

While it’s natural for players to feel frustrated by certain changes or delays, many of these decisions likely stem from a desire to maintain balance, reward player dedication, and ensure the game remains sustainable. Open communication and compromise can help, but the core philosophy behind these changes might be to create a more meaningful and lasting experience for the community — even if it involves short-term discomfort.

 

Hope you liked my ChatGpt use, tried to familiarize with you. 

Thank you for the time spent on this (2min ty AI)! 

 

Wish you a good day. 

A concerned Old member that lived in a PRO world where everything was harder! 

Enjoy your time . 

[Foodax14]

11 minutes ago, Zeskyr said:

Hello! Since you like AI, here is a perfect answer! 

 

Regarding your points : 

1 - Delay of the Valentine's Day Event and Lack of Communication

 

Concern: The delay of the Valentine’s Day event without clear communication left players frustrated and uncertain.

 

Counterpoint: While timely communication is ideal, it’s often better for developers to focus on delivering a polished, high-quality event rather than rushing to meet a deadline. Unexpected technical issues or last-minute bugs can arise, and addressing those behind the scenes prevents a buggy or incomplete experience. For example, games like Pokémon GO have delayed events but compensated players with extended event durations or extra bonuses, turning initial frustration into appreciation. Clearer communication would help, but prioritizing a better final product is a reasonable choice — especially for a small development team balancing many tasks.

 

2. Omission of EXP Share Party Boost in the Event

 

Concern: The removal of the EXP Share Party Boost made the event feel less rewarding.

 

Counterpoint: Removing the boost could be a way to preserve long-term balance. Constant EXP boosts during events might make regular gameplay feel sluggish and less rewarding in comparison. Instead of relying on temporary boosts, players are encouraged to explore other aspects of the event or use the opportunity to catch exclusive Pokémon. For example, World of Warcraft has event bonuses, but they rotate or change over time to keep the gameplay loop fresh — preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy progression system. If the devs removed the feature, they might be aiming for a more balanced event experience or experimenting with alternative forms of engagement.

 

3. The Litwick World Quest and Membership Concerns

 

Concern: Membership requirements for easier quest completion feel like a paywall, dividing the player base.

 

Counterpoint: Free-to-play games often rely on memberships or microtransactions to stay afloat, and optional perks for members are a common and fair way to reward those supporting the game financially. Memberships in PRO already provide value through increased rewards and convenience, so making certain quests easier for members aligns with that structure. However, the content isn’t entirely locked away — non-members still have access, albeit with more effort required. This model exists in many successful games (Runescape, for example) where members get enhanced experiences without completely excluding free players. It’s a way to keep the servers running and development active, not a malicious division tactic.

I will add that you could farm it without being membership. 

 

4. Perception of Decisions Aimed at Frustrating Players

 

Concern: Changes feel like they intentionally frustrate players, making the game less enjoyable.

 

Counterpoint: Balancing difficulty is a challenge for any game, and what feels frustrating to some players might feel rewarding to others. PRO is designed to be more challenging than official Pokémon games, appealing to players who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. The removal or adjustment of features might be to prevent exploits or encourage engagement with less-utilized mechanics. For instance, Dark Souls is famously difficult but beloved for its rewarding sense of achievement. Similarly, PRO’s difficulty curve may be a deliberate design choice to foster long-term player investment, making victories and progress feel genuinely earned.

 

Conclusion:

While it’s natural for players to feel frustrated by certain changes or delays, many of these decisions likely stem from a desire to maintain balance, reward player dedication, and ensure the game remains sustainable. Open communication and compromise can help, but the core philosophy behind these changes might be to create a more meaningful and lasting experience for the community — even if it involves short-term discomfort.

 

Hope you liked my ChatGpt use, tried to familiarize with you. 

Thank you for the time spent on this (2min ty AI)! 

 

Wish you a good day. 

A concerned Old member that lived in a PRO world where everything was harder! 

 

Enjoy your time . 

Hello,

I appreciate your response, but I feel that you haven’t directly addressed the concerns raised in the original post. Instead, you’ve simply provided general arguments that don’t really engage with the specifics of the issues. Let me break down why your points don’t quite hit the mark:

1. Delay of the Valentine's Day Event and Lack of Communication:
   You argue that delays are fine as long as the event is polished, but that misses the point. It’s not about the delay itself; it’s about the lack of communication regarding the delay. The core issue is the absence of updates—players were left in the dark, and that can easily lead to frustration. Even if the event had to be delayed, a simple update explaining the reason behind the delay could have avoided negative assumptions and helped maintain player morale. The devs don’t need to release every detail, but some transparency goes a long way.

