Niantic has sparked outrage with the release of its GO Pass Deluxe: Max Finale, priced between €16.49 and €27.99 depending on the tier. The event, which runs from August 18 to August 24, offers limited rewards for a relatively short window of gameplay, leaving many fans questioning whether the price tag is justified.
A Steep Cost for Limited Gameplay
For a pass that lasts less than a week, the highest-priced bundle costs nearly the same as a full retail game or multiple months of subscription services elsewhere. While the Deluxe pass provides bonus encounters, extra items, and cosmetic rewards, many players feel the content does not warrant such a significant cost—especially given Pokémon GO’s history of technical issues during special events.
Concerns for Younger Players
A major point of contention is how the pricing model impacts Pokémon GO’s younger audience. Expecting children or teenagers to spend over €20 on a short event is seen as unfair, with many parents and community members calling the system exploitative. Critics argue that the game leverages fear of missing out (FOMO) to pressure players into purchasing, regardless of age or financial situation.
Community Backlash
Social platforms and fan communities are filled with complaints about the event pass. Some players have labeled Niantic’s strategy as predatory monetization, accusing the company of “praying on the innocent” by pushing costly, short-term content. Calls for boycotts and warnings against purchasing the pass are spreading, as fans urge others not to support this pricing model.
Conclusion
The €25 event pass has reignited concerns about Pokémon GO’s monetization practices. Once celebrated for its community-driven gameplay, the game now risks alienating its player base by prioritizing aggressive pricing strategies. Unless Niantic addresses these concerns, trust in the long-running title may continue to erode.
