Pokémon TCG Pocket issues warning against real money trades and data tampering 

An official warning has been issued for Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket regarding measures that will be taken against inappropriate user behavior on the app. This proceeded the popular mobile game’s implementation of its new trade feature. 

In the warning sent to users through the app, The Pokémon Company stated that they have confirmed that some players have been engaging in behavior such as tampering with data and real-money trades (as reported by ITMedia). The publisher states that it will take measures against behavior that violates the Terms of Use, such as issuing warnings and suspending accounts, to maintain the app’s safe and fun atmosphere. The warning ended with a reminder to players to read the ToU. 

Pokémon TCG Pocket launched on mobile platforms last October. Since then, the title has racked up over 60 million downloads across 150 countries, doing particularly well in Japan in terms of in-app purchases. It has been so successful that co-developer DeNA expects virtual currency spending in their games to triple this fiscal year, thanks mainly to players shelling out for in-game booster packs. 

However, as with real-life Pokémon cards, the virtual rare cards in Pokémon TGC Pocket are also becoming highly sought-after by players. This creates a breeding ground for players to either manipulate data and/or attempt to sell rare cards for real money, both of which go against the game’s Terms of Use. Other ToU-breaking behavior includes users on social media platforms trying to sell Pokémon TGC Pocket accounts with rare EX cards and other items (such posts and sites can be found in various languages).  

Real Pokémon cards are already reportedly being used for criminal purposes, and with this warning it seems like Pokémon TGC Pocket’s operators are trying to crackdown not only on prospective revenue loss, but also potential scams. 

Incidentally, Pokémon TGC Pocket added an update on January 28 that allows friends to trade cards of the same rarity using Trade Tokens. This will give players a way to swap their cards in-game without violating the ToU.