iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I feel like I've been running from one thing to the next this week, so I'm just getting to promoting this now. Please enjoy my screed about Pokémon GO failing upwards and people choosing profits over allyship re Harry Potter. pogojournal.substack.com/p/on-pokemon... #PokemonGO #PokemonGOApp

pogojournal.substack.com

On Pokémon, Harry Potter, and Crass Consumerism

Predatory monetization? Creator's a bigot? Shh—just keep buying.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

There's definitely an emphasis on the backgrounds as well. I don't know that it's necessarily tied to Mega Evolutions and Mega Raids, but nearly every community-focused event has some sort of special background to tease to collectors. More aesthetics while core issues go unresolved.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Mega Finale was not-so-mega fun. My thoughts on why and the impending wave of Mega formats coming to GBL: pogojournal.substack.com/p/more-mega-... #PokemonGO #PokemonGOApp

pogojournal.substack.com

More Mega, More Problems?

Thrusting Mega Evolutions into every nook and cranny of Pokémon GO has genuine implications for individual play.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Thanks for the kind words. It's working at least in the short term for Scopely. Over the long term, though? If you're not attracting new players, it becomes riskier with time.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Yeah, the Halloween content is usually pretty solid. We'll see just how much old content is repurposed for this season. Pokémon GO really would benefit from another long research campaign or another NPC besides Professor Willow.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We're in the final throes of preparation for a transition to a new ERP system where I work, so sorry this notification is coming just now. Thanks for your patience and support, Trainers. pogojournal.substack.com/p/no-i-dont-... #PokemonGO #PokemonGOApp

pogojournal.substack.com

No, I Don't Think Twilight Trails Will Be Very Good

Where do these trails lead? Mediocrity, probably.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Yep, that's what I saw. I think the level cap is what hinders most Megas in Great and Ultra Leagues. Which is just as well for me, as I have few qualifying options anyway. 😅

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

"Having a CEO with a name other than 'John Hanke' is no longer a defense for a boring, broken product, not that it ever was a good one. The honeymoon phase is over, and all sales are final." #PokemonGO #PokemonGOApp #GOBattleLeague pogojournal.substack.com/p/scopelys-h...

pogojournal.substack.com

Scopely’s Honeymoon Phase Is Over

The Niantic Era is gone. It's all on Scopely now.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I finished and published the post while Mom was still in bed, LOL. Rest assured, she has liked and commented on it. Seemingly everyone has their pet theory on what Scopely is *really* up to by adding this gadget. Having us pay for resources is most likely, but the AI parallel has me pondering.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The Explorer Gadget comes with benefits, but not without its risks and larger implications for Pokémon GO. pogojournal.substack.com/p/no-one-nee... #PokemonGO #PokemonGOApp

pogojournal.substack.com

No One Needs the Explorer Gadget. Should You Want It Anyway?

Is the convenience worth the risks?

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I would like Pikachu and other Pokémon as well in costumes. They aren’t mutually exclusive, though I feel like Scopely sometimes acts like they are. Let's have all the things.

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Joe Rattata (he/him) @joerattata.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Don't worry, y'all: When Pikachu holding an accordion drops in 2031, it'll be a real game-changer. open.substack.com/pub/pogojour... #PokemonGO #PokemonGOApp