Pokémon Go#Pokémon Go Plus

{{Multiple image

| perrow = 2

| direction = horizontal

| align = right

| total_width = 330

| header =

| image1 = Pokémon Go map.png

| caption1 = Players must physically travel to explore the game's map and visit PokéStops (the smaller circular or cube icons, depending on proximity (usually blue but purple if visited)) and gyms (the larger towers shown).

| image2 = Pokémon Go AR Mode, Dec 2017.png

| caption2 = Encountering a Treecko while in the augmented reality mode; the Poké Ball must be "thrown" to capture it by tapping on the ball and flicking it up toward the Pokémon.

}}

{{See also|Augmented Reality}}

After establishing a game account, players create and customize their own avatars.{{cite news|last1=Denham|first1=Jess|title=Pokémon Go has won the praise of gender fluid gamers|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/pokemon-go-praised-by-gamers-for-introducing-gender-fluid-avatars-characters-players-lgbt-style-a7132536.html|access-date=July 19, 2016|date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715141358/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/pokemon-go-praised-by-gamers-for-introducing-gender-fluid-avatars-characters-players-lgbt-style-a7132536.html|archive-date=July 15, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Osworth|first1=Ali|title=Pokémon Go Came Out In the US, Let's Catch 'Em All|url=https://www.autostraddle.com/pokemon-go-came-out-in-the-us-now-we-can-catch-em-all-344176/|website=Autostraddle|publisher=The Excitant Group|date=July 9, 2016|access-date=July 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711103348/http://www.autostraddle.com/pokemon-go-came-out-in-the-us-now-we-can-catch-em-all-344176/|archive-date= July 11, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Once created, an avatar is displayed on a map based on the player's geographical location. Features on the map include 'PokéStops' and 'Pokémon Gyms'. These PokéStops can be equipped with items called 'Lure Modules', which attract additional wild, and occasionally rare, Pokémon.{{cite news|first=Horia|last=Ungureanu|newspaper=Tech Times|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016|title=Pokémon GO Tricks To Attract And Catch Pokémon: PokéStop Lure Module vs. Incense|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/170319/20160718/pok%C3%A9mon-go-tricks-to-attract-and-catch-pok%C3%A9mon-pok%C3%A9stop-lure-module-vs-incense.htm|url-status=live|archive-date=July 18, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160718124812/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/170319/20160718/pok%C3%A9mon-go-tricks-to-attract-and-catch-pok%C3%A9mon-pok%C3%A9stop-lure-module-vs-incense.htm}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/11/from-pokestops-to-pikachu-everything-you-need-to-know-about-pokemon-go|title=From Pokéstops to Pikachu: everything you need to know about Pokémon Go|first=Clem|last=Bastow|website=The Guardian|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=July 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718124610/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/11/from-pokestops-to-pikachu-everything-you-need-to-know-about-pokemon-go}} Gyms serve as battle locations for team-based king of the hill matches.{{cite magazine|last1=Peckham|first1=Matt|title=Review: 'Pokémon Go' Is an Ingenious Idea With Too Many Rough Edges|url=https://time.com/4401279/pokemon-go-review/|access-date=July 12, 2016|magazine=Time|date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713165919/http://time.com/4401279/pokemon-go-review/|archive-date=July 13, 2016|df=mdy-all}} PokéStops and Gyms are typically located at places of interest.{{cite web|last1=Cosimano|first1=Mike|title=Review: Pokemon Go|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-pokemon-go-374630.phtml|website=Destructoid|access-date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717134513/https://www.destructoid.com/review-pokemon-go-374630.phtml|archive-date=July 17, 2016|date=July 12, 2016}} These locations were initially re-purposed portals from Ingress, Niantic's previous augmented reality (AR) game. This has led to PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms being placed at dangerous or inconvenient locations, such as a now-deleted Gym at the Korean Demilitarized Zone{{cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-gym-north-korea-dmz/|title=The mysterious Pokémon Go gym at the border of North Korea and South Korea has disappeared|website=The Daily Dot|date=July 13, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2016|last=Wehner|first=Mike|url-status=live|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717134907/http://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-gym-north-korea-dmz/}} and Bagram Airforce Base, which was abandoned by U.S. forces in July 2021.{{Cite news|url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2021-07-02/pokemon-go-bagram-troop-withdrawal-2027917.html|title=Soldiers watch the US withdrawal from Bagram Airfield through the lens of Pokemon Go|website=Stars and Stripes|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172534/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2021-07-02/pokemon-go-bagram-troop-withdrawal-2027917.html|url-status=live}} Since 2019, these locations also include submissions from Go players which are largely reviewed by other players.{{cite news |title=Niantic will open Pokémon GO Pokéstop submissions to players worldwide next week |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/06/niantic-will-open-up-pokemon-go-pokestop-submissions-to-players-worldwide-next-week/ |access-date=27 December 2020 |work=TechCrunch |date=19 August 2019 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172409/https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/06/niantic-will-open-up-pokemon-go-pokestop-submissions-to-players-worldwide-next-week/ |url-status=live }}

As players move within their real world surroundings, their avatars move within the game's map. Different Pokémon species reside in different areas of the world; for example, Water-type Pokémon are generally found near water.{{cite web|last=Concepcion|first=Miguel|date=July 12, 2016|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-go-review/1900-6416477/|title=Pokemon GO Review|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717132845/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-go-review/1900-6416477/}} When a player encounters a Pokémon, it may be viewed either in AR mode or with a live rendered, generic background.{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-coming-to-smartphones|title=Pokémon GO Coming to Smartphones|last=Reilly|first=Luke|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=September 10, 2015|access-date=September 10, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717135059/http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-coming-to-smartphones|archive-date=July 17, 2016}} AR mode uses the camera and gyroscope on the player's mobile device to display an image of a Pokémon as though it were in the real world.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/12/16/how-niantic-will-marry-animated-characters-with-mobile-location-data-in-pokemon-go/|title=How Pokémon Go will benefit from Niantic's lessons from Ingress on location-based game design|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|date=December 16, 2015|work=VentureBeat|access-date=June 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717135156/http://venturebeat.com/2015/12/16/how-niantic-will-marry-animated-characters-with-mobile-location-data-in-pokemon-go/}} Players can take screenshots of the Pokémon they encounter either with or without the AR mode activated.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/11/23-perfectly-timed-pokemon-go-screenshots|publisher=IGN|access-date=July 17, 2016|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133917/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/11/23-perfectly-timed-pokemon-go-screenshots|date=July 11, 2016|title=53 Perfectly Timed Pokemon Go Screenshots}}

Although the game is free to play, it supports in-app purchases, where players can purchase additional Poké Balls and other in-game items.{{cite news |last1=Eadicicco |first1=Lisa |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Here's How to Play Pokémon Go |url=https://time.com/4401084/pokemon-go-how-play-guide-tips/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711220214/http://time.com/4401084/pokemon-go-how-play-guide-tips/ |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all}} These items include Incense, which attracts Pokémon to the player as they move for sixty minutes, Lure Modules, which players use at PokéStops to attract Pokémon to their current location near the PokeStop, and Lucky Eggs, which double experience points gained for a thirty-minute period from use. All Pokémon are displayed with a Combat Power, which is a rough measure of how powerful that Pokémon is in battle. Generally, as players level up, they catch Pokémon with higher CP and Pokémon are somewhat harder to catch.{{cite web |title=What are Combat Power (CP) and Hit Points (HP)? |url=https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/222049707-What-are-Combat-Power-CP-and-Hit-Points-HP- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132314/https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/222049707-What-are-Combat-Power-CP-and-Hit-Points-HP- |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |website=Pokémon GO |df=mdy-all}} The player can check how strong their Pokémon are by the "Appraisal" system.{{cite news |last1=Tapsell |first1=Chris |title=Pokémon Go Appraisal and CP meaning explained: How to get the highest IV and CP values and create the most powerful team |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-cp-meaning-explained-how-to-get-the-highest-cp-values-create-the-most-powerful-team-6002 |website=eurogamer.net |date=July 17, 2019 |publisher=Gamer Network Limited |access-date=29 March 2024 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153915/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-cp-meaning-explained-how-to-get-the-highest-cp-values-create-the-most-powerful-team-6002 |url-status=live }}

Players can customize{{cite web | url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2376-customizing-your-avatar/ | title=Customizing your Avatar — Pokémon GO Help Center | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423011758/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2376-customizing-your-avatar/ | url-status=live }} their avatar's appearance with clothing options that differ in availability according to season,{{cite web | url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2793-what-are-seasons/ | title=What are Seasons? — Pokémon GO Help Center | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423011757/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2793-what-are-seasons/ | url-status=live }} player level, and game sponsors. Clothing includes: hats, accessories, tops, bottoms, socks, footwear and bags. Most clothing aligns with either the look of a specific Pokémon, a specific team{{cite web | url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/107-how-do-i-change-my-team/ | title=How do I change my team? — Pokémon GO Help Center | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154406/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/107-how-do-i-change-my-team/ | url-status=live }} and/or Pokémon region. Many pieces of clothing are free, but pieces can also be purchased using coins,{{cite web | url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/94-using-pokecoins-to-make-purchases-in-the-shop-1582065532/ | title=Using PokéCoins to Make Purchases in the Shop — Pokémon GO Help Center | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423011754/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/94-using-pokecoins-to-make-purchases-in-the-shop-1582065532/ | url-status=live }} earned during select events, awarded as the player levels up,{{cite web | url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/101-leveling-up-earning-medals/ | title=Leveling up & Earning Medals — Pokémon GO Help Center | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154328/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/101-leveling-up-earning-medals/ | url-status=live }} or received as a prize for special research{{cite web | url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/45-types-of-research/ | title=Types of Research — Pokémon GO Help Center | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154408/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/45-types-of-research/ | url-status=live }} completion.

Another way for a player to customize their avatar is with a pose. Poses, like clothing, may be free, purchased, or awarded. Certain poses are event based and can only be earned during the event they are attached to. Once the event is over, there is no guarantee that the pose will be available in-game again.

In April 2024, Pokémon GO was updated{{cite web | url=https://pokemongolive.com/rediscovergo?hl=en | title=Rediscover Pokémon GO 2024 | access-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154334/https://pokemongolive.com/rediscovergo?hl=en | url-status=live }} to allow greater customization of player avatars. Customization now includes a limited number of different hair styles, the ability to adjust the body size of the avatar, and expanded options for skin color. This update was met with mass backlash from the playerbase, as the new avatars were perceived to be of inferior graphical quality in comparison to the outgoing models, and because the updated models interfered with some pre-update cosmetic items, of which many had been purchased by players.{{cite web | url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-player-avatar-update-bad/ | title=Pokemon Go's Latest Update is Wrecking Everyone's Player Avatars | date=April 21, 2024 | access-date=April 29, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164544/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-player-avatar-update-bad/ | url-status=live }}

Unlike most other installments in the Pokémon series, players in Pokémon Go do not battle wild Pokémon to catch them. During an encounter with a wild Pokémon, a player may throw a Poké Ball at it by flicking it from the bottom of the screen up toward the Pokémon. If the Pokémon is caught, it will come under the ownership of the player. Factors in the success rate of catching a Pokémon include the Pokémon's catch rate, the timing, the type of Poké Ball used, etc. After catching a wild Pokémon, the player is awarded two types of in-game currencies: Candies and Stardust. The Candies awarded by a successful catch depend on what evolutionary chain a Pokémon belongs to. A player can use Stardust and Candies to raise a Pokémon's level and hence "Combat Power" (CP). However, only Candies are needed to evolve a Pokémon, except for certain Pokémon that might need special items. Each Pokémon evolution tree has its own type of Candy, which can only be used to evolve or level up. The maximum level a player can achieve was originally level 40, but expanded to 50 as of November 30, 2020.{{Cite web|title=Level 50 is now live in Pokémon Go for everyone|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/level-50-is-now-live-in-pok-c3-a9mon-go-for-everyone/ar-BB1buONN?ocid=uxbndlbing|access-date=2020-11-30|website=www.msn.com|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519065205/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/level-50-is-now-live-in-pok-c3-a9mon-go-for-everyone/ar-BB1buONN?ocid=uxbndlbing|url-status=live}} The player can also transfer the Pokémon back to the Pokémon Professor Willow to earn more Candies and create room for more Pokémon.{{cite web|url=http://www.player.one/pokemon-go-tips-how-level-and-evolve-your-mon-544246|title='Pokémon Go' Tips: How To Level Up And Evolve Your 'Mon|last=Martinez|first=Philip|date=July 6, 2016|website=Player.One|access-date=January 22, 2018|url-status=live|archive-date=July 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708125701/http://www.idigitaltimes.com/pokemon-go-tips-how-level-and-evolve-your-mon-544246}} Shiny Pokémon are available multiple ways, mostly by chance. One popular goal of the game is to complete the entries in the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon logbook, by catching and evolving them to collect every one in it.{{efn|At the time of the game's launch, only 145 of the original 151 Pokémon were available to players, four of which are regionally exclusive: Farfetch'd, Kangaskhan, Tauros and Mr. Mime are exclusive to East Asia, Australia, United States and Europe, respectively.}}{{cite news|last1=Oleksinski|first1=Johnny|title=Here's how to master Pokemon Go|url=https://nypost.com/2016/07/11/heres-how-to-master-pokemon-go/|access-date=July 14, 2016|date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=July 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713175733/http://nypost.com/2016/07/11/heres-how-to-master-pokemon-go/}}

In September 2016, Niantic introduced a "Buddy Pokémon" feature, which allows players to select a Pokémon they possess to appear alongside them on the profile screen, and receive in-game rewards and bonuses based on the chosen Pokémon.{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-03-new-pokemon-go-buddy-feature-coming|title=New Pokémon Go Buddy feature coming|last=Purchese|first=Robert|date=September 3, 2016|website=Eurogamer|access-date=September 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904162026/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-03-new-pokemon-go-buddy-feature-coming|archive-date=September 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The feature was released later that month.{{Cite web|url=https://heavy.com/games/2016/09/pokemon-go-buddy-update-live-available-how-to-get-feature-android-ios-access-pokemongo-works/|title='Pokemon Go' Buddy Update Live: How to Get the New Feature|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie Dube|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911025548/http://heavy.com/games/2016/09/pokemon-go-buddy-update-live-available-how-to-get-feature-android-ios-access-pokemongo-works/|archive-date=September 11, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Pokémon have different distances that they need to be walked in order to receive candy. The more the player walks in real time, the more candy they can earn. During the same update, Niantic made it impossible for players with rooted or jailbroken devices to log into the game in an effort to reduce and prevent cheating.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2016/09/11/pokemon-go-is-purging-all-rooted-and-jailbroken-devices-from-the-game-to-curb-cheating/#20e839f65f2b|title='Pokémon GO' Is Purging All Rooted And Jailbroken Devices From The Game To Curb Cheating|last=Tassi|first=Paul|website=Forbes|access-date=September 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912081605/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2016/09/11/pokemon-go-is-purging-all-rooted-and-jailbroken-devices-from-the-game-to-curb-cheating/#20e839f65f2b|archive-date=September 12, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

On January 20, 2018, Pokémon Go held the first Community Day, a monthly event that increases the appearance rate of a featured Pokémon and offer an exclusive move to the final evolution of the Pokémon if evolved during the event window. Players also have a higher chance to catch the Shiny variant of the featured Pokémon.{{Cite web|url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/communityday/|title=Introducing Pokémon GO Community Day!|website=Pokémon GO|access-date=2019-09-17|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154334/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/communityday/|url-status=live}} The first Community Day featured Pikachu, with the exclusive move Surf to Raichu.{{cite web |last1=Tassi |first1=Paul |title='Pokémon GO' Announces Its Second Community Day And New Exclusive Pokémon |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/01/22/pokemon-go-announces-its-second-community-day-and-new-exclusive-pokemon/?sh=43606497147f |website=forbes.com |access-date=24 March 2024 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154332/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/01/22/pokemon-go-announces-its-second-community-day-and-new-exclusive-pokemon/?sh=43606497147f |url-status=live }}

The game is regularly updated with new Pokémon, and {{as of|2025|02|11|lc=y}} there are 884 pokémon in the game (including regional varieties){{Cite web |last=Christopher |first=Michael |date=February 5, 2024 |title=Pokemon GO: A Complete Pokedex (June 2024) |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-a-complete-pokedex-every-pokemon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324112331/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-a-complete-pokedex-every-pokemon/ |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=Game Rant}} out of a total 1025 within the complete Pokémon franchise.{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Toby |date=July 8, 2024 |title=How many Pokémon are there? Full list for 2024 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/pokemon-how-many-are-there/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803093944/https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/pokemon-how-many-are-there/ |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=Radio Times}}

Regional Pokémon are often released simultaneously, such as Unova region Pokémon (and the Unova Stone item) released in September 2019.{{Cite web |title=The world of Pokémon GO expands with Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/unova-pokemon/ |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172924/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/unova-pokemon/ |url-status=live }}

Mythical and Legendary Pokémon are often released individually (or in pairs/trios) in special events or quests.{{cite news|last1=Knezevic|first1=Kevin|title=New Pokemon Go Update Out Now, Adds Mew And Quest System|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-pokemon-go-update-out-now-adds-mew-and-quest-s/1100-6457825/|access-date=March 30, 2018|work=GameSpot|date=March 30, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331104306/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-pokemon-go-update-out-now-adds-mew-and-quest-s/1100-6457825/|url-status=live}} The first Legendary Pokémon released was Groudon, in December 2017.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |date=January 19, 2018 |title=Pokémon Go Legendary Pokémon - Kyogre counters, best Kyogre moveset and IVs, plus what we know about Mewtwo and other Legendaries |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-01-19-pokemon-go-legendary-pokemon-kyogre-mewtwo |access-date=January 22, 2018 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154915/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-legendary-pokemon-6002 |url-status=live }} The Mythical Pokémon Meltan and its evolved form, Melmetal, are the only Pokémon to have made their debut on Pokémon Go. Their release coincided with the release of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! on the Nintendo Switch. Pokémon Go introduced the new Mythical Pokémon Meltan originally as a teaser, later to be available to capture only in Pokémon Go via a "Mystery Box" item that could be obtained through transferring Pokémon from Pokémon Go to either Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, or by completing new Research Tasks.{{Cite web |title=Discover Meltan and more in celebration of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/letsgo-celebration/ |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154912/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/letsgo-celebration/ |url-status=live }}

In August 2020, Mega Evolution came to Pokémon Go with four Pokémon able to Mega Evolve into five forms.{{cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=August 26, 2020 |title=Pokémon Go adds powerful Mega Evolution forms |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/26/21402282/pokemon-go-mega-evolution-feature-details-release |access-date=September 14, 2020 |work=The Verge |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164938/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/26/21402282/pokemon-go-mega-evolution-feature-details-release |url-status=live }} The feature has expanded to include 40 forms.

