After a strange encounter left them with no other explanation, a Pokémon Unite player claims the game is utilizing player identities to mask bots within gaming matches. The free-to-play MOBA was only released a few weeks ago, but this isn’t the first time it’s sparked controversy, as the game was previously criticized for its microtransactions in Pokémon Unite.
So far, Pokémon Unite has made quite an impression on Nintendo Switch, with its Pokémon-inspired twist on the conventional multiplayer online battle arena genre impressing many gamers. The game sets two teams of five against each other in 10-minute bouts, with players battling as Pokémon and scoring goals to beat their opponents.
Different pocket monsters perform different roles in the game, such as All-Rounder, Attacker, and Defender, and players may choose characters that suit their chosen playstyle. While there are now just over 20 Pokémon combatants in Pokémon Unite, more are likely to be added in the future, with leaks indicating forthcoming Pokémon Unite characters.
After seeing proof of a match they didn’t participate in, Reddit user and Pokémon Unite player Iago Bra believes the game might be utilizing genuine player usernames to mask bots (via ComicBook). Despite not playing the game at the time and not having a Snorlax on their roster, Iago Bra posted a screenshot of a friend’s screenshot, which shows their username and a Snorlax as having participated in the friend’s match. They explained:
Is Pokemon unite using our accounts as bots? from PokemonUnite
The unusual occurrence led one Redditor to wonder if the game’s creator is using actual identities to disguise in-game bots, and other commenters on the thread shared similar experiences. Fortunately, bot account matches do not appear to affect the metrics of the genuine person, even if they have the same name.
Though it’s generally assumed, the game’s creator, TiMi Studio Group, hasn’t acknowledged that bots are used in Pokémon Unite. Some players have reported encountering what they believe are bot groups, which are commonly used in online multiplayer games to reduce lobby wait times.
TiMi has yet to reply to accusations that it is concealing these bots by utilizing actual player accounts, however several reports from fans on the Reddit thread appear to indicate that this is the case.
If this is the case, it’s conceivable that the usage of actual usernames is the reason why some Pokémon Unite players have received strange friend requests despite not matching with the person attempting to befriend them.
If a person plays a match with a bot using someone’s genuine identity, they may opt to friend that username without realizing they were actually playing with a bot. It’s anticipated that the creator of Pokémon Unite will soon provide an explanation for both instances.
