Please Help – Multiple Gyms Became PokéStops After the GO Fest Update

General Discussion
1

Hello,

I am writing this post because I genuinely do not know whether this was an intended map update or a bug.

Immediately after installing the latest GO Fest update, multiple existing Gyms in my area suddenly became PokéStops.

The two Gyms closest to my home were among them, and they were the Gyms I used every day. Since the update, they have completely lost their Gym functionality and now function only as PokéStops.

After investigating further, I personally confirmed that this was not limited to those two locations. I found multiple other Gyms in the same area that had also become PokéStops.

I have confirmed the following:
-Pokémon GO displays these locations as PokéStops.

-They function exactly like normal PokéStops.

-Wayfarer also displays these locations as PokéStops.

-However, Campfire still displays the exact same locations as Gyms.

-Another player experiences the exact same issue, so this does not appear to be limited to my account or device.

I have spent a great deal of time trying to solve this problem myself. I have already tried:

-Restarting the game multiple times
-Logging out and logging back in
-Refreshing Game Data
-Clearing the cache
-Reinstalling Pokémon GO
-Updating to the latest version

Unfortunately, none of these steps changed anything.

What confuses me the most is that no new Gyms appeared after these existing Gyms became PokéStops. From what I have personally confirmed, the total number of Gyms in my area has simply decreased.

I understand that players cannot request Gym placement, and I am not asking for new Gyms to be created.

I only want to know whether this was an intended change or whether something went wrong after the GO Fest update.

For reference, I have attached screenshots showing the difference between Pokémon GO and Campfire, as well as a map showing multiple affected locations.

I have also included the Google coordinates of one of the affected locations:

Saengmyeongsaem Church

Google Coordinates: 37.3542695, 126.7389263

If this is an unintended issue, I would sincerely appreciate it if someone could investigate.

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Thank you very much for your time.

2

Are there any sponsored gyms locally?

3

No. There are no sponsored Gyms nearby. These were normal Gyms before the GO Fest update, and they were converted into PokéStops afterward.

4

When exactly did this happen?

The wayfarer map is showing 4 gyms in the relevant area when the maximum should be 3

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5

Thank you for your reply​:smiling_face:

This started immediately after the July GO Fest update and has remained unchanged ever since.

I’m not very familiar with how the cell system works, so if this particular location is affected because of cell rules, I understand.

However, what I don’t understand is why I have personally confirmed the same thing happening at multiple other locations nearby as well. Those Gyms also became PokéStops after the update.

If the cell explanation only applies to this area, could you help me understand why those other locations were affected too?

Thank you very much for taking the time to look into this

6

It may be that a recalculation has taken place here - we occasionally see that happen when wayspot placement has been manipulated.
I asked about sponsored gyms as they can affect gym creation.
This is something only staff will be able to comment on.
But if you are seeing those gyms that I have shown as gyms then it is likely that the selection rules are working.

7

Map - Pokémon GO is showing way more gyms in this L14 than expected

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8

Thank you very much for taking the time to look into this and for explaining it to me. I really appreciate your help.

I understand your explanation about the cell. However, my main concern is still the Gyms that disappeared in other nearby areas. I’m hoping a staff member might be able to explain why those existing Gyms were converted into PokéStops.

Thank you again for your time and kindness.

9

Thank you for checking. I’m mainly hoping to understand why the existing Gyms were converted into PokéStops after the July GO Fest update. I’ll wait for a staff response

10

I suspect then timing of when you updated is coincidence. The updated version was available for a short time prior to being forced so different people update at different times.
And thanks @cyndiepooh for digging into gyms on that other map.
The same thing is likely have happened nearby. If you provide co ordinates we can look

11

Thank you very much for taking the time to investigate this and for trying to help me. I really appreciate it.

Here are the coordinates of some of the locations where Gyms disappeared and became PokéStops:

Saengmyeongsaem Church – 37.354115, 126.738900

Jeongwang Village Introduction Mural – 37.353330, 126.738870

Mushroom Playground – 37.353170, 126.740400

Chunghyeon Church – 37.351910, 126.736690

Gunjacheon Fountain – 37.350080, 126.738790

Gunjacheon Rest Area – 37.349970, 126.738815

Thank you again for all your help. Have a great day!

12

Based on this old map , it seems there were more gym than allowed in your cell. It usually happen when someone abuse location edit. Back then when gym change cell, it remain its status as gym. Thats why your cell have more gym than its supposed to be. But wayfarer seems doing recalculation in your area which result in some gym converted to pokestop.

13

Hey @mim2mim2 ,

Thanks for your feedback. We’re constantly making improvements to Pokémon GO and occasionally, you may notice changes to the PokéStops or Gyms in your community. While we are not able to fulfill your request to add back these locations at this time, we recognize the disappointment this may have caused and hope you continue to seek out adventures at other PokéStops and Gyms in your surrounding communities.

Thanks,