Players earn experience points for various in-game activities. Players rise in level as they earn experience points (XP), with various features being progressively unlocked. Most-notably, at level five, the player can battle at a Pokémon Gym and join one of three color-coded teams (yellow for Team Instinct, blue for Team Mystic, or red for Team Valor), which act as factions battling for control of Gyms within the Pokémon Go world.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In June 2017, Niantic announced that the game mechanics of Gyms would be revamped for a more teamwork-oriented experience;{{cite web|url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/raids|access-date=June 20, 2017|publisher=Niantic, Inc. Pokémon. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc.|date=June 19, 2017|title=Raid Battles and New Gym Features are Coming!|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621201806/http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/raids|archive-date=June 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Gyms were disabled on June 19, 2017, with the new Gyms being released with the next app update a few days later. As of the update, Gyms included a spinnable component to receive in-game items such as Potions and Poké Balls. Additionally, Gyms are capped at containing six Pokémon, each of which must be unique in that Gym. Coins are now earned based on the amount of time the defending Pokémon has been in a Gym, as opposed to a one-per-day gym defender bonus of 10 coins per current defending Pokémon.{{cite web|last1=Hernandez|first1=Patricia|title=Pokémon Go Players Are Making Themed Gyms with The New Update|url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-go-players-are-making-themed-gyms-with-the-new-1796402866|website=Kotaku|date=June 25, 2017 |access-date=June 26, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626165005/http://kotaku.com/pokemon-go-players-are-making-themed-gyms-with-the-new-1796402866|archive-date=June 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Legendary, Mythical and Buddy Pokémon cannot be placed in Gyms.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In July 2017, Raid Battles were introduced. Raid Battles consist of a group of players gathering to confront an over-leveled Pokémon located in a Gym. If the Pokémon is defeated, the players gain the chance to catch a regular version of it. Raid difficulties range from 1 to 5, with 1 being of the lowest difficulty, and 5 being the most difficult to defeat. Level 5 raids are exclusive to Legendary Pokémon. The first of these, Articuno and Lugia, were released on July 22, 2017, after the Go Fest, with Moltres and Zapdos following. From September to November, the 3 Legendary Beasts: Entei, Raikou and Suicune, were released, rotating regions every month. Following their departure, the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh appeared in Raid Battles from November 27, 2017, to December 12, 2017. In August 2020, level 3 Mega raids arrived with the introduction of Mega Evolution. At the same time, Level 2 and 4 raids were combined into Level 1 and 3 raids.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-01|title=All current Raid Bosses in Pokémon Go January 2021|url=https://www.imore.com/pokemon-go-current-raid-battles|access-date=2021-01-09|website=iMore|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165102/https://www.imore.com/pokemon-go-current-raid-battles|url-status=live}}

In May 2022, Raid Battles were updated to include the addition of Mega Legendary Pokémon, which were turned to 6 stars, the highest currently in the game. The only Pokémon included in these Raids were Mega Latias and Mega Latios.{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Laura |date=2022-05-05 |title=Pokémon GO's New Mega Legendary Raids Are Already Awful |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-mega-legendary-raid-difficulty-six-stars/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154914/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-mega-legendary-raid-difficulty-six-stars/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2022, a new form of raid battle called "Elite Raids" were introduced. Elite Raids differ to normal raids in a number of ways, most notably that they can only be battled in person, take 24 hours to start, and are extremely difficult, often requiring a large number of players to defeat the Pokémon.{{Cite web |last=Jeffery |first=Maxwell |date=2022-11-13 |title=What Are the Red Raid Eggs in Pokemon GO? |url=https://gamingintel.com/red-raid-eggs-pokemon-go/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Gaming Intel |language=en-US |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116050117/https://gamingintel.com/red-raid-eggs-pokemon-go/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2023, another new form of raid battles were introduced called "Shadow Raids". Shadow Raids may only be battled in person and award the chance to catch a Shadow Pokémon upon defeat. During the battle, the Pokémon may become "enraged", increasing both attack and defence, but can be returned to normal using a "Purified Gem".{{Cite web |last=Kuiper |first=El |date=2023-05-23 |title=Get Ready for Shadow Raids in 'Pokémon GO'! |url=https://www.themarysue.com/pokemon-go-shadow-raids-explained/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154914/https://www.themarysue.com/pokemon-go-shadow-raids-explained/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2018, Niantic added player vs player Trainer Battles.{{Cite web|url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/trainerbattles/|title=COMING SOON: Show your skills with Pokémon GO Trainer Battles!|website=Pokémon GO|access-date=2019-09-17|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406175404/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/trainerbattles/|url-status=live}} In January 2020, Niantic rolled out an online battle format, Go Battle League, which allows players to fight other players worldwide.{{Cite web|title='Pokémon Go' online battle feature starts rolling out|url=https://www.engadget.com/2020-01-28-pokemon-go-battle-league-rollout.html|access-date=2020-10-10|website=Engadget|date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154840/https://www.engadget.com/2020-01-28-pokemon-go-battle-league-rollout.html|url-status=live}} Unlike the Trainer Battles format introduced in 2018, Go Battle League does not require physical proximity, scanning QR code on each other's phone, knowing each other's friend code, or any other real-world interactions between players. Instead, participating players are automatically paired by the game server via some variant of the Elo rating system.{{Cite news|last=Avrip|date=2020-03-04|title=GO Battle League Rating System Explained|url=https://pokemongohub.net/post/pvp/go-battle-league-rating-system-explained/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Pokemon GO Hub|language=en-US}}

Go Battle League has players participate in a 3-on-3 battle with their Pokémon.{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=2018-12-04 |title=Pokémon Go unveils player-versus-player Trainer Battles |url=https://venturebeat.com/business/pokemon-go-unveils-trainer-battles/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907000133/https://venturebeat.com/business/pokemon-go-unveils-trainer-battles/ |url-status=live }} Gameplay functions similarly to other in-game battle formats, with players tapping on their screen to use a Pokémon's "fast move." Once fast moves have been used enough times, players can use a Pokémon's "charged move" to attack the opponent, which the opponent can choose to block using "protect shields."{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=2021-07-06 |title=Pokémon Go guide: Go Battle League and PvP ranks |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go-guide/22555935/pvp-battle-league-rank |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Players can switch their Pokémon to another member of their team of three as well. Trainer Battles have three major formats. The Great League was the first option out of the three Leagues introduced in the GO Battle League. The Great League only allows Pokémon with a combat power (CP) of 1,500 or lower to participate.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |date=2020-11-18 |title=Pokémon Go Battle League: Season 6 release date and changes, plus Season 5 rank rewards, dates and rules explained |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pokemon-go-battle-league-rewards-ranks-seasons-7002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014234046/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pokemon-go-battle-league-rewards-ranks-seasons-7002 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-18 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}} The Ultra League only allows Pokémon with a CP no higher than 2,500.{{cite web |title=The Ultra League caps the CP of participating Pokémon at 2500 |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/strategy/get-started-in-the-go-battle-league-in-pokemon-go-overview-tips-and-rewards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006131705/https://www.pokemon.com/us/strategy/get-started-in-the-go-battle-league-in-pokemon-go-overview-tips-and-rewards/ |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |access-date=6 October 2020}} The Master League has no limit on the CP value of the Pokémon.{{cite web |date=August 25, 2020 |title=Aug 25, 2020 — For two weeks in every Go Battle League each season, the Master League will be the focus - meaning you have to come up with the best team possible |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pokemon-go-master-league-recommendations-7002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009205718/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pokemon-go-master-league-recommendations-7002 |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |access-date=6 October 2020 |website=Eurogamer}}

The Go Battle League has been used in competitive Pokémon play. In October 2021, it was announced that Pokémon GO would be added during the 2022 World Championships.{{Cite web |title=Pokémon GO Championship Series |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-go/ |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=www.pokemon.com |language=en |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916003131/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-go/ |url-status=live }} A qualification system titled the Pokémon Go Championship Series was announced.{{cite web |date=5 October 2021 |title=Pokémon Go added to 2022 World Championship, Go Championship Circuit Details Revealed |url=https://dotesports.com/news/pokemon-go-added-to-2022-world-championship-go-championship-circuit-details-revealed |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=Dot Esports |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203063504/https://dotesports.com/news/pokemon-go-added-to-2022-world-championship-go-championship-circuit-details-revealed |url-status=live }} Any trainer who reached a certain threshold of the Go Battle League would qualify for the Go Championship Series.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Championship 2022 Series Format and Event |url=https://pokemongohub.net/post/news/pokemon-go-championship-2022-series-details-shared/ |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=Pokémon Go Hub |date=October 20, 2021 |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204105019/https://pokemongohub.net/post/news/pokemon-go-championship-2022-series-details-shared/ |url-status=live }} The top two players would be allowed to participate in the World Championships. Pokémon Go was later brought back in the 2023{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=2024 Pokemon World Championships: Prize pool, schedule, in-game promos, and how to watch |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/140942/pokemon-world-championships-2024-schedule |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907000132/https://www.shacknews.com/article/140942/pokemon-world-championships-2024-schedule |url-status=live }} and 2024 World Championships.{{Cite web |last=Pellegrino |first=Christian |date=2022-08-18 |title=Pokemon Go: 2024 World Championships Event Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-pokemon-world-championships-event-guide/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922212051/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-pokemon-world-championships-event-guide/ |url-status=live }}

In July 2019, Pokémon Go introduced Team GO Rocket battles.{{Cite web |title=Team GO Rocket invades Pokémon GO! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/teamgorocket-invasion-2019/ |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154919/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/teamgorocket-invasion-2019/ |url-status=live }} Team GO Rocket NPCs could be battled at some PokéStops (indicated with it twitching and being a dark color) or in Team GO Rocket Balloons which appear and follow the player on the map. After victory, the player has the opportunity to capture a "Shadow Pokémon" which are relatively low-leveled, angry-looking Pokémon. Shadow Pokémon have a bonus to their attack, but a penalty to their defense when compared to a normal Pokémon.{{Cite web |title=Shadow Pokémon & Purified Pokémon — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2396-shadow-pokemon-purified-pokemon/#:~:text=Purifying%20a%20Shadow%20Pok%C3%A9mon%20will,that%27s%20exclusive%20to%20Purified%20Pok%C3%A9mon. |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=niantic.helpshift.com |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165945/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2396-shadow-pokemon-purified-pokemon/#:~:text=Purifying%20a%20Shadow%20Pok%C3%A9mon%20will,that%27s%20exclusive%20to%20Purified%20Pok%C3%A9mon. |url-status=live }} After capture, the player can choose to purify the Shadow Pokémon. Purification of the Pokémon are increases its level and stats from their Shadow counterparts, can learn an exclusive move when purified, and need fewer candies to evolve.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In September 2024, Pokémon Go introduced Dynamax Battles and Dynamax Pokémon, a mechanic originating from Pokémon Sword and Shield. Players must use a special currency called "MP" to join, with the cost varying based on the difficulty of the battle. In these battles, up to 4 players can take on a Dynamax Pokémon, in which they must fill a meter by attacking in order to Dynamax their own Pokémon. Each Pokémon's Max Move, which can only be used in Dynamax form and deals increased damage, is based on the type of their regular Fast Attack. They may also use Max Guard, which increases defense, and Max Spirit, which restores health. If a Pokémon is knocked out, players can use Max Cheer to increase the Max Meter. Only Dynamax Pokémon (marked on the Pokémon's info page) can participate in Dynamax Battles, and only specific Pokémon can be obtained as Dynamax.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=Every Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon in Pokemon Go |url=https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/every-dynamax-and-gigantamax-pokemon-in-pokemon-go-so-far-2876339/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Dexerto |language=en |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109071819/https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/every-dynamax-and-gigantamax-pokemon-in-pokemon-go-so-far-2876339/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=GO Big with Dynamax and Gigantamax! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/max-pokemon-battle |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109071822/https://pokemongolive.com/max-pokemon-battle |url-status=live }} Gigantamax Battles, which debuted in October 2024, function similarly to Dynamax battles, with a major difference being that up to 40 players can join a single battle. Much like Dynamax, only specific Pokémon caught from Gigantamax Battles are capable of transforming.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-26 |title=How Does Gigantamax Work in Pokémon Go? |url=https://www.si.com/esports/pokemon/go-gigantamax-guide |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Esports Illustrated On SI |language=en-US |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109071746/https://www.si.com/esports/pokemon/go-gigantamax-guide |url-status=live }}

File:John Hanke by Gage Skidmore.jpg, the founder of Niantic]]

The concept for the game was conceived in 2014 by Satoru Iwata of Nintendo and Tsunekazu Ishihara of The Pokémon Company as an April Fools' Day collaboration with Google, called the Google Maps: Pokémon Challenge.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/googles-april-fools-prank-puts-pokemon-in-the-real-world/|title=Google's April Fools' prank puts Pokemon in the real world|website=CNET|access-date=July 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708194449/http://www.cnet.com/news/googles-april-fools-prank-puts-pokemon-in-the-real-world/|archive-date=July 8, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Ishihara was a fan of developer Niantic's previous transreality game, Ingress, and saw the game's concept as a perfect match for the Pokémon series. Niantic, a subsidiary of Google, used the crowdsourced{{cite web|last1=Shamsian|first1=Jacob|title=The story of Pokemon Go's creation explains the oddest thing about the game|url=http://www.thisisinsider.com/why-are-pokemon-go-locations-random-2016-7|access-date=July 26, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714074053/http://www.thisisinsider.com/why-are-pokemon-go-locations-random-2016-7|archive-date=July 14, 2016|df=mdy-all}} data from Ingress to populate the locations for PokéStops and gyms within Pokémon Go, data from Google Maps to spawn specific Pokémon on certain terrain, and map display from OpenStreetMap since December 2017.{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/10/john-hanke-pokemon-go/|title=How the gurus behind Google Earth created 'Pokémon Go'|first=Ariel|last=Bogle|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=January 23, 2018|work=Mashable|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712123716/http://mashable.com/2016/07/10/john-hanke-pokemon-go/|archive-date=July 12, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2017-12-04 |title=Pokémon Go's maps now look a lot different |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/4/16725748/pokemon-go-map-changes-openstreetmap |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817155446/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/4/16725748/pokemon-go-map-changes-openstreetmap |url-status=live }} The game's application logic uses the open source Kubernetes system - and due to the game's sheer scale of users, a number of bugs with the Kubernetes system were discovered and later fixed.{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Luke |title=Bringing Pokémon GO to life on Google Cloud |url=https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/containers-kubernetes/bringing-pokemon-go-to-life-on-google-cloud |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=Google Cloud Blog |date=29 September 2016 |language=en}} Niantic was spun off from Google as an independent company in 2015 following the company reorganization into Alphabet Inc.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/08/12/niantic-labs-maker-of-ingress-spun-out-as-its-own-company/|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20150909075015/http://techcrunch.com/2015/08/12/niantic%2Dlabs%2Dmaker%2Dof%2Dingress%2Dspun%2Dout%2Das%2Dits%2Down%2Dcompany/|url-status=live|archive-date=September 9, 2015|title=Niantic Labs, Maker Of Ingress, Spun Out Of Google As Its Own Company|website=TechCrunch|date=August 12, 2015|language=en-US|access-date=April 10, 2020}}