2. Omission of EXP Share Party Boost:
   Your response suggests that removing the EXP Share Party Boost is a way to maintain long-term balance, but no explanation was provided for why it was removed in the first place. It feels like a decision made without consulting the community or offering alternatives. Instead of justifying the removal as a balancing act, why not consider replacing it with something equally rewarding for players? We understand the need for balance, but the absence of that boost left many players feeling like the event was a hollow experience. You haven't addressed that dissatisfaction, and that’s a key issue.

3. The Litwick World Quest and Membership Concerns:
   You’ve mentioned that memberships are essential for the game's financial sustainability, which is fair. But here’s the problem: locking meaningful content behind a paywall (especially if it’s the only way to access certain features like easier quest completion) divides the player base. Your counterpoint does not acknowledge the frustration this creates for players who don’t want to pay or can’t afford it. By making certain content easier for members, you're not just rewarding them, you're making others feel like second-class citizens. The idea that you can “still farm it without membership” doesn’t take into account the time and grind it takes. It shouldn’t be like this—it shouldn’t be a choice between paying or being left behind.

4. Perception of Decisions Aimed at Frustrating Players:
   You suggest that difficulty is part of the experience, and while that’s true to some extent, there’s a fine line between challenge and frustration. Your comparison to Dark Souls is misleading. Dark Souls is praised because its difficulty is intentional and rewarding. What’s happening in PRO is different—changes are being made without adequate explanation, and instead of enhancing the experience, they feel like artificial difficulty. When players feel alienated by constant changes without clear reasoning, it’s more likely to push them away than keep them engaged. Again, you haven’t addressed the emotional impact these changes have on the player base.

Finally, I’d like to point out that you seem to have missed the opportunity to use AI effectively. Instead of providing generic counterarguments that don’t address the actual concerns, a more detailed and thoughtful response would have been better. It’s not just about defending the devs; it’s about understanding and addressing the specific feedback that players are giving. If you’re going to use AI to make a point, try making it relevant to the conversation rather than regurgitating talking points.

Also, I’d like to make it clear that I’m not here to get into a childish argument, as that only encourages further division within the community. I was simply voicing the general concerns of the player base in a constructive manner. The point is to engage in a discussion that brings us closer to a solution, not further apart.

 

Other than that, it seems you might actually agree with some of my points, though the way you’ve framed them doesn’t entirely acknowledge the deeper issues at hand.

In summary, your response sidesteps the issues and doesn't engage with the key concerns raised. A better approach would involve understanding the frustrations of the community, acknowledging the specific concerns, and offering solutions, not just rationalizations.

I hope this helps in refining your perspective on how to engage more meaningfully with the community.

Regards,
A Concerned Player

[Epithet]

Hello @Foodax14.

 

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We value our community and their concerns. I would have loved it if you didn't use AI to generate most of this though.

I will also say that these are your concerns. While you are a member of the community, there are many who do not share these concerns. I will be addressing you as an individual, not as a representative of the community.

Regardless, I will try to address all your concerns in the order you've listed them. 

 

1. Valentine's Event.

While I can see why there was much frustration over the event's starting time, there was communication as to why the delays were happening. First off, the initial announcement that had a date in regard to Valentine's Day was on the 12th of November, 2024. In it, Walross gave an ETA for the Valentine's Day client update. 

Spoiler

It is very important to note that the client update and the event release are not the same thing. Many players believe the client update means the event will be released, but that is not the case. The client is within the power of Devs, while events are the responsibility of the Content Scripter team. As with any game, unexpected delays can happen, and we hope players can understand accept that.

Moving on, the 31st of January, when the client update was intended to release, there was an announcement saying it would be delayed due to unforeseen issues.

Spoiler

Then, on the 10th of February, another announcement on the status of the client.

Spoiler

 Finally, on the 20th of February, the last announcement in relation to the client before it's release.

Spoiler

 

Then, the Valentine's Day client and event were released on the 22nd, which was a day later than the scheduled Friday. Let's tally it up. Nov 12th, Jan 31st, Feb 10th, Feb 16th, Feb 20th. That's more or less a week for each announcement. Personally, I find that to be plenty of communication. Perhaps it is not enough for you and others, but there was communication.

 

2. Party Exp. Share

Traditionally, Party Exp. Share has not been a part of events. It is only in recent years, after the Exp. Rework that this has been activated during events.

