Niantic has announced that it will restore a number of bonuses to Pokémon Go that had previously been added to the game to facilitate safe play during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The developer first made adjustments to the game back in March, offering mechanical shifts and bonuses to discourage players from gathering in large groups, hanging around public populated spaces, and play the game more effectively while staying at home.
These improvements immediately resulted in Pokémon Go's best week of revenue yet, and were expanded upon later that month.
It also converted Pokémon Go Fest 2020 into a global, digital event, which resulted in $17.5 million in player spending according to Sensor Tower.
Then, in September, Niantic announced it would be making some changes (such as the ability to participate in raids and interact with Gyms from a farther distance away) would remain in the game for the foreseeable future, though others such as the distance required to hatch eggs and the increased effectiveness of certain items would return to pre-pandemic functions.

Pokémon Go restores social distancing benefits to the game | GamesIndustry.biz