This Week in Pokémon Go News

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Happy Friday, trainers! Some interesting headlines this week, so let's get started.

• A few weeks ago, Niantic began banning the accounts of botters and GPS spoofers. You might have noticed a decrease in the number of level 30+ trainers with 3000+ dragonites dominating gyms as a result. Of course, some people who used other third-party apps were also caught up in the ban wave. Niantic has begun unbanning this small subset. You have to appeal & it appears to be a one-time deal, but you can do it. (source)

• After a look at the code of the latest PokeGo update, it's been revealed that we'll be getting a pokémon buddy system in the future. We can take a pokémon for a walk, allowing us to earn candy. Personally, I think the screencaps will be super cute. Can you take a lumbering snorlax for a walk? Will pidgey ride on your shoulder? Will ekans try to strangle you? (source)

ETA @ 3PM EDT: More details about the buddy system! So they won't be walking with you on the screen, but they'll show up on your profile.

• PokeGo has grossed more than $440 million since its launch in July. (source)

• Love eevee? Build-a-Bear began selling an eevee plush yesterday! (source)

What's going on in your neck of the woods?