Additionally, there have been events in the past when the Party Exp. Share was not immediately available alongside the event release, such as Christmas 2023. During the 2023 Christmas event, the Party Exp. Share was not activated until the 22nd of December, 2023, despite the event beginning on the 1st of December, 2023. On top of that, the Valentine's Day event for 2024 did not feature the Party Exp. Share at all. All of this is to say that the Party Exp. Share is not always activated at the beginning of an event nor is it always activated for every event.

I do understand it's very convenient to have it active, but it's not something unprecedented. 

 

3. Litwick WQ and MS

I believe we have some common ground on this one. However, I must point out that World Quests are somewhat end-game content, when players are starting to catch legendary Pokémon and completing their Pokédex. Therefore, it is no absurd to have some World Quests less accessible than others. This particular one saw the tasked Pokémon, Litwick, have two Membership-only spawns, while the non-Membership spawn is in Crater Town, which requires Kyurem Quest and Zekrom quest to be finished, in addition to the seen data for all of Gen 5 Pokémon. It certainly is a rather difficult one for newer players, but then again, World Quests aren't made for newer players. And for old players that didn't have that area unlocked or didn't have MS, perhaps it may serve as motivation to get those quests done and areas unlocked. Plus, as it was announced, there will be a second World Quest after this Litwick one. Perhaps this one will be more accessible, so we'll have to wait and see.

Now, for the issue of Membership. There is zero content locked behind paywalls. Any free-to-play player can purchase Membership from another player without having to spend any real-life money. We do depend on players' donations to keep the servers running, but every player is able to get Membership without donating a dime. There is even the Battle Bot boss that will reward the player with a 15-day Membership after defeating it 3 consecutive times. Nothing is being gatekept through donations. It is the choice of the player whether they want to and can afford to donate, and we appreciate every one that is able to and does donate.

 

4. Decisions

Honestly, I have no idea what you're referring to here. There have been so many updates lately that have made the game better and more fun. For example, PvP chests are a recent addition that has revitalized the PvP scene and brought on players that had never shown interest in PvP before. Another recent one is the update to Gen 9 mechanics, which is a huge step forward. Obviously, it was not all done at once, but Rome wasn't built in a day. All in all, I am struggling to understand the point you are making here without any clear examples of what you're describing.

 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, we strive to make an enjoyable game for the majority of our players, but it is impossible for us to please everyone. There will always be players who disagree with whatever direction we take or decision we make. Furthermore, players tend to prioritize their personal gain over the health and stability of the game, which is something I completely understand, but it can cloud judgement.

Another point I'd like to bring up is the difference in how older players (I will classify 2020 and earlier as older players) view the game compared to relatively newer players (2021-present). Older players remember how the game used to be, full of bugs, constant crashes, missing key features that are now taken for granted. Those same old players understand how far the game has come and are more willing to understand when there are setbacks or delays to updates.

Whereas newer players find it harder to appreciate these elements because it's what they know. Point being, older players tend to see the ups more often than not because they can remember the lows of days old. This doesn't mean newer players are incapable of doing the same, it's just harder.

I hate to be that "back in my day" guy, but I think it's an important point to highlight. 

 

More importantly, Staff put an unbelievable amount of time, effort, and feelings into the game--both the Content and Moderation sides--often times with no real benefits. None of us get paid for the work we do; it is done purely out of love for the game. There's a lot of stress involved from just the day-to-day duties to the unkind words of some players.

For some, it has become like a second job due to how much dedication they have. We want to provide a good, clean, and fun game to the players. Sometimes we get it wrong, we are only human after all. Ultimately, I think it's about perspective and respect, both ways. 

 

I hope I have addressed every question and concern you have. If I have missed one, please let me know.

 

[Foodax14]

7 hours ago, Epithet said:

Hello @Foodax14.

 

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We value our community and their concerns. I would have loved it if you didn't use AI to generate most of this though.

I will also say that these are your concerns. While you are a member of the community, there are many who do not share these concerns. I will be addressing you as an individual, not as a representative of the community.

Regardless, I will try to address all your concerns in the order you've listed them. 

 

1. Valentine's Event.

While I can see why there was much frustration over the event's starting time, there was communication as to why the delays were happening. First off, the initial announcement that had a date in regard to Valentine's Day was on the 12th of November, 2024. In it, Walross gave an ETA for the Valentine's Day client update. 

  Hide contents

It is very important to note that the client update and the event release are not the same thing. Many players believe the client update means the event will be released, but that is not the case. The client is within the power of Devs, while events are the responsibility of the Content Scripter team. As with any game, unexpected delays can happen, and we hope players can understand accept that.

