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Pokémon GO

Epic

Niantic · Niantic · 2016

Free to PlayRated EOnline required189h played
ARRPG

Design Risk Score

Verified data

55/100

6 concern patterns detected

Monetization26pts
Manipulation12pts
Compulsion17pts

Joy Index

56/100

Good

Community score: 72/100
Joy reflects genuine enjoyment after accounting for design risk.

Verdict

Caution

Proceed with caution

Significant aggressive monetisation design is present. Set firm spending and time limits before playing.

Recommended Actions

  • Set a hard spending limit before launching
  • Use parental controls if playing with minors
  • Track your playtime weekly

Detected Design Patterns

Daily Login Hook

Rewards tuned to make you log in every day regardless of genuine desire to play.

Energy System

Artificial play limits create urgency and pressure to return or pay to continue.

FOMO Pressure

Time-limited content creates fear of missing out, driving compulsive engagement.

Gacha Loop

Variable reward schedules exploit gambling psychology to keep players spending.

Learn about these patterns in the Pattern Registry →

Why this score

Verified data
  • Gacha System+15

    Randomised paid pulls — gambling-like mechanics, cosmetic outcomes.

  • FOMO Events+12

    Time-limited content tied to spending pressure.

  • Energy System+12

    Artificial play limits pressure you to wait or pay to continue.

  • Microtransactions+6

    In-game purchases sells time-savers/convenience, not power.

  • Season Pass+5

    A season pass sells time-savers/convenience, not power.

  • Daily Login Bonus+5

    Daily rewards nudge habitual logins regardless of genuine desire.

Points reflect severity, not just presence — cosmetic-only purchases score far lower than pay-for-power. Total: 55/100.