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Pokémon Go Is Giving All Players a Perfect Mewtwo to Apologize for Times Square Stunt
Pokémon Go developer Scopely will give every player a perfect-stat Mewtwo with a special 10th-anniversary background after backlash over an invite-only Times Square event. The July event, attended by influencers, creators and press, offered the rare Pokémon exclusively and prompted criticism when some attendees reportedly listed it for resale online.
Players can earn the Mewtwo by completing timed research requiring them to catch 10 Pokémon and power up a Pokémon 10 times. It will arrive with Mega Level 3 unlocked for Mega Mewtwo Y, alongside a Master Ball; the game’s Go Fest concludes on 6 September with a Mega Finale offering further Mewtwo opportunities.
In short
- All players can now earn a perfect anniversary Mewtwo.
- The move follows criticism of an exclusive Times Square event.
- Completing simple timed research also awards a Master Ball.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The exclusive Times Square event unfairly restricted premium content to a small group based on status rather than merit, and when attendees resold their Mewtwo, it crystallised how the exclusivity primarily benefited resellers rather than the broader player community. Distributing the perfect Mewtwo to all players rectified an inequitable decision that violated the principle that significant rewards should be earned through gameplay.
The case against
Exclusive promotional events featuring influencers and press are standard marketing practice that generates valuable publicity and engagement for the entire player base, and rewarding creators with exclusive access incentivises them to create content and drive new players. Retroactively giving the exclusive reward to everyone undermines the purpose of special events and may discourage influential creators from supporting future Pokémon Go initiatives.
Explained simply
Pokémon Go is a mobile game in which players catch and train Pokémon in the real world using their phones. Mewtwo is a powerful, rare Pokémon from the original games, and its special forms can be used in battles.
Scopely, which runs Pokémon Go, sometimes distributes rare Pokémon through events or in-game tasks. Times Square events with limited access can leave most players unable to take part, while making any exclusive rewards especially sought after.
Rare Pokémon can matter to players because they are difficult to obtain and may be useful in the game. Pokémon Go’s tenth anniversary and its Go Fest events provide occasions for the company to offer special rewards and activities.