In 2015, Ishihara dedicated his speech at the game's announcement on September 10 to Iwata, who had died two months earlier.{{cite web|url=http://www.geeksnack.com/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-is-brought-up-into-the-real-world-through-ios-and-android/|title=Pokémon go is brought up into the real world through iOS and Android|publisher=GeekSnack|access-date=September 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912184201/http://www.geeksnack.com/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-is-brought-up-into-the-real-world-through-ios-and-android/|archive-date=September 12, 2015|url-status=dead}} Tatsuo Nomura, who joined Niantic in 2015 after he developed the Google Maps Pokémon Challenge,{{cite news|last1=Ogawa|first1=Joshua|title='Pokemon Go' could evolve further|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Milestone/Pokemon-Go-could-evolve-further?n_cid=NARAN1507|work=Nikkei Asian Review|date=October 22, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026213645/https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Milestone/Pokemon-Go-could-evolve-further?n_cid=NARAN1507|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all|access-date=October 26, 2017}} acted as Director and Product Manager for the game.{{cite web|title=Google+ post by Niantic Labs|url=https://plus.google.com/+Nianticlabs/posts/hzHFQ6Axbu7|website=Google Plus|publisher=Niantic Labs|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109214341/https://plus.google.com/+Nianticlabs/posts/hzHFQ6Axbu7|archive-date=November 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The game's soundtrack was written by longtime Pokémon series composer, Junichi Masuda, who also assisted with some of the game's design.{{cite web|last1=Weinberger|first1=Matt|title=The CEO behind 'Pokémon Go' explains why it's become such a phenomenon|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-niantic-john-hanke-interview-2016-7|website=Business Insider|access-date=July 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714172702/http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-niantic-john-hanke-interview-2016-7|archive-date=July 14, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Among the game's graphic designers was Dennis Hwang, who previously created the logo of Gmail while working for Google.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-heffernan-pokemon-go-as-art-20160715-snap-story.html|title='Pokemon Go' is a work of art, not a social experiment|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007232816/http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-heffernan-pokemon-go-as-art-20160715-snap-story.html|archive-date=October 7, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

On March 4, 2016, Niantic announced a Japan-exclusive beta test would begin later that month, allowing players to assist in refining the game before its full release. The beta test was later expanded to other countries.{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Pokémon Go heading out to the field in Japanese-only beta test|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/3/4/11161010/pokemon-go-field-test-beta-japan|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304230453/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/4/11161010/pokemon-go-field-test-beta-japan|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 4, 2016}} On April 7, it was announced that the beta would expand to Australia and New Zealand.{{cite web|url=https://www.vooks.net/pokemon-go-field-testing-is-expanding-to-australia-and-new-zealand/|title=Pokémon GO field testing is expanding to Australia and New Zealand|last1=Vuckovic|first1=Daniel|date=April 8, 2016|website=Vooks|access-date=April 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411014538/http://www.vooks.net/pokemon-go-field-testing-is-expanding-to-australia-and-new-zealand/|archive-date=April 11, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Then, on May 16, the signups for the field test were opened to the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-fieldtest-us/|title=Pokémon GO field testing expands to the United States|publisher=Niantic Labs|date=May 16, 2016|author=The Pokémon GO Development Team|access-date=May 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616181918/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-fieldtest-us/|archive-date=June 16, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Pedersoli|first=Tiziano|url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-ft-us-start/|title=Warmer! Closer!|website=Niantic Labs|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630145915/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-ft-us-start/|archive-date=June 30, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The test came to an end on June 30.{{cite web|last1=Dornbush|first1=Jonathan|title=Pokémon Go Period Ending This Week|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/27/pokemon-go-beta-period-ending-this-week|website=IGN|date=June 27, 2016|access-date=June 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702050528/http://m.ign.com/articles/2016/06/27/pokemon-go-beta-period-ending-this-week|archive-date=July 2, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

At the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, John Hanke, founder of Niantic, revealed the appearances of the three team leaders: Candela (Team Valor), Blanche (Team Mystic), and Spark (Team Instinct).{{cite news|last1=Cruz|first1=Claudia|title=Pokemon Go team leaders' names revealed, Eevee evolution trick confirmed|url=https://www.cnet.com/uk/news/pokemon-go-team-leaders-names-revealed-eevee-evolution-trick-confirmed-at-sdcc-2016/|access-date=July 25, 2016|work=CNET|date=July 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725143646/http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/pokemon-go-team-leaders-names-revealed-eevee-evolution-trick-confirmed-at-sdcc-2016/|archive-date=July 25, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Kastrenakes|first1=Jacob|title=Everyone's making fun of Pokémon Go's Team Instinct leader|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/24/12267138/pokemon-go-team-instinct-leader-is-the-worst|access-date=July 25, 2016|work=The Verge|date=July 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725003437/http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/24/12267138/pokemon-go-team-instinct-leader-is-the-worst|archive-date=July 25, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Hanke conveyed that approximately 10% of the ideas for the game were implemented. Future updates, including the addition of trading, more Pokémon, implementation of Pokémon Centers at PokéStops, a patch for the "three step glitch", and easier training, were also confirmed.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=Engadget|publisher=AOL|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|title=Pokémon Go's San Diego Comic-Con panel saw Team Leaders revealed|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-25-pokemon-gos-san-diego-comic-con-panel-saw-team-leaders-revealed|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726140643/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-25-pokemon-gos-san-diego-comic-con-panel-saw-team-leaders-revealed|archive-date=July 26, 2016|df=mdy-all}} He also stated that Niantic would be continuing support for the game for "years to come".{{cite web|first=Allegra|last=Frank|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|title=Pokémon Go still has secrets to uncover, from legendary finds to team leader lore|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/25/12270570/pokemon-go-san-diego-comic-con-2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725220326/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/25/12270570/pokemon-go-san-diego-comic-con-2016|archive-date=July 25, 2016|df=mdy-all}} In an interview with TechCrunch in September 2016, Hanke hinted that player vs. player Pokémon battles would be released in a future update.{{cite news|last1=Takahashi|first1=Dean|title=Pokémon Go chief promises player battles, live events, more creatures, and stable servers|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/09/15/pokemon-go-chief-promises-player-battles-live-events-more-creatures-and-stable-servers/2/|access-date=September 15, 2016|work=VentureBeat|date=September 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803045738/https://venturebeat.com/2016/09/15/pokemon-go-chief-promises-player-battles-live-events-more-creatures-and-stable-servers/2/|archive-date=August 3, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In December 2016, coffeehouse chain Starbucks and telecommunications company Sprint collaborated with Nintendo to add PokéStops and gyms at certain locations of theirs throughout the United States.{{cite news|title=Discover the Pokémon GO Frappuccino at Starbucks|url=https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-pokemon-go|newspaper=Starbucks Newsroom|date=December 8, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209092537/https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-pokemon-go|archive-date=December 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Farokhmanesh|first1=Megan|title=Pokémon Go is adding 10.5K gym and pokéstop locations at Sprint stores|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13868086/pokemon-go-sprint-store-new-gyms-pokestops|website=The Verge|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=January 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104235332/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13868086/pokemon-go-sprint-store-new-gyms-pokestops|archive-date=January 4, 2017|df=mdy-all}} That same month, a companion app for Apple Watch devices was released, which allows users to receive notifications about nearby Pokémon, but does not allow for them to be caught using the watch.{{cite web|last1=Webster|first1=Andrew|title=Pokémon Go is finally available on the Apple Watch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/22/14058136/pokemon-go-apple-watch-release|website=The Verge|date=December 22, 2016|access-date=January 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104234238/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/22/14058136/pokemon-go-apple-watch-release|archive-date=January 4, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In January 2017, an additional 5,000 more Starbucks locations became available as gyms.{{cite web|title=5,000+ additional Starbucks locations in the United States are now PokéStops or Gyms|url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/starbucks_exp/|website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com|access-date=January 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115174203/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/starbucks_exp|archive-date=January 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In February 2017, an update was released which introduced 100 species based in the Johto region from the second generation of the core Pokémon series, which were added alongside the original 151. The update also included the addition of new berries, new Pokémon encounter mechanics, and an expanded selection of avatar clothing options.{{cite web|url=http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/9357/20170224/pokemon-go-see-new-evolution-items-and-pokemon-evolutions.htm|title='Pokemon Go': See New Evolution Items And Pokemon Evolutions|website=Science Times|access-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226045531/http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/9357/20170224/pokemon-go-see-new-evolution-items-and-pokemon-evolutions.htm|archive-date=February 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-generation-2-new-2017-2|title='Pokémon Go' is getting a huge new update that adds 80 new Pokémon|website=Business Insider|access-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215144424/http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-generation-2-new-2017-2|archive-date=February 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Some of the Pokémon introduced in Ruby and Sapphire were added in late 2017, starting with a Halloween event in October and 50 more in December. A weather system was added alongside the latter, allowing real-world weather to affect gameplay.{{cite news|last1=Reynolds|first1=Matthew|title=Pokémon Go Gen 3 Pokémon list: Every creature from Ruby and Sapphire's Hoenn region you can catch right now|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-13-pokemon-go-gen-3-list-ruby-sapphire-hoenn-4819|access-date=14 December 2017|work=Eurogamer|date=13 December 2017|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817170033/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-gen-3-list-ruby-sapphire-emerald-hoenn-region-8004|url-status=live}} In November 2018, a game developed by Game Freak and heavily inspired by Pokémon Go, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! was released on the Nintendo Switch.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/29/17406032/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee-switch-game-freak |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530041804/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/29/17406032/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee-switch-game-freak |title=Two new Pokemon RPGs are coming to the Switch this November |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |website=The Verge |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-date=May 30, 2018 |url-status=live}} This game features Pokémon Go style catching with Joy-Con and integration between the two games.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-eevee-everything-we-know-s/1100-6459253|title=Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu, Eevee: Everything We Know So Far|last=Plagge|first=Kallie|date=12 June 2018|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613205331/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-eevee-everything-we-know-s/1100-6459253|archive-date=13 June 2018|url-status=live|access-date=13 June 2018}} In addition, new Pokémon species Meltan was revealed in September, becoming the first new Pokémon to debut in Pokémon Go.{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Meltan is Pokémon Go's first exclusive monster, with time-limited transfers |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/10/17959490/meltan-how-to-catch-pokemon-go-pokemon-lets-go-transfer |access-date=December 16, 2018 |work=Polygon |date=October 10, 2018 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014164132/https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/10/17959490/meltan-how-to-catch-pokemon-go-pokemon-lets-go-transfer |url-status=live }} On October 10, 2018, The Pokémon Company and Niantic announced plans to introduce Pokémon from Diamond and Pearl into Pokémon Go.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-gen-4-sinnoh-region-starters-and-more-c/1100-6462380/|title=Pokemon Go: Gen 4 Sinnoh Region Starters And More Confirmed|last=Hussain|first=Tamoor|date=2018-10-10|website=GameSpot|access-date=2018-10-11|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011133357/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-gen-4-sinnoh-region-starters-and-more-c/1100-6462380/|url-status=live}} On October 12, Niantic teased one of the Generation IV Pokémon that would be coming to Pokémon Go.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/10/13/pokemon-go-teasing-skilled-swimmer-gen-4-pokemons-imminent-release/#19edf0127f5e|title='Pokémon GO' Teasing 'Skilled Swimmer' Gen 4 Pokémon's Imminent Release|last=Tassi|first=Paul|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-10-14}} On October 25, a feature known as Adventure Sync was announced, which will record the player's walking data in the background, even when the app is not open.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/25/18023046/pokemon-go-adventure-sync|title=Pokémon Go will soon record your steps in the background|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=2018-10-25|work=The Verge|access-date=2018-10-26|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817160915/https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/25/18023046/pokemon-go-adventure-sync|url-status=live}} On October 26, Niantic announced research tasks for Bug type Pokémon that will give players a chance to catch Shedinja throughout November.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-go-november-update-shedinja-1190280|title=Shedinja and Shiny Caterpie are coming to 'Pokémon Go' in November|last=Martinez|first=Phillip|date=2018-10-26|work=Newsweek|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817160929/https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-go-november-update-shedinja-1190280|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/10/26/pokemon-go-shedinja/|title='Pokemon Go' Will Add Missing "Gen 3" Pokemon in November|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=2018-10-26|work=Comic Book|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172004/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-go-shedinja/|url-status=live}}

According to John Hanke in a January 2019 interview with Business Insider, 2018 saw Go become the game initially envisioned by Niantic.{{cite news |last1=Weinberger |first1=Matt |title=The CEO behind 'Pokémon Go' says the company is cash-flow positive as it becomes worth almost $4 billion |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/niantic-ceo-john-hanke-samsung-axiomatic-gaming-valuation-2019-1 |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Business Insider |date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817173940/https://www.businessinsider.com/niantic-ceo-john-hanke-samsung-axiomatic-gaming-valuation-2019-1 |url-status=live }}

In 2020, Niantic made major changes to gameplay mechanisms to account for the COVID-19 pandemic which saw many players unable to leave their homes to play. These development shift saw changes like the addition of indoor step tracking to count toward in-game distance challenges, long distance PVP battles, increased "incense" effectiveness, increased spawn points, and a doubled player radius.{{Cite web|title=How Niantic evolved Pokémon GO for the year no one could go anywhere|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/28/how-niantic-evolved-pokemon-go-for-the-year-no-one-could-go-anywhere/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=TechCrunch|date=December 28, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174546/https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/28/how-niantic-evolved-pokemon-go-for-the-year-no-one-could-go-anywhere/|url-status=live}}

In March 2025, Niantic was bought out by the Saudi Arabia-backed investment firm Scopely, advancing Saudi Arabia's ambitions to become a "global hub" for gaming and to diversify their economy.{{cite news |work=Polygon |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/538132/pokemon-go-niantic-games-sold-scopely-acquisition |access-date=15 March 2025 |archive-date=15 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315015400/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/538132/pokemon-go-niantic-games-sold-scopely-acquisition |title=Pokémon Go (and other Niantic games) just sold for $3.5B |date=13 March 2025 |first=Oli |url-status=live |last=Welsh}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-sell-game-division-saudi-owned-scopely-35-billion-2025-03-12/ |work=Reuters |title='Pokemon Go' maker Niantic to sell game division to Saudi-owned Scopely for $3.5 billion |access-date=12 March 2025 |archive-date=12 March 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250312141235/https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-sell-game-division-saudi-owned-scopely-35-billion-2025-03-12/ |first=Rishi |last=Kant |location=Pakistan |date=12 March 2025 |url-status=live |editor-first=Maju |editor-last=Samuel}}

File:Nintendo-Niantic-Pokemon-Go-Plus-wStrap.jpg

The Pokémon Go Plus is a Bluetooth Low Energy wearable device, developed by Nintendo's Platform Technology Development division, that allows players to perform certain actions in the game without looking at their smart device. When a player is near a Pokémon or PokéStop, the Plus vibrates. The player can then press the button to capture the Pokémon or receive items from the PokéStop; the player cannot check what they have received until the next time they sign into the app on their mobile device. The design consists of a Poké Ball and the shape of the Google Maps pin.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/11/12153040/pokemon-go-plus-price-info-and-release-date |title=Pokémon Go Plus: Everything you need to know |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |archive-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160712042638/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/11/12153040/pokemon-go-plus-price-info-and-release-date }} The decision to create the device rather than create a smartwatch app was to increase uptake among players for whom a smartwatch is prohibitively expensive.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/a/smartwatch-history-guide-evolution/watch-future|title=Watch Future – Time killers: The strange history of wrist gaming|work=Polygon|first=Brian|last=Crecente|date=July 12, 2015|access-date=June 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620154528/http://www.polygon.com/a/smartwatch-history-guide-evolution/watch-future|archive-date=June 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}} It was released in the United Kingdom and North America on September 16, 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://pokestopshop.net/blogs/news/pokemon-go-plus-wearable-wristband |title=Pokemon Go Plus. Explained! |website=PokeStop Shop|access-date=August 29, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911020145/https://pokestopshop.net/blogs/news/pokemon-go-plus-wearable-wristband |archive-date=September 11, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/06/pokemon-go-is-launching-on-ios-and-android-today/|title=Pokémon Go is launching on iOS and Android today|last=Russell|first=Jon|date=July 6, 2016|website=TechCrunch|access-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707144110/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/06/pokemon-go-is-launching-on-ios-and-android-today/|archive-date=July 7, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/27/12294496/pokemon-go-plus-delay-september|title=Pokemon Go Plus delayed to September|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|website=Polygon|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=July 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728123117/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/27/12294496/pokemon-go-plus-delay-september|archive-date=July 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On July 14, 2023, the Pokémon Go Plus + was released, acting as the successor to the Pokémon Go Plus. The Plus + added the ability to automatically catch Pokémon and interact with Pokéstops along with sleep tracking features to be used with Pokémon Sleep.

