Pokemon TCG Pocket appears to have found an effective way to combat leakers and dataminers, potentially preventing future leaks. Over the past year, DeNA's Pokemon TCG Pocket has suffered several major leaks, many stemming from security breaches within the app.
Before the release of Pokemon TCG Pocket's A4 set, for example, datamined information suggested it might be themed around Pokemon Gold and Silver. This proved accurate when the expansion was officially revealed, featuring Lugia and Ho-Oh as the main cards. The A4 set wasn't the only instance of a leak, which appears to have prompted developer DeNA to take action.
Pokemon TCG Pocket Handled Controversy in the Best Way Possible
DeNA’s response to the recent Pokemon TCG Pocket controversy is a masterclass in handling a crisis, and other developers might want to take note.
There May Be Fewer Pokemon TCG Pocket Leaks in the Future
Revealed by one of Pokemon TCG Pocket's most prominent leakers, known as CRanAYo, developer DeNA has changed "News leak paths," which could lead to far fewer spoilers in the future. It's unclear whether leakers and dataminers like CRanAYo will continue finding ways to access information about unreleased Pokemon TCG Pocket content. Still, news of the developer's new approach has been received well by the community, with many expressing frustration over previous leaks, which they feel have taken the surprise out of the game.
The only problem, some have noted, is that most of Pokemon TCG Pocket's expansion leaks have come from official sources. In other words, fans believe DeNA should also focus on better coordinating the game's social media and press teams, as some of the biggest leaks occurred when an official account posted a video, image, or ad early. A recent example is Pokemon TCG Pocket's October leak, which revealed the upcoming expansion's name and some details. This leak came from images reportedly posted on the game's official website, rather than through datamining. Earlier, another official source accidentally posted the full teaser trailer for September's Deluxe Pack EX set early, revealing many of its featured Pokemon.
It remains to be seen whether DeNA's recent changes will actually prevent future Pokemon TCG Pocket leaks, but it is clear that the developer is aware of the issue and eager to address it. The urgency is likely heightened by Pokemon TCG Pocket's declining revenue and player count, which many see as a pressing concern. And the new, stricter approach to tackling leakers seems to be part of a broader effort to protect the digital trading card game's reputation. Fans know the game relies heavily on hype for upcoming sets, and leaks can easily undermine that anticipation.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
