The Pokémon Go community is reeling in shock and disgust after discovering that several fans who were handpicked to attend the game’s ultra-exclusive 10th-anniversary Times Square event are now selling their unique Mewtwo on eBay for thousands of dollars. This brazen move not only breaks the game’s rules but also undermines the trust and integrity of the Community Ambassadors (CAs) program, which has been a cornerstone of the game’s engagement strategy.

Controversy Surrounds Exclusive Times Square Event

Last week, Pokémon Go celebrated its first decade of operation by hosting an invitation-only event in New York’s iconic Times Square. Approximately 2,000 hardcore fans, media representatives, and influencers participated in a unique battle to capture the elusive Mewtwo. The event was heavily criticized within the Pokémon Go community due to the special treatment afforded to attendees, who received a one-of-a-kind Mewtwo with a Times Square cosmetic background and perfect ‘hundo’ stats.

The cosmetic background was a nice-to-have, but the fact that players were given a guaranteed perfect Pokémon was startling. As the game has never gifted a ‘hundo’ Pokémon before, this move was particularly egregious, especially considering the timing. The event took place ahead of a weekend of Mewtwo raids, which required players to spend time and raid passes grinding for even a chance at such a prize. This move effectively created a significant advantage for the event attendees, who could now exploit this perk to gain a significant edge over their fellow players.

Community Ambassadors Program Under Scrutiny

A large proportion of the event attendees were Community Ambassadors (CAs), vetted but unpaid superfans who work closely with the game’s developer, Scopely Explore (formerly Niantic), to galvanize local players. As a reward for their dedication, many CAs were invited to the New York event, and allowed to bring a couple of other players from their community with them. Other attendees included members of the media, influencers, and streamers who help promote the game online.

However, the actions of some of these attendees have brought the Community Ambassadors program into disrepute. By selling their unique Mewtwo on eBay, these players are not only breaking the game’s rules but also undermining the trust and integrity of the program. This move has sparked widespread outrage within the Pokémon Go community, with many fans calling for Scopely Explore to take action against these individuals.