The game's official launch began on July 6, 2016, with releases in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Due to server strain from high demand upon release, Niantic CEO John Hanke stated that the release in other regions was to be "paused until Niantic was comfortable" fixing the issues.{{cite web |title = Pokemon Go's International Rollout Paused as Servers Suffer Issues [UPDATE] |url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-gos-international-rollout-paused-as-server/1100-6441650 |website = Gamespot |access-date = July 9, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711095904/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-gos-international-rollout-paused-as-server/1100-6441650/ |archive-date = July 11, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |title = 'Pokémon Go' international rollout will be 'paused' as players overload the system |url = http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-international-rollout-paused-2016-7 |website = Business Insider |access-date = July 9, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160708221412/http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-international-rollout-paused-2016-7 |archive-date = July 8, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} European releases started on July 13, and the game became available to most of the continent over the following ten days. The Japanese launch was initially reported to be on July 20;{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Jon |title=Pokémon Go will launch in Japan tomorrow with game's first sponsored location |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/19/pokemon-go-is-finally-launching-in-japan-tomorrow/ |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=TechCrunch |date=July 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719101517/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/19/pokemon-go-is-finally-launching-in-japan-tomorrow/ |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} however, the game was delayed after a sponsorship deal with fast food chain McDonald's was leaked,{{cite news |last1=Mochizuki |first1=Takashi |title=McDonald's Unit to Sponsor Pokémon Go in Japan |url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/mcdonalds-unit-to-sponsor-pokemon-go-in-japan-1468936459 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=Wall Street Journal |date=July 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723102050/http://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/mcdonalds-unit-to-sponsor-pokemon-go-in-japan-1468936459 |archive-date=July 23, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/20/pokemon-go-japan-launch-delayed-mcdonalds-sponsorship-gyms |title=Pokémon Go Japan launch delayed by McDonald's sponsorship leak |date=July 20, 2016 |work=The Guardian |last1=Gibbs |first1=Samuel |access-date=July 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721010633/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/20/pokemon-go-japan-launch-delayed-mcdonalds-sponsorship-gyms |archive-date=July 21, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} instead releasing two days later. Although the game was proposed to be released in France on July 15, it was postponed until July 24 out of respect and due to safety concerns following a terrorist attack in Nice on July 14.{{cite news|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Cecilia|title=Pokémon Go To Launch In France Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi Rampant Safety Concerns|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2016/07/21/pokemon-go-hits-france-and-many-are-very-nervous/#52379dc74e0e|access-date=July 22, 2016|date=July 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722123713/http://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2016/07/21/pokemon-go-hits-france-and-many-are-very-nervous/#52379dc74e0e|archive-date=July 22, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

• {{cite news |last1=Francoise |first1=Sarah |title=Pokémon Go delays launch in France due to Nice attack |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/pokmon-go-delays-launch-in-france-due-to-nice-attack/ |access-date=July 22, 2016 |date=July 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721120724/https://news.vice.com/article/pokmon-go-delays-launch-in-france-due-to-nice-attack |archive-date=July 21, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}
• {{cite news |last1=Audureau |first1=William |title=" Pokémon Go " prépare son lancement en France |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2016/07/21/la-france-se-prepare-au-raz-de-maree-pokemon-go_4972539_4408996.html |access-date=July 22, 2016 |work=Le Monde.fr |date=July 21, 2016 |language=fr |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603045154/https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2016/07/21/la-france-se-prepare-au-raz-de-maree-pokemon-go_4972539_4408996.html |url-status=live }} Following the shut down of third-party apps and websites in late-July 2016—significantly reducing server strain—Niantic was able to continue pushing release worldwide. Central and South America and most of Southeast Asia subsequently saw releases in early August. Indonesia was the first Asian country to have the game playable, despite the game not being officially released in that region until August 6.{{cite web |last=Low |first=Aloysius |date=July 15, 2016 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-is-strangely-working-in-one-unannounced-country-indonesia/ |title=Pokemon Go is strangely working in one Asian country: Indonesia |work=cnet.com |access-date=August 8, 2016 |quote=Buhori Dermawan, a developer working in the country's capital Jakarta, told CNET that he has been playing for about two weeks now, has gotten up to level 17 and has a healthy collection of 75 Pokemon in his Pokedex. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809231552/http://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-is-strangely-working-in-one-unannounced-country-indonesia/ |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

In South Korea, the game was not officially released as major restrictions on the use of online mapping data exist. However, due to a glitch, a small area around Sokcho in the northeastern part of the country was considered a part of Niantic's North Korea mapping region, making the game fully playable in that area.{{cite web|url=http://m.news.naver.com/read.nhn?mode=LSD&sid1=001&oid=022&aid=0003076481|script-title=ko:'포켓몬 고' 지도반출 문제와 무관|access-date=July 16, 2016|language=ko|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725112239/https://m.news.naver.com/read.nhn?mode=LSD&sid1=001&oid=022&aid=0003076481|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.molit.go.kr/USR/NEWS/m_72/dtl.jsp?lcmspage=1&id=95077750|script-title=ko:제목 [참고]「'포켓몬 고' 미서비스, 구글 지도반출 불허 때문」 보도 관련|date=July 14, 2016|website=Molit.go.kr|access-date=July 16, 2016|language=ko|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819221117/http://www.molit.go.kr/USR/NEWS/m_72/dtl.jsp?lcmspage=1&id=95077750|archive-date=August 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Numerous people took advantage of the gap to play the game. Bus tickets from the capital city of Seoul sold out and people living within Sokcho shared information on free Wi-Fi areas to tourists.{{cite news |first = Samuel |last = Gibbs |newspaper = The Guardian |date = July 13, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |title = South Koreans flock to remote northern area to play Pokémon Go |url = https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/13/pokemon-go-south-koreans-remote-area-sokcho-google-maps |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713135946/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/13/pokemon-go-south-koreans-remote-area-sokcho-google-maps |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Players also discovered a gym in Panmunjom, along the Korean Demilitarized Zone; however, Niantic later removed it from the game. Following the release of Pokémon Go in Japan, parts of Busan also became playable as parts of the city are considered part of Japan's mapping area due to the proximity of Tsushima Island.{{cite news |first = Ji-young |last = Sohn |newspaper = The Korean Herald |date = July 24, 2016 |access-date = July 25, 2016 |title = Korean retailers ride on 'Pokemon Go' craze |url = http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160724000295 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160725145658/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160724000295 |archive-date = July 25, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} The game officially released in the country in January 2017.

In mainland China, Google services are banned by the Great Firewall, whereas the GPS function in the game is blocked by Niantic. Players of Pokémon Go in China have to download the game with App Store IDs from other regions and use VPN to access Google services in order to load the game, and some even use a GPS spoofing app to bypass the GPS blocking. Some players also downloaded a clone app called City Spirit Go, which was released shortly after Pokémon Go{{'s}} beta test in Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-pokemon-snap-story.html|title=Chinese go to great lengths to get 'Pokemon Go' — and make a knockoff|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716045412/http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-pokemon-snap-story.html|archive-date=July 16, 2016|url-status=live|website=Los Angeles Times|date=July 14, 2016|first=Yingzhi|last=Yang}} As of 2020, the official game is still unplayable in most parts of China with GPS modules being blocked in-game.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

Following its August 6, 2016 launch in Taiwan, the game became extremely popular.{{Cite book |last1=He |first1=Keren |title=Games & Play in Chinese & Sinophone Cultures |last2=Eyman |first2=Douglas |last3=Sun |first3=Hongmei |date=2024 |publisher=University of Washington Press |isbn=9780295752402 |editor-last=Guo |editor-first=Li |location=Seattle, WA |pages= |chapter=Gaming while Aging: TheLudification of Later Life in Pokémon Go |editor-last2=Eyman |editor-first2=Douglas |editor-last3=Sun |editor-first3=Hongmei}}{{Rp|page=199}} Taiwan's high degree of urbanization is conducive to the game's location-based features, and crowds of thousands played in the walkable metropolitan areas of Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.{{Rp|page=199}} Chen Ching-Po became notable as "Uncle Pokémon" for rigging seventy-two smart phones (with more than twenty Pokémon Go accounts) to his bicycle.{{Rp|page=202}}

During its launch in Southeast Asia in August 2016, the game officially excluded Myanmar, but users in Thailand discovered that the game was fully playable in border cities near the nation.{{Cite news |url=http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/lifestyle/21851-pokemon-go-works-in-myanmar.html |title=Pokemon Go works in Myanmar |last=RJ Vogt |date=August 10, 2016 |work=The Myanmar Times |access-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810172638/http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/lifestyle/21851-pokemon-go-works-in-myanmar.html |archive-date=August 10, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} The game was released in the Balkans, Macau, and Central Asia in September 2016, and was also released throughout Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia by the end of the year.

On September 11, 2018, the game appeared in Russia's App Store and Google Play Store over two years after the first launch. However, Niantic did not officially announce the release.

In May 2019, the game was released on the Samsung Galaxy Store.{{cite web | url=https://nianticlabs.com/news/galaxyappsstore | title=Niantic Games Arrive to Samsung's Galaxy Store | access-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161716/https://nianticlabs.com/news/galaxyappsstore | url-status=live }}

File:Nintendo Stock Value July 2016.png

Investors were buoyed by the response to the initial release of Pokémon Go on July 7, with Nintendo's share price rising by an initial 10%{{cite web |title = Nintendo shares soar as new Pokemon mobile game captures hearts |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-stocks-idUSKCN0ZO059 |work = Reuters |date = July 8, 2016 |access-date = July 10, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160710022645/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-stocks-idUSKCN0ZO059 |archive-date = July 10, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} and by July 14 shares rose to as high as 50%.{{cite news |title = Nintendo shares up more than 50% since Pokemon Go release – BBC News |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/business-36791275 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160714050021/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36791275 |archive-date = July 14, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Despite Nintendo only owning a 32% stake in The Pokémon Company and an undisclosed stake in Niantic,{{cite news|first=Eli|last=Blumenthal|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|title=Investors learn Nintendo doesn't own Pokémon, stock tanks|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2016/07/25/investors-learn-nintendo-doesnt-own-pokmon-stock-tanks/87520372/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728120156/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2016/07/25/investors-learn-nintendo-doesnt-own-pokmon-stock-tanks/87520372/|archive-date=July 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web |title = Nintendo value surges £6bn on new Pokémon app |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/11/nintendo-value-surges-6n-on-new-pokemon-app |newspaper = The Guardian |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711091507/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/11/nintendo-value-surges-6n-on-new-pokemon-app |archive-date = July 11, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Nintendo's market value increased by US$9 billion within five days of release of Pokémon Go.{{cite web |url = https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-adds-9b-to-nintendos-value-global-rollout-continues-this-week/ |title = Pokémon Go adds $9B to Nintendo's value, global rollout continues this week |last = Etherington |first = Darrell |website = TechCrunch |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 15, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712140059/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-adds-9b-to-nintendos-value-global-rollout-continues-this-week/ |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} The trend continued for more than a week after the game's release and by July 19, the stock value of Nintendo more than doubled as compared to pre-release. Turnover sales reached a record-breaking ¥703.6 billion (US$6.6 billion); and trading of the stock accounted for a quarter of all trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main board.{{cite news|agency=Reuters|newspaper=The Guardian|date=July 19, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2016|title=Nintendo market value doubles on Pokémon Go mania|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/19/nintendo-market-value-doubles-on-pokemon-go-mania|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719191459/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/19/nintendo-market-value-doubles-on-pokemon-go-mania|archive-date=July 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The Financial Times believed that investors were speculating not on Pokémon Go as such, but on future Nintendo app releases being as successful as the company moves more into the mobile app market—an area they were historically reluctant to enter in the belief it would cannibalise its portable console and video game sales.{{cite web |title = Pokémon GO shows Nintendo the promise of mobile |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/237ab9e6-4724-11e6-b387-64ab0a67014c.html |newspaper = The FT |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711102118/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/237ab9e6-4724-11e6-b387-64ab0a67014c.html |archive-date = July 11, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Nintendo plans to release four more smartphone app games by March 2017, and investors remarked that Pokémon Go showed Nintendo still has some of the "most valuable character intellectual property in the world" with franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.{{cite web |title = Nintendo shares soar on Pokemon Go success |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36762791 |newspaper = BBC News |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711103152/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36762791 |archive-date = July 11, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}

By July 22, Nintendo gained ¥1.8 trillion ($17.6 billion) in market capitalization since the game's launch. However, following clarification from Nintendo that the company did not produce Pokémon Go nor had tangible financial gains from it, its stock fell by 18%—equating to a ¥708 billion ($6.7 billion) loss in market value—on July 25.{{cite news|first=Alex|last=Hern|newspaper=The Guardian|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|title=Nintendo shares plummet after it points out it doesn't make Pokémon Go|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/25/pokemon-go-nintendo-shares-tokyo-stock-exchange-niantic|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726134858/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/25/pokemon-go-nintendo-shares-tokyo-stock-exchange-niantic|archive-date=July 26, 2016|df=mdy-all}} This was the largest single-day decline for Nintendo since 1990 and the maximum one-day exchange of finances allowed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company has an approximate 13% "effective economic stake" in the game, according to Macquarie Securities.{{cite magazine|first1=Yuji|last1=Nakamura|first2=Takashi|last2=Amano|magazine=Bloomberg|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|title=Nintendo Slumps By Most Since 1990 on Dashed Pokemon Go Hopes|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-25/nintendo-set-to-plunge-after-saying-pokemon-go-s-impact-limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725123034/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-25/nintendo-set-to-plunge-after-saying-pokemon-go-s-impact-limited|archive-date=July 25, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

The surge in stocks extended beyond Nintendo, with Tomy, TV Tokyo, and the Bank of Kyoto, among other companies, all seeing significant gains.{{cite news |first = Anna |last = Kitanaka |newspaper = Bloomberg |date = July 14, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |title = Even Novelty Bakeries Soar as Pokemon Fever Boosts Japan Stocks |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-14/even-novelty-bakeries-soar-as-pokemon-fever-boosts-japan-stocks |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160714112731/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-14/even-novelty-bakeries-soar-as-pokemon-fever-boosts-japan-stocks |archive-date = July 14, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Similarly, Zagg, which owns a company that manufactures battery cases, saw a 25% rise in its stock in relation to Pokémon Go.{{cite news|first=Paul R.|last=La Monica|publisher=CNN Money|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2016|title=Pokemon Go sends smartphone battery stock soaring|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/07/18/investing/zagg-mophie-pokemon-go-stock/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719133504/http://money.cnn.com/2016/07/18/investing/zagg-mophie-pokemon-go-stock/|archive-date=July 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

At launch, the game suffered from frequent server outages due to extreme usage.{{cite magazine|first=Dave|last=Thier|magazine=Forbes|date=July 8, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2016|title='Pokemon GO' Servers Down For Many|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2016/07/07/pokemon-go-servers-seem-to-be-struggling/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707212328/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2016/07/07/pokemon-go-servers-seem-to-be-struggling/|archive-date=July 7, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The global server usage expectation for the game was surpassed within 15 minutes of the game's release in Australia and New Zealand, and peaked at 50 times expected traffic, or 10 times the expected worst-case scenario.{{cite news |title=Pokémon Go servers were hit by 50 times higher traffic than expected |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/30/pokemon-go-traffic-google |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=30 September 2016 |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161539/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/30/pokemon-go-traffic-google |url-status=live }} Frequent crashes and authentication errors plagued the game's release and persisted for several days. For the first two days after launch, players were unable to access the game through their Pokémon Trainer Club accounts; only Gmail-based accounts were able to gain access to the game.{{cite web|first=Allegra|last=Frank|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=July 8, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2016|title=Pokémon Go's server issues have been driving people wild all day (update)|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/7/12123750/pokemon-go-server-issues-ios-android-fix|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715113141/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/7/12123750/pokemon-go-server-issues-ios-android-fix|archive-date=July 15, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Servers again suffered frequent outages in Australia on July 11; players blamed people in the United Kingdom for bypassing local servers and using Australian ones to play the game before its official release.{{cite news|agency=Australian Associated Press|newspaper=The Guardian|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2016|title=Pokémon Go: Australian users report server problems due to high demand|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/12/pokemon-go-australian-users-report-server-problems-due-to-high-demand|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713173925/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/12/pokemon-go-australian-users-report-server-problems-due-to-high-demand|archive-date=July 13, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On July 16, a few hours after the release in many European countries, the game's servers temporarily went down. The outage was claimed by a hacking group called "PoodleCorp", who said they used a DDoS attack to take them down,{{cite news|last1=Worley|first1=Will|title=Pokemon Go has completely crashed, and a hacking group is claiming credit|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/pokemon-go-down-servers-ddos-attack-hackers-poodlecorp-game-unavailable-a7140811.html|access-date=July 16, 2016|date=July 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717131932/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/pokemon-go-down-servers-ddos-attack-hackers-poodlecorp-game-unavailable-a7140811.html|archive-date=July 17, 2016|website=The Independent}} although the problem was fixed later that day.{{cite news|last1=Good |first1=Owen |title=Hackers say they brought down Pokémon Go servers, but they're back up |url=http://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2016/7/16/12205920/pokemon-go-servers-down-hackers-claim-they-did-it |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717131928/http://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2016/7/16/12205920/pokemon-go-servers-down-hackers-claim-they-did-it |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |date=July 16, 2016 }}{{cite news|last1=Velocci|first1=Carli|title=Pokémon Go Servers Reportedly Hacked Because It Was Bound to Happen|url=https://gizmodo.com/pokemon-go-servers-reportedly-hacked-because-it-was-bou-1783779474|access-date=July 16, 2016|date=July 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717131920/http://gizmodo.com/pokemon-go-servers-reportedly-hacked-because-it-was-bou-1783779474|website=Gizmodo|publisher=Gawker Media}} The next day, the servers went down again as the game was launched in Canada.{{cite news|last1=Thier|first1=Dave|title='Pokémon GO' Servers Down As Game Launches In Canada|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2016/07/17/pokemon-go-servers-down-as-game-launches-in-canada/|access-date=July 17, 2016|date=July 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721201052/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2016/07/17/pokemon-go-servers-down-as-game-launches-in-canada/amp/|archive-date=July 21, 2016|df=mdy-all}} John Hanke issued an apology for the server issues at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, stating "we weren't provisioned for what happened".

