Multiple Pokemon GO sub reddits have reported that the new version of the app contains code references to a variety of new features. These features range from new Incense types to Trading explained. However, the most interesting references are the ones mentioning Legendary Pokemon.
No references of Pokemon GO Trainer battles or Generation 2 have been found, but it comes as no surprise. We previously discussed potential Release Dates and development efforts for Trading, Battles and Gen 2 and Trading is the most likely candidate for early release.
Here is a complete chart of newly discovered code references, but be aware that almost all of them are placeholders (no implementation) at the moment:
INCENSE | Item_incense_cool Item_incense_floral |
CATCHING POKÉMON | Activity_catch_pokemon Activity_catch_legend_pokemon |
TRADING | Trade_search Trade_offer Trade_response Trade_result |
Pokemon GO Trading hints
Judging by the reference names, Pokemon GO Trade could be implemented as an online marketplace.
Trade_search clearly denotes players ability to actively search for available trades. Whether the search happens online or in an area near the player is questionable.
Trade_offer and Trade_response accompany the search functionality Players will most likely be able to create a trade offer and receive multiple potential trade responses. We believe that the Trade system will be “offer first” based. Players will be able to navigate through Offers and create their Responses. The trader will be able to accept a response and finalize the Trade.
These reference names also hint at a system that enables players to trade various items – not only Pokemon.
Trade_result clearly states an outcome of a Trade response. We speculate that the Trade Result will carry information about the Offer and accepted Response, making it easy for Niantic’s backend to process the trade.
The code references show clever game design choices. Having a marketplace with Trading Offers and players competing with Responses could drastically increase player engagement and create a mini game on it’s own. We’ve seen the same game design pattern used to great extent elsewhere: World of Warcraft and Diablo Auction Houses, Eve Online trading, etc.
Legendary Pokemon Catch Activity
Just one of the code references mentions Legendary Pokemon – activity_catch_legend_pokemon. We were surprised to see any references to Legendary Pokemon, but obviously Niantic is coming closer and closer to releasing them.
By the looks of it catching Zaptos, Moltres, Articuno, Mew and Mew Two could be a different type of encounter. We suspect these encounters will be special in a variety of ways, but the likelihood is that catching Legendary Pokemon will require Master Balls.
Why Niantic chose to introduce a new code reference and not reuse the old activity_catch_pokemon remains a mystery.
New Incense Types – Spicy, Cool and Floral
Unsurprisingly, new Incense types are mentioned in the code base. We are not moved by this discovery as Incense and similar Store items are direct revenue streams for the developers.
It makes a lot of sense to introduce a variety of purchasable Store items while the game is still maturing.
The new code names hint at various Incense types:
- Item_incense_spicy for attracting Fire (and Electric?) Pokemon
- Item_incense_cool for attracting Water and Ice Pokemon
- Item_incense_floral for attracting Grass and Bug Pokemon
We are hoping to see these items soon and have a chance to play around with them.