Oh man, I loved video game instruction manuals. This probably says something about me, but I loved them even when I knew what was going on - I can’t tell you how many times I read & reread the Halo one, for the lore & the description of the weapons (even though I knew it all). CD inserts were another joy for me. As you say, the shift from physical to digital media really hits hard on those fronts. I hate not feeling like I own stuff anymore (and that being true, especially with music).
Re: Pokemon Go & instructions, yes, it’s terrible. It’s no wonder that only a small % of players are interested in battling when zero information/help is provided to them. It’s so bizarre how reliant you are on other players giving you information on the basic mechanics of the game. I feel like I see something like “how does my opponent get to moves quicker than me?” or similar so often.
Unfortunately, there’s no way they add anything now.
We're evidently cut from the same cloth re instruction manuals, ha ha. Regarding both the physical experience and the question of ownership of purchased media, it does feel like something is lost. You mention music, and while this is somewhat of a separate conversation, that Spotify can get away with only giving artists pennies on the dollar is tantamount to theft. Not exactly encouraging stuff.
On Pokémon GO, oh yeah, there's no chance they improve things now re instructions. As usual, the thing you can count on is that you can't count on Niantic.
Totally agree haha. I always thought it was funny when I would get a recommended team because I thought, "aren't certain types better against other types? YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE HOW CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANYTHING" but I guess trying to have a balanced attack or whatever makes sense haha. Friggin battles
I don't know exactly what goes into the recommended teams. Does it take into account team balance? I don't think it does. Seemingly, the only qualifiers are CP and whether a Pokémon is eligible. Potentially, you'll be getting a Pokémon that is underpowered, has only one Charged Attack, has the wrong moves, or all of the above. It's why using a recommended party is known colloquially as "Autorekt," and it's why you'd only want to do it as an exhibition or if you truly don't care about performance.
If you're ever interested in learning how to battle, I'll point to resources and offer suggestions. For your sake, I kind of hope you aren't, LOL, but if you're like me and you're bored with every other game mode or don't want to commit money to PoGO, the alternating joy and frustration I alluded to earlier is on the table.
I don't know that the lack of instruction encourages monetary investment. GO Battle League isn't a real money generator. Some people who spend untold sums on Raids do turn around and play Master League, but a lot of Trainers just do them for the Shiny chance or to try to get a better version. On that note, I can see why Niantic might not invest in GBL, though I don't know why you would risk the bad publicity by having it suck. Also, if you can hook people by way of GBL, they might be more willing to spend on other facets of the game or recommend PoGO to a friend. That's the sort of "unseen" value which I think the company overlooks.
As for the instruction aspect, yeah, dunno if it's laziness, that they can't be bothered to understand their own game, or a bit of both. We know GBL in particular isn't a priority, but at least go through the motions, eh?
Oh man, I loved video game instruction manuals. This probably says something about me, but I loved them even when I knew what was going on - I can’t tell you how many times I read & reread the Halo one, for the lore & the description of the weapons (even though I knew it all). CD inserts were another joy for me. As you say, the shift from physical to digital media really hits hard on those fronts. I hate not feeling like I own stuff anymore (and that being true, especially with music).
Re: Pokemon Go & instructions, yes, it’s terrible. It’s no wonder that only a small % of players are interested in battling when zero information/help is provided to them. It’s so bizarre how reliant you are on other players giving you information on the basic mechanics of the game. I feel like I see something like “how does my opponent get to moves quicker than me?” or similar so often.
Unfortunately, there’s no way they add anything now.
We're evidently cut from the same cloth re instruction manuals, ha ha. Regarding both the physical experience and the question of ownership of purchased media, it does feel like something is lost. You mention music, and while this is somewhat of a separate conversation, that Spotify can get away with only giving artists pennies on the dollar is tantamount to theft. Not exactly encouraging stuff.
On Pokémon GO, oh yeah, there's no chance they improve things now re instructions. As usual, the thing you can count on is that you can't count on Niantic.
Yeah, Spotify are awful. It has basically resulted in me not listening to as much music now, which is kinda sad.
Totally agree haha. I always thought it was funny when I would get a recommended team because I thought, "aren't certain types better against other types? YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE HOW CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANYTHING" but I guess trying to have a balanced attack or whatever makes sense haha. Friggin battles
I don't know exactly what goes into the recommended teams. Does it take into account team balance? I don't think it does. Seemingly, the only qualifiers are CP and whether a Pokémon is eligible. Potentially, you'll be getting a Pokémon that is underpowered, has only one Charged Attack, has the wrong moves, or all of the above. It's why using a recommended party is known colloquially as "Autorekt," and it's why you'd only want to do it as an exhibition or if you truly don't care about performance.
If you're ever interested in learning how to battle, I'll point to resources and offer suggestions. For your sake, I kind of hope you aren't, LOL, but if you're like me and you're bored with every other game mode or don't want to commit money to PoGO, the alternating joy and frustration I alluded to earlier is on the table.
I just may take you up on that one day. For now I have enough frustration (and Balatro) taking up my time haha
Lack of instruction is just lazy on the part of poko go. It also blatantly encourages monetary investment. Why not instructions?
I don't know that the lack of instruction encourages monetary investment. GO Battle League isn't a real money generator. Some people who spend untold sums on Raids do turn around and play Master League, but a lot of Trainers just do them for the Shiny chance or to try to get a better version. On that note, I can see why Niantic might not invest in GBL, though I don't know why you would risk the bad publicity by having it suck. Also, if you can hook people by way of GBL, they might be more willing to spend on other facets of the game or recommend PoGO to a friend. That's the sort of "unseen" value which I think the company overlooks.
As for the instruction aspect, yeah, dunno if it's laziness, that they can't be bothered to understand their own game, or a bit of both. We know GBL in particular isn't a priority, but at least go through the motions, eh?