Some early iOS installs of Pokémon Go required users to provide the app with full access to their Google accounts, thereby allowing the app to "access players' Gmail-based email, Google Drive-based files, photos and videos stored in Google Photos, and any other content within their Google accounts".{{cite news |title = Pokemon Go Users: Beware Two Major Security Risks |url = http://www.inc.com/joseph-steinberg/pokemon-go-users-beware-two-major-security-risks.html |work = Inc. |first = Joseph |last = Steinberg |access-date = July 10, 2016 |date = July 10, 2016 |archive-date = October 1, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161001024512/http://www.inc.com/joseph-steinberg/pokemon-go-users-beware-two-major-security-risks.html |url-status = live }}{{cite web |last1 = Cunningham |first1 = Andrew |title = iOS version of Pokemon Go is a possible privacy train wreck |url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/pokemon-go-on-ios-gets-full-access-to-your-google-account/ |publisher = ARS Technica |access-date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711204057/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/pokemon-go-on-ios-gets-full-access-to-your-google-account/ |archive-date = July 11, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |last1 = Fleishman |first1 = Glenn |title = Pokemon Go for iOS requires full Google account access |url = https://www.macworld.com/article/3092458/ios/pok-mon-go-for-ios-requires-full-google-account-access.html |publisher = Macworld |access-date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712124607/http://www.macworld.com/article/3092458/ios/pok-mon-go-for-ios-requires-full-google-account-access.html |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} The Pokémon Company and Niantic responded to the concerns, recognizing that the iOS app, at the time, "... erroneously requests full access permission for the user's Google account ..."{{cite news |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/07/11/pushy_pokemon_go_criticized/ |title = Pokemon Go ... hand over all of your Google Gmail, Drive, Photos |publisher = The Register |access-date = July 12, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711204522/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/07/11/pushy_pokemon_go_criticized/ |archive-date = July 11, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url = https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-on-ios-is-digging-deep-into-linked-google-accounts/ |title = 'Pokémon Go' on iOS is digging deep into linked Google accounts (update) |website = Engadget |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 12, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712004636/https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-on-ios-is-digging-deep-into-linked-google-accounts/ |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} However, Adam Reeve—the person who initially made claims of the security issues in a Tumblr post—later backtracked on his claim and was not "100 percent sure" it was valid.{{cite web|first=Violet|last=Blue|work=Engadget|publisher=AOL|date=July 15, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2016|title=Don't believe the 'Pokémon Go' privacy hype|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/15/dont-believe-the-pokemon-go-privacy-hype/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716132149/https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/15/dont-believe-the-pokemon-go-privacy-hype/|archive-date=July 16, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|first=William|last=Turton|work=Gizmodo|publisher=Gawker Media|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2016|title=Pokémon Go Was Never Able To Read Your Email [Updated]|url=https://gizmodo.com/can-pokemon-go-really-read-all-your-emails-1783479136|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718153106/http://gizmodo.com/can-pokemon-go-really-read-all-your-emails-1783479136|archive-date=July 18, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Dan Guido, CEO of the security company Trail of Bits, analyzed the app's programming and discovered that although the game did request full account access, this did not enable third-party usage as initially conveyed. Guido found that this did enable Niantic to access people's email addresses and phone numbers unintentionally. A subsequent iOS app update reduced the scope of access.{{cite news |last1 = Grubb |first1 = Jeff |title = Pokémon Go iOS update fixes 'full access' to your Google email account |url = https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-go-ios-update-fixes-full-access-to-your-google-email-account/ |access-date = July 12, 2016 |agency = venturebeat |date = July 12, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160812155940/http://venturebeat.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-go-ios-update-fixes-full-access-to-your-google-email-account/ |archive-date = August 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Niantic also issued a statement assuring users that no information was collected nor was any information beyond what was necessary to use the app accessed.

{{anchor|Glitches}}

Alongside server issues, Pokémon Go suffered from several glitches. One of the more prominent bugs appeared in mid-July 2016 and rendered the game's tracking feature useless. Normally, this feature shows between zero and three footprints to inform the player of how close they are to a nearby Pokémon; however, it universally became "stuck" at three steps, earning it the name "three-step-glitch".{{cite web|first=Allegra|last=Frank|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=July 19, 2016|access-date=August 2, 2016|title=Pokémon Go's nearby Pokémon tracking stops working thanks to glitch|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/19/12226900/pokemon-go-nearby-bug|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729220436/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/19/12226900/pokemon-go-nearby-bug|archive-date=July 29, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Niantic removed the footstep feature altogether on July 30,{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/thats-one-way-to-fix-pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-1784589719|title=Pokémon Go Update Fixes Three-Step Glitch By Removing Steps Entirely|url-status=live|archive-date=July 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731060321/http://kotaku.com/thats-one-way-to-fix-pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-1784589719|website=Kotaku|publisher=Gawker Media|access-date=July 31, 2016|first=Mike|last=Fahey|date=July 30, 2016}} sparking criticism from players. By August 1, players reported a new glitch that swaps their captured Pokémon with another creature at random.{{cite web|first=Allegra|last=Frank|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=August 1, 2016|access-date=August 2, 2016|title=Pokémon Go's latest glitch is changing players' Pokémon after they're caught|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/2/12352212/pokemon-go-glitch-changing-caught-pokemon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802170706/http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/2/12352212/pokemon-go-glitch-changing-caught-pokemon|archive-date=August 2, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Another bug, confirmed by Niantic in August, inadvertently made capturing Pokémon more difficult. Some Legendary Pokémon, which are rare and powerful versions of the creatures, were also obtained by players in a glitch, though they were later removed from the accounts of the trainers to keep the game fair.{{cite web|first=Mat|last=Paget|publisher=GameSpot|date=August 5, 2016|access-date=August 5, 2016|title=Pokemon Go Bug Makes It Harder to Catch Pokemon; Dev Working on Fix|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-bug-makes-it-harder-to-catch-pokemon-de/1100-6442385/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808160250/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-bug-makes-it-harder-to-catch-pokemon-de/1100-6442385/|archive-date=August 8, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

{{Overly detailed|section|date=October 2024}}{{Video game reviews

| MC = wikidata

| 4P = 50/100{{Cite web|url=https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Allgemein/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Allgemein/37089/81968/Pokemon_GO.html|title=Test: Pokémon GO (Taktik & Strategie)|website=4Players.de|date=July 21, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101083334/https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Allgemein/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Allgemein/37089/81968/Pokemon_GO.html|url-status=live}}

| Destruct = 3.5/10

| GSpot = 7/10

| GTM = 7/10{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/pokemon-go-review/|title=Pokémon Go review|website=GamesTM|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023151331/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/pokemon-go-review/|archive-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| Gamezebo = {{rating|3.5|5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamezebo.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-review-catch-em-real/|title=Pokemon GO Review: Catch 'Em for Real|website=GameZebo|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223095113/https://www.gamezebo.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-review-catch-em-real/|url-status=dead}}

| HCG = 3.5/5{{Cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/07/17/review-pokemon-go/216689/|title=Review: Pokémon GO|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=July 17, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928025447/https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/07/17/review-pokemon-go/216689/|url-status=dead}}

| IGN = 7/10{{cite web |last = Plagge |first = Kallie |date = July 12, 2016 |url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-review |title = Pokemon Go Review |publisher = IGN |access-date = July 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133052/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-review}}

| JXV = 18/20{{Cite web|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/838081/pokemon-go-l-excellence-sur-la-duree.htm|title=Test : Pokémon GO : L'excellence sur la durée|website=Jeuxvideo.com|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161541/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/838081/pokemon-go-l-excellence-sur-la-duree.htm|url-status=live}}

| PG = {{rating|4.5|5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/070656/pok-mon-go-review-go-outside-and-play-it/|title=Pokémon GO review - GO outside and play it|website=Pocket Gamer|date=July 7, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161542/https://www.pocketgamer.com/pokemon-go/pokemon-go-review-go-outside-and-play-it/|url-status=live}}

| Poly = 7.5/10

| TG = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web |last1 = Brewster |first1 = Kat |title = Pokémon Go review – it may not be a good game, but it's a great experience |url = https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/12/pokemon-go-review-it-may-not-be-a-good-game-but-its-a-great-experience |website = The Guardian |access-date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712214645/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/12/pokemon-go-review-it-may-not-be-a-good-game-but-its-a-great-experience |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}

| USG = 3/5{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/pokmon-go-review-broken-but-amazing|title=Pokemon Go Review: Broken App, Amazing Community|website=USgamer|date=July 15, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803093235/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/pokmon-go-review-broken-but-amazing|url-status=dead}}

}}

Pokémon Go released to "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Upon release, critics called the experience enjoyable, but noted the game's technical issues.

Critics praised various aspects of Pokémon Go. Oscar Dayus (Pocket Gamer) said that the game was an immensely enjoyable experience and continued with how "the very personal nature of catching Pokémon in your own neighborhood made me smile more than any game has for years".{{cite web |last = Dayus |first = Oscar |title = Pokémon GO review – GO outside and play it |url = http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Pokemon+GO/review.asp?c=70656 |website = Pocket Gamer |access-date = July 10, 2016 |date = July 7, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160709185434/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Pokemon+GO/review.asp?c=70656 |archive-date = July 9, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Jeremy Parish (US Gamer) compared the game and its social aspects to a massively multiplayer online game.{{cite web |title = Did Pokémon GO Just Reinvent The MMO? |url = http://www.usgamer.net/articles/did-pokmon-go-just-reinvent-the-mmo |website = US Gamer |date = July 9, 2016 |access-date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712135001/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/did-pokmon-go-just-reinvent-the-mmo |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Reviewers also praised the game enabling the promotion of physical exercise. Terri Schwartz (IGN) said it was "secretly the best exercise app out there" and that it changed her daily walking routine.{{cite web |author = Schwartz, Terri |url = http://au.ign.com/articles/2016/07/09/pokemon-go-is-secretly-the-best-exercise-app-out-there |title = Pokemon Go is Secretly the Best Exercise App out there |work = IGN |access-date = July 12, 2016 |date = July 8, 2016 |archive-date = February 26, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220226154843/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/09/pokemon-go-is-secretly-the-best-exercise-app-out-there |url-status = live }} Patrick Allen (Lifehacker) wrote an article with tips about how to work out using Pokémon Go.{{cite web |url = http://lifehacker.com/the-pokemon-go-interval-training-workout-1783487992 |title = The Pokémon Go Interval Training Workout |first = Patrick |last = Allen |website = Lifehacker |access-date = July 14, 2016 |date = July 12, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-date = July 14, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160714120300/http://lifehacker.com/the-pokemon-go-interval-training-workout-1783487992 |publisher = Gawker Media }} Julia Belluz (Vox) said it could be the "greatest unintentional health fad ever" and wrote that one of the results of the game that the developers may not have realized was that "it seems to be getting people moving".{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2016/7/12/12159198/pokemon-go-exercise-increase |title=Pokémon Go may be the greatest unintentional health fad ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160714120634/http://www.vox.com/2016/7/12/12159198/pokemon-go-exercise-increase |archive-date=July 14, 2016 |website=Vox |first=Julia |last=Belluz |date=July 12, 2016 |author-link=Julia Belluz }} Users took an extra 194 steps per day once they started using the app, which approximated to 26% more than usual.{{cite web | url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/11/technology/pokemon-go-exercise-health/index.html | title=Pokemon Go could add 2.83 million years to users' lives | publisher=CNN Money | date=October 12, 2016 | access-date=October 12, 2016 | author=McFarland, Matt | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012075542/http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/11/technology/pokemon-go-exercise-health/index.html | archive-date=October 12, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} IGN named it the 100th best video game of all time in 2018.{{cite web|title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time|url=https://ign.com/lists/top-100-games/100/100|publisher=IGN|access-date=26 March 2018}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Philip Kollar and Allegra Frank (Polygon) both agreed that Pokémon Go was "an exciting social experience", but were not sure how long the game and its popularity would last, stating it could either last for coming years or "end up as a brush fire craze that the whole gaming world is talking about for a few weeks and then is forgotten".{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/14/12183956/pokemon-go-review-ios-android-nintendo-niantic-company-mobile-game |title=Pokémon Go review |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |url-status=live |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717061107/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/14/12183956/pokemon-go-review-ios-android-nintendo-niantic-company-mobile-game |first1=Philip |last1=Kollar |first2=Allegra |last2=Frank |date=July 14, 2016 }}

Other critics expressed more negative opinions of the game, with many citing frequent crashes and other technical issues, along with shallow gameplay. Kallie Plagge (IGN) said that although the game lacked in polish and depth, the overall experience made up for it. Matt Peckham (Time) criticized the game for its frequent crashes. Mike Cosimano (Destructoid) also took issue with the game, saying the original idea showed promise, but was improperly executed. Kat Brewster (The Guardian) wrote that although she thought Pokémon Go was not a good game, it was "a great experience". The server problems also received negative press. Miguel Concepcion (GameSpot) said that although he enjoyed the game's strong social appeal and visual design, the game's "initial iteration is a buggy mess on all levels", with one of the reasons being the constant server problems. Another glitch that appeared a few days after launch was the "three-step glitch", which made it impossible to "hunt down a specific Pokémon". Patricia Hernandez (Kotaku) said, "the three step glitch adds to what has been a terrible launch for Pokémon Go".{{cite web|date=July 19, 2016|url=http://kotaku.com/pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-makes-tracking-pokemon-im-1783854268|website=Kotaku|publisher=Gawker Media|url-status=live|archive-date=July 19, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719033836/http://kotaku.com/pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-makes-tracking-pokemon-im-1783854268|title=Pokémon Go's Three-Step Glitch Makes Tracking Pokémon Even Harder|first=Patricia|last=Hernandez}} Critics also emphasized on the large gap between the rural and urban players. Rural players seem to be at a major disadvantage when playing the game, while city players have access to more PokéStops and Gyms.{{cite web|url=https://mic.com/articles/181585/pokemon-go-anniversary-one-year-later-its-still-a-city-dwellers-game#.VYdbani0t |title='Pokémon Go' Anniversary: One year later, it's still a city dweller's game |first=Leif |last=Johnson |access-date=September 12, 2017 |date=July 6, 2017 }}

