Pokemon GO Battle League: My Honest Opinion on this New In-Game Feature

Tournaments: 

How Will the In-Game PVP League Change Their Turnouts 

Since player vs. player was released in Pokemon GO, there has been a trend I have seen whilst participating in local tournaments.  Having played Pokemon since my early childhood, I loved the idea of using the Pokemon I caught while out hunting in the "real world" for battle.  This added a new dynamic to the game that several YouTube creators jumped on, showing their knowledge for how each league, and the Pokemon you could use in them, measure up.   Now, someone will say that my experiences and opinion don't measure up because I have only competed in two local tournies.  Well, both times, the teams were all pretty much the same for each competitor besides myself, and one other.  Anytime someone got me as a match, they had to take a minute to figure out a counter.  That is why I like that the GO League because it is blind, random, and free-style.  People may also say that it takes zero skill compared to a tourney, but, you still need basic knowledge of counters for the "meta" Pokemon most players have been using.  Silph Tournaments will always be around as long as the actual company puts out different "cups" each month.  Now, if people participate, that is another story. 

Matchups:

Where is the Variety?

Where there is competition, there are those who only want to win.  This may also be another unpopular opinion of mine, but it is just my opinion.  My record so far with the GO League today, as January 31st, is 18 wins and 22 losses.  Most matches were close losses, but some I just chose the wrong Pokemon for what my challenger had.  I try to not rely on the "meta" and use other Pokemon with double typing.  I find it more fun to use odd balls than to use whatever one else is using.  Sure I get upset when I lose, but, I am learning more and more which each battle I enter.  Growth is always the key to becoming better, no matter what it involves. 

Glitches:

New Feature Adding New Issues

We all know of the gym disappearing glitch and that trainer battles are freezing, but, how much can we blame a loss on those so called "glitches."  Sometimes I do feel that people use excuses for when they lose or only battle for a reward.  Where is the friendly practice or actually having a conversation with someone other than using them for a win towards a badge or prize? Also, if you aren't legitimately walking to earn your Adventure Sync kilometers or the 15 kilometers for battle, shame on you.  I, personally, have always played on foot and get mad when people FINALLY decide they need to walk to earn something, which triggers me.  What have you been doing this whole time, otherwise? And yes, some people live in places where "adventuring" isn't easy or they are unable.  There are no excuses for the people who don't have good excuses and are able-bodied.  It drives me crazy because I will push my physical limits to accomplish goals, get my Pokemon buddy "excited," or earn my 15 kilometers for my 15 battles.   That's my prerogative and no one is telling me how to play my game and I am not telling anyone how to play theirs.  I won't stand for liars saying they do one thing when I know they do another.  I call b.s., b.s., when I see it.  Once again, my opinion is my opinion and we, as humans, don't have to agree.

Making Players "GO"

Is Niantic Wrong for Placing "Pay" or "Play" Walls?

Having options available for those players who want more rewards from the battle system, isn't necessarily a bad thing.  People will only see that as a way for them to make a quick buck, which it is when you look at it, but, it is only an "option."  Placing a "5 km for 5 battles" play feature may seem like a lot to some, also.  Step back a minute and look at the overall idea that is Pokemon GO.  What was it designed for?  What was their aim for this type of game?  I loved when "Adventure Sync" was added because I was already using Pokemon GO, and even Wizards Unite, as a way to be outside and also as exercise.  At the time, I was getting over a sports-related injury so I didn't step inside the gym but wanted to stay active.  The "weekly" Adventure Sync rewards helped me to set goals plus enticed me to walk even more.  When they started having events related to this feature, I pushed myself even harder, testing myself both mentally, and physically.  So, for me, the "Buddy System" gave me another reason to keep up with my active lifestyle.  Having a Pokemon follow me around then get bonuses once friendship with it was high enough? Heck yeah!  That brings me to the Battle League now.  It just gives me yet another thing to work towards and something I do not have to pay for, unless I choose too.  I am physically able, and make the time around my life, to get the 15 kilometers in, which I get that not everyone can do.  

I believe Niantic is being pretty fair in how they are releasing things in the game as of lately.  Putting a "walk" requirement or a "pay" option for their new features, may turn people away from those aspects of the game.  They won't be able to make everyone happy and it only takes one person to find an issue with how they roll features out.  However, don't complain if you don't already use the game how they want it to be played.  I'm sure I will get hate for all that I have said.  I'm ready for it.  I just don't want to hear from people who mostly ride around in their cars getting their distance saying such and such a distance is too much or too far.  If you had been trying to incorporate some portion of your play as actual "walking," then there's not much I can say but that this is a "GO" game.  Niantic simply wants more people to become more "active" whilst playing it.  They're not trying to restrict people.  They want to encourage positive growth from actually playing it, giving several options to help people want to play it more frequently.  Yes, they go about using "pay to play" options a bit too much, but, it is either that or "Get Out" in nature.  Walk.