Pokemon GO recent decision to exclude some of its veteran players from joining in on the festivities, for its anniversary has taken many by surprise. The popular mobile game, famous for its use of reality and encouraging players to venture out into the world has caused confusion by not allowing access to the shiny Celebi event for those who completed the “Distracted By Something Shiny” Special Research task back in 2020.
The anniversary celebration, named “Pokemon GOs 8th Anniversary Party ” comes with a variety of perks and bonuses such as encounters with Meltan without requiring a Mystery Box creatures adorned with party hats and time limited research tasks. However the highlight of the event is the $5 Masterwork Research called “Whispers in the Woods ” which grants players a Celebi along with a host of, in game rewards.
Veteran Players Left Out in the Cold
Despite the rewards and the affordable price of the Masterwork Research Pokemon GO has chosen to block players who finished the 2020 Special Research quest, from buying a ticket. The option to purchase the ticket is grayed out in the shop along with a message indicating that the player either already possesses a ticket or has completed research that makes them ineligible, for buying another one.
The official event blog confirms this limitation in a side note mentioning that trainers who finished the “Distracted by Something Shiny” Special Research storyline won’t have access to purchase the Masterwork Research storyline. This choice has caused frustration among Pokemon GO players who feel left out of this celebratory occasion.