File:Pokemon Go Revenue - BoA ST.png

Pokémon Go rapidly rose the American iOS App Store's "Top Grossing" and "Free" charts.{{cite web |url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/07/pokemon-go-is-the-top-grossing-app-on-the-us-app-store |title = Pokemon GO Is the Top Grossing App on the US App Store |last = Osborn |first = Alex |website = IGN |date = July 7, 2016 |access-date = July 8, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160708134313/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/07/pokemon-go-is-the-top-grossing-app-on-the-us-app-store |archive-date = July 8, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url = http://www.ibtimes.com/pokemon-go-tips-how-buying-pokecoins-makes-nintendo-richer-2389963 |title = Pokémon GO Tips: How Buying PokéCoins Makes Nintendo Richer |website = International Business Times |date = July 7, 2016 |access-date = July 8, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160708101839/http://www.ibtimes.com/pokemon-go-tips-how-buying-pokecoins-makes-nintendo-richer-2389963 |archive-date = July 8, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} The game has become the fastest game to top the App Store and Google Play, beating Clash Royale,{{cite news |last1 = Grubb |first1 = Jeff |title = Pokémon Go outpaces Clash Royale as the fastest game ever to No. 1 on the mobile revenue charts |url = https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-outpaces-clash-royale-as-the-fastest-game-ever-to-no-1-on-the-mobile-revenue-charts/ |access-date = July 12, 2016 |work = VentureBeat |date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712192537/http://venturebeat.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-outpaces-clash-royale-as-the-fastest-game-ever-to-no-1-on-the-mobile-revenue-charts/ |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} and it became the most downloaded app on the App Store of any app in their first week.{{cite web | url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/22/apple-says-pokemon-go-is-the-most-downloaded-app-in-its-first-week-ever/ | title=Apple says Pokémon Go is the most downloaded app in its first week ever | publisher=TC | date=July 22, 2016 | access-date=July 22, 2016 | author=Dillet, Romain | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722221211/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/22/apple-says-pokemon-go-is-the-most-downloaded-app-in-its-first-week-ever/ | archive-date=July 22, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} Within two days of release, it was installed on more than 5% of Android devices in the United States, according to SimilarWeb,{{cite web |url = https://www.yahoo.com/tech/pokemon-game-adds-7-5-095739989.html |title = Pokemon Go doing well |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 11, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160813051419/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/pokemon-game-adds-7-5-095739989.html |archive-date = August 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} According to Sensor Tower, the game was downloaded more than 10 million times within a week of release, becoming the fastest such app to do so,{{cite news|first=Brett|last=Molina|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 20, 2016|access-date=July 21, 2016|title='Pokémon Go' fastest mobile game to 10M downloads|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/20/pokemon-go-fastest-mobile-game-10m-downloads/87338366/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720174001/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/20/pokemon-go-fastest-mobile-game-10m-downloads/87338366/|archive-date=July 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}} and reached 15 million global downloads by July 13.{{cite news|first=Brett|last=Molina|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 13, 2016|access-date=July 21, 2016|title=Report: 'Pokémon Go' downloads top 15 million|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/13/report-pokemon-go-downloads-top-15-million/87022202/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719181758/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/13/report-pokemon-go-downloads-top-15-million/87022202/|archive-date=July 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}} According to SurveyMonkey the game became the most active mobile game in the United States ever with 21 million active users on July 12, eclipsing Candy Crush Saga{{'}}s peak of 20 million.{{cite web |url = https://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-now-the-biggest-mobile-game-in-us-history.html |title = 'Pokemon Go' now the biggest mobile game in US history |last = Lovelace |first = Berkeley Jr. |date = July 13, 2016 |publisher = CNBC |access-date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713213747/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-now-the-biggest-mobile-game-in-us-history.html |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} By July 15, approximately 1.3 million people were playing the game in the Netherlands, despite the app not being officially released in the country at the time.{{cite web|language=nl|first=Jimmy|last=Kemkes|publisher=XGN|date=July 15, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2016|title=Pokemon GO Nederland heeft al 1,3 miljoen Pokémon trainers|url=http://www.xgn.nl/nieuws/80902/pokemon-go-nederland-heeft-al-1-3-miljoen-pokmon-trainers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160723235224/http://www.xgn.nl/nieuws/80902/pokemon-go-nederland-heeft-al-1-3-miljoen-pokmon-trainers|archive-date=July 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On the day of release in Japan, more than 10 million people downloaded the game,{{cite news|first=Jonathan|last=Soble|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 22, 2016|access-date=July 23, 2016|title=Pokémon Go, With a Corporate Tie-in, Debuts in Japan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/23/business/international/pokemon-go-japan-mcdonalds.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724050634/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/23/business/international/pokemon-go-japan-mcdonalds.html|archive-date=July 24, 2016|df=mdy-all}} including 1.3 million in the first three hours.{{cite news|first=Kirk|last=Spitzer|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 22, 2016|access-date=July 22, 2016|title=Back home in Japan, Pokemon Go finds success is unreal|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/22/back-home-japan-pokemon-go-finds-success-unreal/87432786/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722195258/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/22/back-home-japan-pokemon-go-finds-success-unreal/87432786/|archive-date=July 22, 2016|df=mdy-all}} By July 31, the game exceeded 100 million downloads worldwide, according to App Annie and Sensor Tower.{{cite news|first=Brett|last=Molina|newspaper=USA Today|date=August 2, 2016|access-date=August 2, 2016|title='Pokémon Go' users lash out after latest update|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/08/02/pokmon-go-users-lash-out-after-latest-update/87946212/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806080551/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/08/02/pokmon-go-users-lash-out-after-latest-update/87946212/|archive-date=August 6, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|first=Mariella|last=Moon|work=Engadget|publisher=AOL|date=August 1, 2016|access-date=August 2, 2016|title='Pokémon Go' hits 100 million downloads|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/01/pokemon-go-100-million-downloads/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802100930/https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/01/pokemon-go-100-million-downloads/|archive-date=August 2, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On August 8, Pokémon Go reached the milestone of over 100 million downloads on Google Play alone after barely 33 days on the market.{{cite web|url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/08/08/pokmon-go-passes-100-million-play-store-downloads-just-month/|title=Pokémon GO passes 100 million Play Store downloads in just a month|date=August 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809122735/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/08/08/pokmon-go-passes-100-million-play-store-downloads-just-month/|archive-date=August 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticlabs.pokemongo&hl=it|title=Pokémon GO on Google Play|publisher=Google Play|access-date=July 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716110404/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticlabs.pokemongo&hl=it|archive-date=July 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

Through in-game purchases, the game generated more than {{US$|160 million|long=no}} by the end of July 2016,{{cite web|url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-160-million-dollars-usage-still-strong|title=Pokémon GO Passes $160 Million Worldwide Revenue, Usage Remains Strong|publisher=Sensor Tower App Marketing Blog|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804095654/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-160-million-dollars-usage-still-strong|archive-date=August 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}} with App Annie reporting that Pokémon Go had generated around {{US$|10 million|long=no}} in revenue every day that month.{{cite web|url=https://www.appannie.com/insights/mobile-strategy/pokemon-go-an-opportunity-not-a-threat/|title=Pokémon GO: An Opportunity, Not a Threat|publisher=App Annie|date=July 29, 2016|access-date=July 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011024900/https://www.appannie.com/insights/mobile-strategy/pokemon-go-an-opportunity-not-a-threat/|archive-date=October 11, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The same month, Sensor Tower reported that the game had passed more than {{US$|200 million|long=no}} in worldwide revenue, beating every existing record set by Clash of Clans and Candy Crush by a wide margin.{{cite web|url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-month|title=Ending a Historic First Month, Pokémon GO Has Passed $200 Million in Worldwide Revenue|publisher=Sensor Tower App Marketing Blog|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809145021/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-month|archive-date=August 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On August 12, 2016, the Financial Times reported that Pokémon Go reached {{US$|268 million|long=no}} in revenue after five weeks counting only the U.S., British, and German markets.{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2dd63522-5fdf-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93,Authorised=false.html?siteedition=intl&_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F2dd63522-5fdf-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93.html%3Fsiteedition%3Dintl&_i_referer=&classification=conditional_standard&iab=barrier-app|title=Pokémon Go crosses $250m in revenues since launch|first=Madhumita|last=Murgia|date=August 12, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2016|newspaper=Financial Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828123729/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2dd63522-5fdf-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93%2CAuthorised%3Dfalse.html?siteedition=intl&_i_location=http%3A//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2dd63522-5fdf-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93.html%3Fsiteedition%3Dintl&_i_referer=&classification=conditional_standard&iab=barrier-app|archive-date=August 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The average daily usage of the app on Android devices in July 2016 exceeded that of Snapchat, Tinder, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.{{cite news |last1 = Molina |first1 = Brett |title = 'Pokémon Go' beating Facebook, Tinder and Snapchat |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/12/chart-more-time-spent-pokmon-go-than-instagram-snapchat/86982096/ |access-date = July 12, 2016 |date = July 12, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712174953/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/12/chart-more-time-spent-pokmon-go-than-instagram-snapchat/86982096/ |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Due by the game's massive popularity, several app developers became focused on developing similar AR apps using available software development kits (SDK). By September 2, 2016, Pokémon Go had generated more than $440 million in worldwide revenue, according to Sensor Tower.{{cite web|last1=V.|first1=Cosmin|title=Pokémon Go revenue skyrockets to more than $440 million since release|url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Pokemon-GO-revenue-skyrockets-to-more-than-440-million-since-release_id84912|website=phoneArena|date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=September 2, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903171919/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Pokemon-GO-revenue-skyrockets-to-more-than-440-million-since-release_id84912|archive-date=September 3, 2016|df=mdy-all}} By September 30, it had received {{nowrap|500 million}} downloads and grossed {{US$|470 million|long=no}} in 80 days, according to market research firm Newzoo.{{cite news |title=Analysis of Pokémon GO: A Success Two Decades in the Making |url=https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/analysis-pokemon-go/ |access-date=30 January 2021 |work=Newzoo |date=30 September 2016 |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201122637/https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/analysis-pokemon-go/ |url-status=dead }} Pokémon Go reached the milestone of $600 million in revenue after only 90 days on the market, becoming the fastest mobile game ever to do so.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-reaches-600-million-faster-than-any-mob/1100-6444687/|title=Pokemon Go Reaches $600 Million, Faster Than Any Mobile Game in History – Report|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023133328/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-reaches-600-million-faster-than-any-mob/1100-6444687/|archive-date=October 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

Besides in-game purchases, partnerships with retail chains like Starbucks,{{Cite news|title=Starbucks|url=https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2016/starbucks-pokemon-go/|access-date=2020-11-23|newspaper=Starbucks Stories}}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} McDonald's,{{Cite news|last=Mochizuki|first=Takashi|date=2016-07-19|title=McDonald's Unit to Sponsor 'Pokémon Go' in Japan|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-unit-to-sponsor-pokemon-go-in-japan-1468936459|access-date=2020-11-23|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161545/https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-unit-to-sponsor-pokemon-go-in-japan-1468936459|url-status=live}} Sprint,{{Cite web|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=2016-12-07|title=Pokémon Go is adding 10.5K gym and pokéstop locations at Sprint stores|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13868086/pokemon-go-sprint-store-new-gyms-pokestops|access-date=2020-11-23|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=January 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104235332/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13868086/pokemon-go-sprint-store-new-gyms-pokestops|url-status=live}} pay Niantic Labs for "Foot Traffic" on-demand of the retail shops.

The game was awarded five Guinness World Records in August 2016: most revenue grossed by a mobile game in its first month ({{US$|206.5 million|long=no}}); most downloaded mobile game in its first month (130 million downloads); most international charts topped simultaneously for a mobile game in its first month (top game in 70 different countries); most international charts topped simultaneously for a mobile game in its first month (top grossing in 55 countries simultaneously); and fastest time to gross $100 million by a mobile game (reached in 20 days on July 26).{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Swatman|publisher=Guinness World Records|date=August 10, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|title=Pokémon Go catches five new world records|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2016/8/pokemon-go-catches-five-world-records-439327|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818035557/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2016/8/pokemon-go-catches-five-world-records-439327|archive-date=August 18, 2016|df=mdy-all}} By September 2016, Pokémon Go had been downloaded over 500 million times worldwide, and became the fastest game to make over $500 million in revenue.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/08/pokemon-go-becomes-the-fastest-game-to-ever-hit-500-million-in-revenue/|title=Pokémon Go becomes the fastest game to ever hit $500 million in revenue|last=Perez|first=Sarah|website=TechCrunch|date=September 8, 2016 |access-date=September 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909174800/https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/08/pokemon-go-becomes-the-fastest-game-to-ever-hit-500-million-in-revenue/|archive-date=September 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Pokémon Go was awarded the App Store's breakout hit of 2016.{{cite web|last1=Kerr|first1=Chris|title=Clash Royale, Reigns, and Pokemon Go named in Apple's Best of 2016|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/287106/Clash_Royale_Reigns_and_Pokemon_Go_named_in_Apples_Best_of_2016.php|website=Gamasutra|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208150458/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/287106/Clash_Royale_Reigns_and_Pokemon_Go_named_in_Apples_Best_of_2016.php|archive-date=December 8, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Pokémon Go was reported to be the most searched game on Google in 2016.{{cite web|last1=Nieva|first1=Richard|title=Pokemon Go was Google Play's top game of 2016|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-play-top-trending-2016-pokemon-go-game-of-thrones-deadpool/|website=CNET|access-date=December 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202122616/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-play-top-trending-2016-pokemon-go-game-of-thrones-deadpool/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

Usage of the game in the United States peaked on July 15, and by mid-September, had lost 79% of its players there. Forbes said "the vaguely curious stopped playing and the more committed players ran up against a fairly unsatisfying endgame".{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2016/09/13/pokemon-go-has-lost-79-of-its-paying-players-since-launch-but-thats-fine/#2982781b526c|title='Pokémon GO' Has Lost 79% Of Its Paying Players Since Launch, But That's Fine|work=Forbes|date=September 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910215356/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2016/09/13/pokemon-go-has-lost-79-of-its-paying-players-since-launch-but-thats-fine/#2982781b526c|archive-date=September 10, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In October 2016, Niantic released a Halloween-themed event, which saw a surge in revenue up to 133% as reported by Sensor Tower, placing the game back to top of the charts of highest grossing apps. It was reported that the game earned approximately $23.3 million between October 25 and 29, up from approximately $10 million between October 18 and 22.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2016/11/01/expect-pokemon-go-to-make-more-halloween-like-events-after-huge-133-revenue-jump/#4991f70220e1|title=Expect 'Pokémon GO' To Make More Halloween-Like Events After Huge 133% Revenue Jump|first=Paul|last=Tassi|website=Forbes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831055316/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2016/11/01/expect-pokemon-go-to-make-more-halloween-like-events-after-huge-133-revenue-jump/#4991f70220e1|archive-date=August 31, 2017|df=mdy-all}} According to App Annie, Pokémon Go grossed an estimated {{US$|950 million|long=no}} in 2016.{{cite news |title=Pokémon Go generated revenues of $950 million in 2016 |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/17/pokemon-go-generated-revenues-of-950-million-in-2016/ |work=VentureBeat |date=January 17, 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029001501/https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/17/pokemon-go-generated-revenues-of-950-million-in-2016/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2017, Pokémon Go was awarded being the best app at the Crunchies award event.{{cite web|title=2017 Crunchies: Best App|url=https://techcrunch.com/video/2017-crunchies-best-app/5899613ce3bb567aa3ad7e40/|website=Tech Crunch|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216092211/https://techcrunch.com/video/2017-crunchies-best-app/5899613ce3bb567aa3ad7e40/|archive-date=February 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} By February 2017, the game has been downloaded more than {{nowrap|650 million}} times worldwide, with a reported {{US$|1 billion|long=no}} in revenue made, becoming the fastest mobile game ever to do so.{{cite web|last1=Nelson|first1=Randy|title=Pokémon GO Has Grossed $1 Billion Worldwide Since Launch|url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue|website=sensortower.com|access-date=April 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220192803/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue|archive-date=February 20, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/27/14753570/pokemon-go-downloads-650-million|title=Pokémon Go hits 650 million downloads|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=February 27, 2017|website=Polygon|access-date=March 1, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228074625/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/27/14753570/pokemon-go-downloads-650-million|archive-date=February 28, 2017|df=mdy-all}} By June 2017, the game was downloaded more than 750 million times,{{cite web |url= http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/anniversary2017 |title= Celebrating the First Anniversary of Pokémon GO! |date= June 8, 2017 |website= Pokémon GO Live |author= The Pokémon GO team |publisher= Niantic, Inc. Pokémon. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc. |access-date= June 28, 2017 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170626231007/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/anniversary2017 |archive-date= June 26, 2017 |df= mdy-all }} with an estimated revenue of {{US$|1.2 billion|long=no}} according to Apptopia.{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/26/sensor-tower-pokemon-go-ios-revenues-soar-thanks-to-legendary-monsters/ |title=Sensor Tower: Pokémon Go iOS revenues soar thanks to legendary monsters (Update) |date=July 26, 2017 |access-date=August 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828145846/https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/26/sensor-tower-pokemon-go-ios-revenues-soar-thanks-to-legendary-monsters/ |archive-date=August 28, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} According to mobile app research firm Apptopia, approximately 60 million users were still playing the game a year after launch.{{cite news |last=Bhasin |first=Kim |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-24/pokemon-go-never-went-away-and-neither-did-its-technical-woes |title=Pokémon Go Never Went Away—and Neither Did Its Technical Woes |work=Bloomberg News |date=July 24, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725202448/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-24/pokemon-go-never-went-away-and-neither-did-its-technical-woes |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} In May 2018, The Pokémon Company announced that the game reached over 800{{nbsp}}million downloads worldwide.{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go captures 800 million downloads |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/68209/pokemon-go-captures-800-million-downloads/ |work=Pocket Gamer |date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=July 19, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161552/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/d/ajax/nextarticle/ |url-status=live }} Forbes estimated that the game may have come close to 900{{nbsp}}million downloads by September 2018.{{cite news |title=Meltan Is More Than A Mythic, It's Genius Marketing Using 'Pokémon GO' As An Ad For Switch |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/09/26/meltan-is-more-than-a-mythic-its-genius-marketing-using-pokemon-go-as-an-ad-for-switch/ |work=Forbes |date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817163616/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/09/26/meltan-is-more-than-a-mythic-its-genius-marketing-using-pokemon-go-as-an-ad-for-switch/ |url-status=live }} The top five countries where it has received the most downloads are the United States (21%), Brazil (9.3%), India (8.6%), Mexico (5.5%), and Indonesia (5%).{{cite news |title=Pokémon GO Catches $2 Billion Since Launch |url=http://blog.apptopia.com/pok%C3%A9mon-go-catches-2-billion-since-launch |work=Apptopia |date=September 25, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174550/https://apptopia.com/blog/ |url-status=live }} As of February 2019, the game has been downloaded by over 1{{nbsp}}billion people worldwide.{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Pokémon Go spurred an amazing era that continues with Sword and Shield |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/28/18243332/pokemon-go-sword-shield-franchise-history-niantic-nintendo-switch |access-date=March 1, 2019 |work=The Verge |date=February 28, 2019 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715233149/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/28/18243332/pokemon-go-sword-shield-franchise-history-niantic-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}