Moving on, the 31st of January, when the client update was intended to release, there was an announcement saying it would be delayed due to unforeseen issues.

  Hide contents

Then, on the 10th of February, another announcement on the status of the client.

  Hide contents

 Finally, on the 20th of February, the last announcement in relation to the client before it's release.

  Hide contents

 

Then, the Valentine's Day client and event were released on the 22nd, which was a day later than the scheduled Friday. Let's tally it up. Nov 12th, Jan 31st, Feb 10th, Feb 16th, Feb 20th. That's more or less a week for each announcement. Personally, I find that to be plenty of communication. Perhaps it is not enough for you and others, but there was communication.

 

2. Party Exp. Share

Traditionally, Party Exp. Share has not been a part of events. It is only in recent years, after the Exp. Rework that this has been activated during events.

Additionally, there have been events in the past when the Party Exp. Share was not immediately available alongside the event release, such as Christmas 2023. During the 2023 Christmas event, the Party Exp. Share was not activated until the 22nd of December, 2023, despite the event beginning on the 1st of December, 2023. On top of that, the Valentine's Day event for 2024 did not feature the Party Exp. Share at all. All of this is to say that the Party Exp. Share is not always activated at the beginning of an event nor is it always activated for every event.

I do understand it's very convenient to have it active, but it's not something unprecedented. 

 

3. Litwick WQ and MS

I believe we have some common ground on this one. However, I must point out that World Quests are somewhat end-game content, when players are starting to catch legendary Pokémon and completing their Pokédex. Therefore, it is no absurd to have some World Quests less accessible than others. This particular one saw the tasked Pokémon, Litwick, have two Membership-only spawns, while the non-Membership spawn is in Crater Town, which requires Kyurem Quest and Zekrom quest to be finished, in addition to the seen data for all of Gen 5 Pokémon. It certainly is a rather difficult one for newer players, but then again, World Quests aren't made for newer players. And for old players that didn't have that area unlocked or didn't have MS, perhaps it may serve as motivation to get those quests done and areas unlocked. Plus, as it was announced, there will be a second World Quest after this Litwick one. Perhaps this one will be more accessible, so we'll have to wait and see.

Now, for the issue of Membership. There is zero content locked behind paywalls. Any free-to-play player can purchase Membership from another player without having to spend any real-life money. We do depend on players' donations to keep the servers running, but every player is able to get Membership without donating a dime. There is even the Battle Bot boss that will reward the player with a 15-day Membership after defeating it 3 consecutive times. Nothing is being gatekept through donations. It is the choice of the player whether they want to and can afford to donate, and we appreciate every one that is able to and does donate.

 

4. Decisions

Honestly, I have no idea what you're referring to here. There have been so many updates lately that have made the game better and more fun. For example, PvP chests are a recent addition that has revitalized the PvP scene and brought on players that had never shown interest in PvP before. Another recent one is the update to Gen 9 mechanics, which is a huge step forward. Obviously, it was not all done at once, but Rome wasn't built in a day. All in all, I am struggling to understand the point you are making here without any clear examples of what you're describing.

 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, we strive to make an enjoyable game for the majority of our players, but it is impossible for us to please everyone. There will always be players who disagree with whatever direction we take or decision we make. Furthermore, players tend to prioritize their personal gain over the health and stability of the game, which is something I completely understand, but it can cloud judgement.

Another point I'd like to bring up is the difference in how older players (I will classify 2020 and earlier as older players) view the game compared to relatively newer players (2021-present). Older players remember how the game used to be, full of bugs, constant crashes, missing key features that are now taken for granted. Those same old players understand how far the game has come and are more willing to understand when there are setbacks or delays to updates.

Whereas newer players find it harder to appreciate these elements because it's what they know. Point being, older players tend to see the ups more often than not because they can remember the lows of days old. This doesn't mean newer players are incapable of doing the same, it's just harder.

I hate to be that "back in my day" guy, but I think it's an important point to highlight. 

 

More importantly, Staff put an unbelievable amount of time, effort, and feelings into the game--both the Content and Moderation sides--often times with no real benefits. None of us get paid for the work we do; it is done purely out of love for the game. There's a lot of stress involved from just the day-to-day duties to the unkind words of some players.

For some, it has become like a second job due to how much dedication they have. We want to provide a good, clean, and fun game to the players. Sometimes we get it wrong, we are only human after all. Ultimately, I think it's about perspective and respect, both ways. 

 

I hope I have addressed every question and concern you have. If I have missed one, please let me know.

