Pokemon Go removes in-app purchases from Google Play Store

Pokemon Go, the popular augmented reality mobile game, has recently removed in-app purchases from the Google Play Store in certain countries. This move has caused confusion and concern among players, who are wondering why they can no longer buy coins through the app.

What happened?

According to reports, Pokemon Go has removed in-app purchases from the Google Play Store in certain countries, including the United States. This means that players can no longer buy coins directly through the app. Instead, they must use the Pokemon Go website to make purchases.

Why did this happen?

There has been no official statement from Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go, regarding the removal of in-app purchases from the Google Play Store. However, some speculate that this could be due to changes in Google's policies regarding in-app purchases.

In-app purchases have been a hot topic lately, with Apple and Google both facing scrutiny over their policies. In particular, developers have been critical of the 30% cut that Apple and Google take from all in-app purchases made through their respective app stores.

It's possible that Niantic decided to remove in-app purchases from the Google Play Store in response to these issues. By directing players to the Pokemon Go website, Niantic may be able to avoid the 30% cut that Google takes from in-app purchases.

How does this affect players?

For players in the affected countries, the removal of in-app purchases from the Google Play Store means that they must use the Pokemon Go website to buy coins. This can be inconvenient, as it requires players to exit the app and go to a separate website to make a purchase.

Additionally, some players may be wary of using the Pokemon Go website to make purchases. While Niantic has assured players that the website is secure, some may prefer to use the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store for added security.

What can players do?

If you're a Pokemon Go player in the United States or another affected country, you can still buy coins through the Pokemon Go website. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Open the Pokemon Go app and tap on the Poke Ball icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap on the Shop icon.
3. Scroll down and tap on the link that says "Visit the Pokemon Go Shop on the web."
4. This will open the Pokemon Go website in your browser. From here, you can buy coins using your Google or Apple account.

Alternatively, you can purchase coins through third-party websites or apps. However, it's important to be cautious when doing so, as these sites may not be secure and could put your personal information at risk.

Conclusion

The removal of in-app purchases from the Google Play Store in certain countries has caused some confusion and concern among Pokemon Go players. While there has been no official statement from Niantic regarding this issue, it's possible that it's related to changes in Google's policies regarding in-app purchases.

For players in the affected countries, buying coins through the Pokemon Go website can be inconvenient, but it's still a viable option. Players can also purchase coins through third-party websites or apps, but they should be cautious when doing so to protect their personal information.

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