A report from SuperData Research ranked Pokémon Go as the 9th highest grossing mobile game of 2017, with an annual revenue of {{US$|890 million|long=no}}.{{cite web|title=2017 YEAR IN REVIEW: DIGITAL GAMES AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA|url=http://strivesponsorship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SuperData-2017-year-in-review-digital-games-and-interactive-media.pdf|publisher=SuperData Research|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=October 18, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014234/http://strivesponsorship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SuperData-2017-year-in-review-digital-games-and-interactive-media.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Hoffer|first1=Christian|title=Pokemon Go Made a Ton of Money in 2017|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/01/31/pokemon-go-2017-revenue/|access-date=2 February 2018|work=WWG|date=31 January 2018}} Bloomberg estimated that Pokémon Go generated up to {{US$|2 billion|long=no}} in total revenue by late 2017.{{cite news |last=Corrigan |first=Hope |title=Pokemon Company Boss Says Trading and PvP Still Coming to Pokemon Go |url=https://ign.com/articles/2017/09/07/pokemon-company-boss-says-trading-and-pvp-still-coming-to-pokemon-go |work=IGN |date=September 6, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165141/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/07/pokemon-company-boss-says-trading-and-pvp-still-coming-to-pokemon-go |url-status=live }} Two years from its initial launch, analyst firm Sensor Tower estimated the game had grossed over {{US$|1.8 billion|long=no}} from in-app purchases, reporting that players around the world continue to spend {{US$|2 million|long=no}} each day.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-2-years-1-billion-1202867409/|title='Pokémon Go' Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary With $1.8 Billion Revenue Milestone|first=Brittany|last=Vincent|date=July 6, 2018|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174528/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-2-years-1-billion-1202867409/|url-status=live}} SuperData Research reported that, in May 2018, Pokémon Go grossed {{US$|104 million|long=no}} in monthly revenue and had {{nowrap|147 million}} monthly active players, its highest since Summer 2016.{{cite news |title=Pokémon Go active player count highest since 2016 summer launch |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-27-pokemon-go-player-count-at-highest-since-2016-summer-launch |work=Eurogamer |date=June 27, 2018 |language=en |access-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172524/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-player-count-at-highest-since-2016-summer-launch |url-status=live }} In July 2018, Pokémon Go was the top-grossing mobile app of the month.{{cite news |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |title=Pokemon Go takes home the gold as the top grossing mobile app in July |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/106742/pokemon-go-takes-home-the-gold-as-the-top-grossing-mobile-app-in-july |work=Shacknews |date=August 15, 2018 |language=en |access-date=August 17, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172524/https://www.shacknews.com/article/106742/pokemon-go-takes-home-the-gold-as-the-top-grossing-mobile-app-in-july |url-status=live }} Since the introduction of trading and friends features, Sensor Tower has reported that players spend an average of {{US$|2.5 million|long=no}} per day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/68865/pokemon-go-sees-daily-revenue-increase-grow-39-per-cent-following-trading-update/|title=Pokemon Go sees daily revenue increase grow 39 per cent following trading update|first1=Natalie|last1=Clayton|first2=Staff|last2=Writer|website=pocketgamer.biz|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174526/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/d/ajax/nextarticle/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-daily-revenue-sensor-tower-1202919174/|title='Pokémon Go' Earning $2.5 Million Daily Since Trading Update (Report)|first=Stefanie|last=Fogel|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165203/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-daily-revenue-sensor-tower-1202919174/|url-status=live}} Apptopia reported that, by September 2018, the game had grossed over {{US$|2 billion|long=no}} from in-app purchases;{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go captures over $2bn through player spending |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/69111/pokemon-go-captures-over-2bn-through-player-spending/ |work=Pocket Gamer |date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817175006/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/pokemon-go-captures-over-2bn-through-player-spending/ |url-status=live }} the top five countries where it has received the most revenue are Japan ({{US$|{{#expr:2000*0.335}} million|long=no}}), the United States ({{US$|{{#expr:2000*0.275}} million|long=no}}), Germany ({{US$|{{#expr:2000*0.044}} million|long=no}}), the United Kingdom ({{US$|{{#expr:2000*0.043}} million|long=no}}), and Australia ({{US$|{{#expr:2000*0.026}} million|long=no}}). It was the fourth highest-grossing game of 2018, with {{US$|1.3 billion|long=no}},{{cite web|title=Market Brief – 2018 Digital Games & Interactive Entertainment Industry Year In Review|url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/market-data/market-brief-year-in-review/|website=SuperData Research|publisher=Nielsen Media Research|access-date=2019-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010757/https://www.superdataresearch.com/market-data/market-brief-year-in-review/|archive-date=January 21, 2019|url-status=dead}} and in 2019 alone Pokémon Go earned {{US$|1.4 billion|long=no}}, according to Superdata Research, a division of Nielsen Media Research.{{cite web |title=Market Brief – 2019 Digital Games & Interactive Entertainment Industry Year In Review |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/2019-year-in-review/ |website=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Media Research |access-date=January 2, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409122229/https://www.superdataresearch.com/2019-year-in-review/ |archive-date=April 9, 2020 }} Pokémon Go live events earned {{US$|249 million|long=no}} in tourism revenue during 2019.{{cite news |last1=Partleton |first1=Kayleigh |title=Pokemon Go live events generated $249 million in tourism revenues in 2019 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/72432/pokemon-go-2019-live-event-tourism-revenues/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=Pocket Gamer |date=January 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806080345/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/72432/pokemon-go-2019-live-event-tourism-revenues/ |url-status=live }} According to Sensor Tower in November 2020, Pokémon Go had accumulated nearly {{nowrap|600 million}} unique installs and generated almost {{US$|4.2 billion|long=no}} in revenue from in-game purchases via the iOS App Store and Google Play. Its largest market in terms of both installs and revenue is the United States, followed by Japan and Germany in revenue and by Brazil and Mexico in installs.

During 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing restrictions on the ability of players to play Go outside their homes, Niantic implemented new features which allowed players to play the game from inside their homes, and this was credited with increasing its playerbase throughout the year despite the restrictions. Despite a brief drop early in the pandemic, the number of monthly active users of the game rose by 45 percent between January and August 2020, and the game's revenue in 2020 was the highest in its history, exceeding even its 2016 revenue.{{cite news |last1=Dodds |first1=Laurence |title=Pokémon Go enjoys 'improbable' renaissance as millions catch virtual monsters at home |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2020/12/25/pokemon-go-enjoys-improbable-renaissance-millions-catch-virtual/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2020/12/25/pokemon-go-enjoys-improbable-renaissance-millions-catch-virtual/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=25 December 2020}}{{cbignore}} The game generated more than {{US$|1 billion|long=no}} of revenue in the first 10 months of 2020 according to Sensor Tower,{{cite news |last1=Chapple |first1=Craig |title=Pokémon GO Hits $1 Billion in 2020 as Lifetime Revenue Surpasses $4 Billion |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue-2020 |access-date=27 December 2020 |work=Sensor Tower Blog |date=3 November 2020 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165149/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue-2020 |url-status=live }} and it was the top-grossing mobile game of December 2020.{{cite news |title=Worldwide digital games market: December 2020 |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/worldwide-digital-games-market |access-date=15 February 2021 |work=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Company |date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125013910/http://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/worldwide-digital-games-market |archive-date=January 25, 2021}} Pokémon Go was one of the top five highest-grossing games of 2020 with an annual revenue of {{US$|1.92 billion|long=no}} according to SuperData Research,{{cite web |title=Games and interactive media earnings rose 12% to $139.9B in 2020 |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/2020-year-in-review |website=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Company |date=6 January 2021 |url-access=registration |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127010826/https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/2020-year-in-review |url-status=dead }} bringing the game's cumulative revenue to {{US$|{{#expr:0.950+0.890+1.3+1.4+1.92}} billion|long=no}} by 2020. The game generated a further {{US$|641.6 million|long=no}} in the first half of 2021.{{cite news |title=Pokémon GO Catches $5 Billion in Lifetime Revenue in Five Years |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-five-billion-revenue |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=Sensor Tower |date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717071900/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-five-billion-revenue |url-status=live }}

{{further|Pokémon Go live events{{!}}Pokémon Go live events}}

File:Pokestop in Alameda Central, Mexico City.jpg, Mexico City]]

The game was referred to as a "social media phenomenon" which has brought people together from all walks of life.{{cite news |last1= Duffy |first1= Connor |title= What is social media phenomenon Pokemon Go? |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-11/what-is-pokemon-go/7587346 |date= July 11, 2016 |newspaper= ABC News |access-date= July 14, 2016 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160715061838/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-11/what-is-pokemon-go/7587346 |archive-date= July 15, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}{{cite web |last= Kain |first= Erik |title= 'Pokémon GO' Is More Than Just a Game And It's Bringing People Together |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-is-more-than-just-a-game-its-a-phenomenon-thats-bringing-people-together/#5f4df9864743 |work= Forbes |access-date= July 14, 2016 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160713022616/http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-is-more-than-just-a-game-its-a-phenomenon-thats-bringing-people-together/#5f4df9864743 |archive-date= July 13, 2016 |df= mdy-all }} 231 million people engaged in 1.1 billion interactions that mentioned Pokémon Go on Facebook and Instagram in the month of July.{{Cite news |url= http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/231-million-people-talked-about-pokemon-go-facebook-and-instagram-july-172891 |title= 231 Million People Talked about Pokemon Go on Facebook and Instagram in July |first= Lauren |last= Johnson |publisher= Adweek |date= August 9, 2016 |access-date= August 11, 2016 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160810161056/http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/231-million-people-talked-about-pokemon-go-facebook-and-instagram-july-172891 |archive-date= August 10, 2016 |df= mdy-all }} Numerous media outlets referred to the surge in popularity as "Pokémon Go Mania", or simply "Pokémania".{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Isaac |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=Times Reporter Descends Into Pokémania |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/insider/how-pokemon-go-augmented-a-reporters-reality.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718094918/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/insider/how-pokemon-go-augmented-a-reporters-reality.html?_r=0 |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