 

Hello,

Thanks for your reply. However, I still have some points I'd like to clarify.

 

First off, I’m genuinely curious why you feel I shouldn’t have used AI to express my concerns. English is not my first language, and using a tool to help me communicate clearly, avoid mistakes, and make my points logically is just practical. It’s not about replacing my thoughts, but making sure my message comes across effectively. I don’t quite understand what the issue is with that. Would you rather I made unclear points or struggled with language barriers?

 

Regarding the EXP Share Party Boost—while you acknowledged its removal, you didn’t address the community’s frustration with it. The absence of this feature left a lot of players disappointed and there wasn’t any replacement or even an explanation given. It wasn’t just a minor detail—it’s something many players expect during events (at least lately), and its removal without any compensation feels like a missed opportunity. I think it would’ve been helpful to provide an alternative that still kept the event rewarding. Have you considered looking at the community chats? The frustration is palpable there, and I think it’s important for the dev team to understand just how upset many players are.

 

On the communication front, clear communication about event ETAs is crucial. While you did warn us about the Valentine's Day client, many players were confused by the distinction between the client update and the actual event release. The difference between the two wasn’t clearly communicated to all, and as a result, some players were waiting for the event for about three weeks without a clear understanding of what was going on. This confusion issue was further highlighted yesterday, when players waited for over an hour for the World Quest to start, only for it to be canceled without prior notice. Yes, updates were shared on Discord, but not all players use Discord, which creates a significant gap in how information is shared. Players shouldn’t be left guessing or waiting for something that isn’t happening. The lack of consistent and transparent communication led to unnecessary frustration, which could have been avoided with clearer messaging across all channels.

 

Regarding your comments on older players and newer players—I started playing in 2018, so I’m not exactly a "new player," and I don’t think this perspective shift fully applies to the situation at hand. I agree that the game has improved over time, but that doesn’t mean current issues should be ignored. The main issue here is that the community is upset, and brushing it off won’t fix that. Instead of repeating what has already been said, I’d hope for more meaningful engagement on how to address these concerns.

 

One more point—regarding the PvP chests. While I understand the desire to promote PvP, it’s important to recognize that many players simply don’t care about PvP. Forcing a focus on PvP mechanics at the expense of other aspects of the game isn’t necessarily beneficial for everyone. The changes to PvP might have revitalized that part of the game, but it’s also pushed a lot of players away who feel their preferred aspects of the game are being ignored. Shifting too much focus on PvP at the expense of other areas might cause frustration and lead to losing players, which is something that could be avoided with more balance.

 

I also want to address the issue of donations. You mentioned that the game depends on donations to keep the servers running. If we lose players due to dissatisfaction with recent changes, that will directly affect the amount of donations the game receives. Losing players over features and decisions that feel like they cater to a smaller audience could result in fewer donations, ultimately hurting the long-term sustainability of the game. Keeping the community happy and engaged is key, as that will lead to continued support. The focus should be on ensuring the game remains enjoyable for all players so that they continue to support it financially.

 

It’s disappointing that the dev team isn’t willing to admit there are issues and at least discuss potential fixes. While I recognize the hard work that goes into this game, ignoring the frustration of the player base isn’t going to help the game thrive long-term. Constructive feedback is key, and it seems like the community’s concerns and division haven’t been properly addressed yet. As I do agree with some of the decisions made by the development team, my concern goes beyond just personal opinions.

 

Thanks again for your time. I hope this provides a clearer picture of where the frustrations lie, and I believe taking these concerns seriously is crucial to the game’s success.

Regards

[Foodax14]

Also, I forgot to mention regarding the World Quest:

I think this type of planned quest, which involves teamwork from the entire community, should be inclusive for everyone, not just restricted to end-game content. It's fine to have end-game content like PvP chests and dungeons, but when you schedule an event for everyone and then exclude a portion of the player base, it’s normal for some players to be frustrated.

[Mysticwind]

Maybe I'm wrong but Eaty speak about EXP boost during Valentine event 2024 and say it will not be every events.

+There was a lot of new players saying it was too easy for the game during event season and asked for an option to remove it to EXP like normal during events. 

About the Valentine delay even if I agree it's annoying but compared to the previous year (Summer event 2023) we got some updates about delay while in summer 2023 we didnt and delayed a lot.

MS pokemon is annoying for some pokemon yes (Larvesta/Aegislash etc..) but if you want to support game and get access to early pokemon in game that you like it's fine, a lot of pokemon have a non-ms spawn in game.