'Pokemon GO': How to Request To Add Or Remove PokeStops And Gyms
Michael Mitchell
Gaming Writer
Archive Notice: Wayback archive for convenience purposes, originally written by Michael Mitchell
There's no denying that Pokemon GO has been a major hit, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been without issue. Connection issues aside, a major complaint has been that certain locations just don't have any PokeStops or Gyms (especially rural areas) while others are chock-full of them. And even those locations that do have PokeStops have had some issues — namely, being in unsafe areas, being people's houses, or places that probably shouldn't be used as a PokeStop.
Update (7/20/16): The submissions page has changed slightly. You will now need to go here and click "Submit a Request." From there, you will see the drop-down list pictures below. Unfortunately, it appears Niantic is not currently taking submissions but keep checking back! (Original article continues after picture):
Well, it looks like Niantic has heard all these complaints and acted swiftly. If you visit the company's official support page, you can now submit requests specifically regarding PokeStops and Gyms. Once there, you'll be greeted by the following form:
Niantic Support Request Options:
Niantic allows you to give the following reasons for submitting a request:
- •Issue with Gym battles.
- •Dangerous PokeStop or Gym.
- •No PokeStops or Gyms near me.
- •PokeStop/Gym does not exist.
- •How do I create a new PokeStop or Gym?
- •Report a PokeStop on my personal property.
This will no doubt be excellent news for anyone who has had issues finding stops nearby them — or, conversely, finding people making surprise appearances outside their home at 3 a.m. The only thing missing from this form is the ability to report a lack of the right type of Pokemon in their supposed habitats. I know I've gone near some lakes/ponds and found them to be missing Water-types, which was disappointing.
Outside of that minor quibble, though, I'm happy to see Niantic respond only a week after the game's release. I was worried for a bit that the game would be a big hit and then Niantic wouldn't be able to keep up with fan response, but so far it seems updates will be coming regularly and that Niantic is listening to the fans.
Important Note: Niantic is no doubt going to be flooded with requests, and will also not be turning everything into a PokeStop (especially not your house). Please be mindful of this before submitting any requests!
What sorts of locations will you be requesting to be added or removed from 'Pokemon GO' (if any)? Are there other issues you'd like to see Niantic respond to? Let us know in the comments!
Key Takeaways:
- ✓Niantic has created an official support system for PokeStop and Gym requests
- ✓You can report dangerous locations, missing stops, or inappropriate placements
- ✓Rural areas with no nearby stops can now request additions
- ✓Property owners can request removal of stops from their private property
- ⚠Niantic is not currently accepting new submissions but may resume in the future
The introduction of this support system shows Niantic's commitment to addressing community concerns and improving the Pokemon GO experience for all players. While the submission process may be temporarily closed, the framework is in place for future improvements to the game's location-based features.
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Michael Mitchell
Gamer, writer, occasional pedant. Mitch lives up to all these adjectives and more by writing for Now Loading and Blizzard Watch. @Fizzl_CTR
