A recent Pokemon GO update has introduced a frustrating glitch: players are finding their avatars' skin and hair colors unexpectedly altered. This is the latest in a series of controversial avatar changes that have angered many of the game's vast player base.
Niantic's April 17th update, intended to "modernize" avatars, was widely criticized as a visual downgrade. Now, a further update has compounded the issue with a glitch randomly changing character appearances. Players have reported waking up to find their avatars sporting completely different skin and hair tones, leading to concerns about potential account breaches. One player's before-and-after images dramatically illustrate the drastic transformations. While a fix is anticipated, Niantic has yet to officially address the problem.
New Pokemon Go Update Causes Unexpected Avatar Appearance Changes
This latest glitch is just the most recent chapter in the ongoing saga of avatar dissatisfaction. Following the April update, rumors of rushed development circulated, fueled by comparisons between the new, less appealing models and older versions.
Adding fuel to the fire, Niantic was accused of deceptive marketing, continuing to use the older, preferred avatar models in advertisements for paid clothing items. This perceived dishonesty further inflamed player frustration.
The backlash resulted in a wave of negative reviews on app stores, a phenomenon known as "review bombing." Despite this, Pokemon GO maintains relatively high ratings, currently holding 3.9/5 stars on the App Store and 4.2/5 stars on Google Play.