The Spring event for criticism for updates to Incense mechanics, but even in the face of this controversy, it continues to add new features to the game.
Pokémon GO's reputation has not been at its best in recent weeks. The original changes to Incense, implemented to facilitate at-home play in the face of COVID-19, also made the game much more accessible to those with disabilities. The reversion of those alterations, intended to return the game to its exercise-based origins, has drawn heavy criticism for effectively lowering accessibility. In addition to this, Niantic has also come under fire for halving Pokémon GO's Community Days from six hours (another response to COVID) back to the original three. Despite the negativity, game director Michael Steranka has remained firm on the situation, emphasizing Pokémon GO's goals of promoting fitness and socialization in a recent interview.
But in more positive news, fans will be happy to learn that Pokémon GO's Spring event, Spring into Spring, has now been officially announced by Niantic on Tapu Lele in the Lush Jungle event.
Also beginning on April 12, players will be able to complete Special Research lines which relate to the various islands of the Alola region. These lines will be available to collect until the end of the spring season on June 1. Updates for Pokémon GO have been heavily focused on the addition of Alola-based content over the last few months. This includes the previous introduction of the generation 7 starters as wild Pokémon, as well as other early-game Pokémon like Pipipek and Yungoos. The trend is also set to continue for some time to come, beginning with the introduction of Stufful in the April Community Day, which is scheduled for April 23.
Despite Pokémon GO's recent troubles with its fanbase, the new Spring event seems likely to prove popular with fans. The introduction of a new legendary is always worth some fanfare, and the limited time availability of flower crown-wearing Pokémon is similarly sure to attract a number of interested trainers. Pokémon GO is well known for its frequent free updates and events, many of which add new content and Pokémon to the game. The next few major events, including Spring into Spring, are likely to be particularly exciting for fans in the lead up to this summer's Pokémon GO Fest 2022, which will feature both global and in-person participation.
Source: Pokémon GO