• {{cite news |first=Jacob |last=Zinn |newspaper=Saanich News |date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=Pokémania is back! Bridging the generational divide between Pokémon Go |url=http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/386853671.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821200145/http://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/386853671.html |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}
• {{cite news |first1=Abigail |last1=Gepner |first2=Jazmin |last2=Rosa |first3=Sophia |last3=Rosenbaum |newspaper=New York Post |date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=There's a Pokémon in my restaurant, and business is booming |url=https://nypost.com/2016/07/12/pokemania-runs-wild-through-city-causing-crime-accidents/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717140157/http://nypost.com/2016/07/12/pokemania-runs-wild-through-city-causing-crime-accidents/ |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}
• {{cite news |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go Mania Pushes Nintendo to the Next Level |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-07-19/pokemon-go-mania-pushes-nintendo-to-the-next-level |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719083808/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-07-19/pokemon-go-mania-pushes-nintendo-to-the-next-level |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite magazine |first=Katy |last=Steinmetz |magazine=Time |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=The Surprising History Behind the Word Pokémon |url=https://time.com/4411912/pokemon-go-word-origin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719132516/http://time.com/4411912/pokemon-go-word-origin/ |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} The massive popularity of the game resulted in several unusual positive effects. For example, the game placed players where they can help catch criminals and report crimes in progress, although it has also placed some in harm's way,{{cite news |title= Pokemon Go Is Helping Both Cops and Robbers Do Their Jobs |url= http://fortune.com/2016/07/14/pokemon-go-robberies-police/ |access-date= July 14, 2016 |work= Fortune |date= July 14, 2016 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160715143202/http://fortune.com/2016/07/14/pokemon-go-robberies-police/ |archive-date= July 15, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1 = Daye |first1 = Alison |title = Pokémon Go helps two Marines to catch a murder suspect in Fullerton |url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/13/us/pokmon-go-helps-marines-to-catch-suspect/index.html |access-date = July 14, 2016 |work = CNN |date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160717170356/http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/13/us/pokmon-go-helps-marines-to-catch-suspect/index.html |archive-date = July 17, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite news |author = Staff Reports |title = Four arrested after robbery in Auburn connected to 'Pokémon Go' app |url = http://www.oanow.com/news/crime_courts/four-arrested-after-robbery-in-auburn-connected-to-pok-mon/article_4e7e5e5e-492c-11e6-94d7-5fc7b8837e8d.html |access-date = July 14, 2016 |date = July 13, 2016 |archive-date = March 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220319102122/https://oanow.com/news/crime_courts/four-arrested-after-robbery-in-auburn-connected-to-pok-mon/article_4e7e5e5e-492c-11e6-94d7-5fc7b8837e8d.html |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article88912227.html |title = Pokemon Go players tip Kuna police to alleged arson near church |publisher = The Idaho Statesman |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 }} and has even aided law enforcement's community relations,{{cite web | url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/pokemon-blamed-crimes-aids-embattled-004344471.html | title=Pokemon Go blamed for crimes but also aids embattled U.S. police | work=Forbes | date=July 13, 2016 | access-date=July 16, 2016 | author=Cherelus, Gina | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814162627/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/pokemon-blamed-crimes-aids-embattled-004344471.html | archive-date=August 14, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} albeit with caveats.{{cite web | url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-pokemon-go-police-fire-20160715-snap-story.html | title='You may NOT access our jail': Police and fire official air grievances over 'Pokemon Go' | work=Los Angeles Times | date=July 16, 2016 | access-date=July 16, 2016 | author=Rocha, Veronica | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715234933/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-pokemon-go-police-fire-20160715-snap-story.html | archive-date=July 15, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} Businesses also benefited from the nearby presence of PokéStops (or them being PokéStops themselves) with the concomitant influx of people,{{cite news |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-11/pok-mon-go-brings-real-money-to-random-bars-and-pizzerias |title = Pokémon Go Brings Real Money to Random Bars and Pizzerias |newspaper = Bloomberg.com |date = July 11, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713212022/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-11/pok-mon-go-brings-real-money-to-random-bars-and-pizzerias |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1 = Shields |first1 = Mike |last2 = Perlberg |first2 = Steven |title = Ad Agencies Scramble to Form 'Pokémon Go' Strategies |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/ad-agencies-scramble-to-form-pokemon-go-strategies-1468425523 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |work = Wall Street Journal |date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713171605/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ad-agencies-scramble-to-form-pokemon-go-strategies-1468425523 |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1 = Shaw |first1 = Sydney |title = How N.J. businesses are benefiting from Pokémon Go craze |url = http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/07/pokemon_go_might_be_restaurants_and_retailers_new.html |access-date = July 14, 2016 |date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160716204124/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/07/pokemon_go_might_be_restaurants_and_retailers_new.html |archive-date = July 16, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} and the intense exploration of communities has brought local history to the forefront.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/17/opinion/sunday/pokemon-go-see-the-world-in-its-splendor.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&module=RelatedCoverage®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article | title=Pokémon Go See the World in Its Splendor | publisher=NYT | date=July 14, 2016 | access-date=July 22, 2016 | author=Butcher, Amy | df=mdy-all | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817175142/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/17/opinion/sunday/pokemon-go-see-the-world-in-its-splendor.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&module=RelatedCoverage®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article | url-status=live }} The game was also seen bringing its players to places of worship, as many Pokégyms are located there.{{cite web |url= http://www.onreligion.co.uk/blogs/mosques-churches-and-temples-the-religious-landscape-of-pokemon/ |title= Mosques, Churches and Temples – the religious landscape of Pokemon |publisher= On Religion |date= July 24, 2016 |access-date= August 8, 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160821210943/http://www.onreligion.co.uk/blogs/mosques-churches-and-temples-the-religious-landscape-of-pokemon/ |archive-date= August 21, 2016 |df= mdy-all }} Despite some criticism by religious leaders, this was received positively by religious groups, who saw it as reminding adherents to come and pray.{{cite web |url=http://news.detik.com/berita/3252294/masjid-jadi-tempat-pokestop-game-pokemon-go-begini-pandangan-mui |title=Masjid Jadi Tempat Pokestop Game Pokemon GO, Begini Pandangan MUI |language=id |publisher=DetikCom |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816233939/http://news.detik.com/berita/3252294/masjid-jadi-tempat-pokestop-game-pokemon-go-begini-pandangan-mui |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Some establishments considered purchasing lures in the game to attract additional players to PokéStops on their property. Within a week of its release, a secondary market emerged for the game, both for the resell of high-level accounts on Craigslist and PlayerUp, and for the sale of expert advice on Thumbtack.{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/07/pokemon-go-players-flipping-accounts/ |title=People Are Already Flipping Pokémon Go Accounts |language=en |access-date=July 16, 2016 |publisher=Wired |date=July 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716020842/http://www.wired.com/2016/07/pokemon-go-players-flipping-accounts/ |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.recode.net/2016/7/14/12189488/thumbtack-pokemon-go-expert|title=This startup wants to get you paid as a Pokémon Go expert|last=Bergen|first=Mark|date=July 14, 2016|website=Recode|access-date=July 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715150513/http://www.recode.net/2016/7/14/12189488/thumbtack-pokemon-go-expert|archive-date=July 15, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Wireless provider T-Mobile US started an offer for free data for a year for Pokémon Go sessions,{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3095951/mobile/t-mobile-offers-free-pok-mon-go-data-for-a-year-but-not-everyone-is-happy-about-it.html|title=T-Mobile offers free Pokémon Go data for a year, but not everyone is happy about it|access-date=July 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716132001/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3095951/mobile/t-mobile-offers-free-pok-mon-go-data-for-a-year-but-not-everyone-is-happy-about-it.html|archive-date=July 16, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2016/07/15/t-mobile-joins-the-pokemon-go-industrial-complex/#71add3d63412 |title=T-Mobile Joins The 'Pokémon GO' Industrial Complex |last=Cohan |first=Peter |website=Forbes |access-date=July 16, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715152221/http://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2016/07/15/t-mobile-joins-the-pokemon-go-industrial-complex/#71add3d63412 |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} and Yelp added a filter that only shows businesses which have a PokéStop nearby.{{cite news |last1=Dellinger |first1=AJ |title=Yelp becomes latest app to pivot to Pokémon Go companion with new PokéStop filter |url=http://www.dailydot.com/debug/yelp-pokemon-go-pokestop-filter/?tw=dd |access-date=July 16, 2016 |date=July 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820043709/http://www.dailydot.com/debug/yelp-pokemon-go-pokestop-filter/?tw=dd |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |title=Yelp adds Pokémon Go filter so you can stop wasting time at PokéStop-less restaurants |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/15/yelp-adds-pokemon-go-filter-so-you-can-stop-wasting-time-at-pokestop-less-restaurants |access-date=July 16, 2016 |work=VentureBeat |date=July 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715215716/http://venturebeat.com/2016/07/15/yelp-adds-pokemon-go-filter-so-you-can-stop-wasting-time-at-pokestop-less-restaurants/ |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} National parks across the United States saw an influx of visitors due to the game, with "hundreds or thousands" of people visiting the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C. on the weekend following Pokémon Go{{'s}} release in the country.{{cite news |first = Jim |last = Carlton |newspaper = The Wall Street Journal |date = July 13, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |title = 'Pokémon Go' Gives Boost to National Parks |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/pokemon-go-gives-boost-to-national-parks-1468447301 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713231405/http://www.wsj.com/articles/pokemon-go-gives-boost-to-national-parks-1468447301 |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Small museums with PokéStops placed at exhibits also reported increased attendance, such as the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas, and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Boca Raton, Florida.{{cite news |first = Nikki |last = Ekstein |agency = Bloomberg |newspaper = Houston Chronicle |date = July 14, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |title = Pokemon Go is already a big boon for small museums |url = http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/technology/article/Pokemon-Go-is-already-a-big-boon-for-small-museums-8378073.php |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160828143730/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/technology/article/Pokemon-Go-is-already-a-big-boon-for-small-museums-8378073.php |archive-date = August 28, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Charity organizations also sought engagement from players, with animal shelters offering dog walks to people who want to hatch eggs.{{cite news |publisher=WILX |date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |title=Shelter dogs benefit from Pokemon Go craze; Gamers are helping walk dogs |url=http://www.wilx.com/content/news/Pokemon-Go-craze-benefits-shelter-dogs-386795261.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715144406/http://www.wilx.com/content/news/Pokemon-Go-craze-benefits-shelter-dogs-386795261.html |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

File:Pokemon go stang alar.jpg, France]]

Eduardo Paes, then-mayor of Rio de Janeiro, stated that he hoped the app would be released in Brazil before the start of the 2016 Summer Olympics in the city{{cite magazine |last1 = Grossman |first1 = Lena |title = Rio's Mayor Really Wants Brazil to Get Pokémon Go Before the Olympics |url = https://time.com/4405292/rio-mayor-pokemon-go-olympics/ |access-date = July 14, 2016 |magazine = Time |date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713222516/http://time.com/4405292/rio-mayor-pokemon-go-olympics/ |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} (and it was, on August 3),{{cite news|last1=Mullen|first1=Jethro|title=Pokemon Go arrives in Rio in time for Olympics|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/08/04/technology/pokemon-go-brazil-rio-olympics/index.html|access-date=July 26, 2017|work=CNNMoney|date=August 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916115533/http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/04/technology/pokemon-go-brazil-rio-olympics/index.html|archive-date=September 16, 2016|df=mdy-all}} and United States presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton mentioned the app during their 2016 election campaigns.{{cite magazine |last1 = White |first1 = Daniel |title = Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Want to Catch Voters With Pokémon Go |url = https://time.com/4407067/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-pokemon-go/ |access-date = July 15, 2016 |magazine = Time |date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160714224005/http://time.com/4407067/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-pokemon-go/ |archive-date = July 14, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1 = Wright |first1 = David |last2 = Tatum |first2 = Sophie |title = 'Pokémon Go' finds its way onto the campaign trail |url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/14/politics/donald-trump-not-time-for-pokemon-go/ |access-date = July 15, 2016 |work = CNN |date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160715153558/http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/14/politics/donald-trump-not-time-for-pokemon-go/ |archive-date = July 15, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} In late July 2016, during a public address, the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, compared a political issue about the date of an incoming referendum as preposterous as the hunt for the Pokémon.{{cite web | url = http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2016/07/27/referendum-mattarella-confronti-su-data-e-spacchettamenti-surreali-come-caccia-pokemon-discutere-nel-merito/2936685/ | title = Referendum, Mattarella: "Confronti su data e spacchettamenti surreali come caccia a Pokemon. Discutere nel merito" | language = it | date = July 27, 2016 | access-date = July 27, 2016 | work = Il Fatto Quotidiano | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160728133359/http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2016/07/27/referendum-mattarella-confronti-su-data-e-spacchettamenti-surreali-come-caccia-pokemon-discutere-nel-merito/2936685/ | archive-date = July 28, 2016 | df = mdy-all }} Shortly after the game's release, Bellator mixed martial artist Michael Page celebrated a knockout of his match opponent, Evangelista Santos by putting on a red Ash Ketchum-like hat and rolling a prop Poké Ball in Santos's direction.{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=James |title=MMA fighter Michael Page celebrates knockout with Pokemon Go celebration |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/mma-fighter-michael-page-celebrates-8436835 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |date=July 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719163704/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/mma-fighter-michael-page-celebrates-8436835 |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} On July 25, Dwayne Johnson released a promo video featuring MatPat and Ali-A with himself as a tough, rare Pokémon.{{cite news |last1=Dosh |first1=Kristi |title=The Rock Gets His Own Pokemon Go-Inspired Character |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristidosh/2016/07/26/the-rock-gets-his-own-pokemon-go-inspired-character/#27c7be543a26 |access-date=July 26, 2016 |date=July 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727131955/http://www.forbes.com/sites/kristidosh/2016/07/26/the-rock-gets-his-own-pokemon-go-inspired-character/#27c7be543a26 |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

The game was credited for popularizing AR,{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/technology/unity-technologies-maker-of-pokemon-go-engine-swells-in-value.html | title=Unity Technologies, Maker of Pokémon Go Engine, Swells in Value | publisher=NYT | date=July 13, 2016 | access-date=July 16, 2016 | author=Wingfield, Nick | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716003710/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/technology/unity-technologies-maker-of-pokemon-go-engine-swells-in-value.html | archive-date=July 16, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} and was praised by genderfluid groups for letting the players choose a "style" instead of "gender". The game also had a positive impact among individuals with autism.{{cite news |last1=Derbyshire |first1=Victoria |title=Pokemon Go 'transformed teenager's life' – BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36939145 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |work=BBC News |date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803040941/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36939145 |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1=Yam |first1=Kimberly |title=The Unexpected Effect Pokémon Go Had On A Boy With Autism |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-unexpected-effect-pokemon-go-had-on-a-boy-with-autism_us_5791155ce4b0bdddc4d39dd8 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |work=The Huffington Post |date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802041846/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-unexpected-effect-pokemon-go-had-on-a-boy-with-autism_us_5791155ce4b0bdddc4d39dd8 |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1=Singal |first1=Jesse |title=How Pokémon Go Might Actually Be Helping Kids With Autism |url=https://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/07/why-pokmon-go-might-actually-be-helping-kids-with-autism.html |access-date=August 1, 2016 |date=July 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723103520/http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/07/why-pokmon-go-might-actually-be-helping-kids-with-autism.html |archive-date=July 23, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} The "Pokémon Theme" from the animated series saw a 630% increase in listeners on music streaming platform Spotify during the month of the game's release.{{cite news |last1 = Ayers |first1 = Mike |title = Pokémon Tracks Get a Pokémon Go Bump on Spotify |url = https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/07/12/pokemon-tracks-get-a-pokemon-go-bump-on-spotify/ |website = Wall Street Journal |date = July 12, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712204006/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/07/12/pokemon-tracks-get-a-pokemon-go-bump-on-spotify/ |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Meanwhile, streaming services such as Hulu experienced an increased viewership of the Pokémon series and films.{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Jason |title=How TV and Streaming Networks Hope to Benefit From the Pokemon Go Frenzy |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/television/tv-and-streaming-networks-pokemon-content-hope-benefit-pokemon-go-frenzy-172498 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |date=July 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716073753/http://www.adweek.com/news/television/tv-and-streaming-networks-pokemon-content-hope-benefit-pokemon-go-frenzy-172498 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Nintendo reported that sales of the 3DS Pokémon games rose as a result of the game's popularity.{{cite news|last1=Webster|first1=Andrew|title=Nintendo says Pokémon Go is driving 3DS Pokémon game sales|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/18/12542206/nintendo-pokemon-go-3ds-sales|access-date=August 19, 2016|work=The Verge|date=August 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819021342/http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/18/12542206/nintendo-pokemon-go-3ds-sales|archive-date=August 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}} A Twitch channel, Twitch Plays Pokémon Go, was created that mimics the crowd-played Twitch Plays Pokémon channel, allowing viewers to direct a virtual avatar in the game using an iPhone programmed to spoof its location.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/12/12167120/twitch-plays-pokemon-go-stream | title = Twitch Plays Pokémon Go is of course a thing | first = Paul | last = Miller | date = July 12, 2016 | access-date = July 12, 2016 | work = The Verge | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713155137/http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/12/12167120/twitch-plays-pokemon-go-stream | archive-date = July 13, 2016 | df = mdy-all }} Niantic later issued permanent bans to those who cheated the game by means such as GPS spoofing and bots.{{cite web|last1=Statt|first1=Nick|title=Niantic is now permanently banning Pokémon Go cheaters|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/12/12461136/pokemon-go-niantic-permanent-game-ban-cheating-bots|website=The Verge|date=August 12, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813013911/http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/12/12461136/pokemon-go-niantic-permanent-game-ban-cheating-bots|archive-date=August 13, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Pokémon-themed pornography increased in popularity after the release of the game. xHamster, an adult video streaming website, reported that within 5 days of the game's release, Pokémon related terms were the most searched for videos.{{cite news|last1=DiDomizio|first1=Nicolas|title=Porn Sites Report Pokemon Porn Searches Skyrocketed This Weekend|url=https://mic.com/articles/148406/pikachu-porn-is-a-thing-and-it-s-bigger-than-ever-thanks-to-pok-mon-go|access-date=August 20, 2016|date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007223447/https://mic.com/articles/148406/pikachu-porn-is-a-thing-and-it-s-bigger-than-ever-thanks-to-pok-mon-go|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=ENCALADA|first1=DEBBIE|title=Pokémon Porn Searches Are Popping Off Because Pokémon Go|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2016/07/pokemon-adult-film-searches-surge-pokemon-go|publisher=Complex|access-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830044331/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2016/07/pokemon-adult-film-searches-surge-pokemon-go|archive-date=August 30, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Another adult video streaming website, Pornhub, reported that Pokémon related searches spiked 136%.{{cite news|last1=Grubb|first1=Jeff|title=Pornhub 'Pokémon' searches spike 136% following release of Pokémon Go|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/12/pornhub-pokemon-searches-spike-136-following-release-of-pokemon-go/|access-date=August 20, 2016|work=VentureBeat|date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819150552/http://venturebeat.com/2016/07/12/pornhub-pokemon-searches-spike-136-following-release-of-pokemon-go/|archive-date=August 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Koerber|first1=Brian|title=Pokémon Pornhub searches increased 136 percent since 'Pokémon Go' launched|url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-porn-/|access-date=August 20, 2016|work=Mashable|date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821192356/http://mashable.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-porn-/|archive-date=August 21, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Pokémon Go was spoofed in the Maroon 5 music video, "Don't Wanna Know".{{cite magazine|last1=Leight|first1=Elias|title=See Maroon 5's 'Pokémon Go'-Themed 'Don't Wanna Know' Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-maroon-5s-pokmon-go-themed-dont-wanna-know-video-w444994|access-date=October 15, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015201540/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-maroon-5s-pokmon-go-themed-dont-wanna-know-video-w444994|archive-date=October 15, 2016|df=mdy-all}} In the 2016 Doctor Who Christmas special, "The Return of Doctor Mysterio", the Doctor creates a distraction by "flood[ing] the downstairs with Pokémon", causing the people to run off with their cell phones.{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/pokemon-go-gets-a-quick-off-screen-cameo-in-doctor-who-408288.phtml | title = Pokemon Go gets a quick off-screen cameo in Doctor Who | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = December 28, 2016 | access-date = December 29, 2016 | work = Destructoid | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161229055701/https://www.destructoid.com/pokemon-go-gets-a-quick-off-screen-cameo-in-doctor-who-408288.phtml | archive-date = December 29, 2016 | df = mdy-all }} In the episode "Looking for Mr. Goodbart" from the 28th season of The Simpsons, the people of Springfield become addicted to Peekimon Get, a parody of Pokémon Go.{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/20170405fox17/&date=04/30/2017|title=The Simpsons on FOX – "Looking for Mr. Goodbart"|publisher=The Futon Critic|access-date=May 1, 2017}}

Go{{'}}s release resulted in a resurgence in popularity for the Pokémon franchise as a whole.{{cite news |last1=Hoffer |first1=Christian |title=Pokemon Go Gets Official Merchandise Just in Time for Christmas |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/11/26/pokemon-go-official-merchandise/ |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=WWG |date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165257/https://video.comicbook.com/embed/video/eyJwYXJlbnRVUkwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29taWNib29rLmNvbVwvZ2FtaW5nXC9uZXdzXC9wb2tlbW9uLWdvLW9mZmljaWFsLW1lcmNoYW5kaXNlXC8iLCJ2aWRlb0lkIjoiMzczNjE1NjQtOTJmMy00YmNhLWFkN2EtZjU3MGFiOWYzN2YxIiwicGxheWxpc3RJZCI6ImhvbWVwYWdlIn0=/?optanonConsent=2 |url-status=live }} The Pokémon Sun and Moon games for the Nintendo 3DS, released later in 2016, was the best-selling video game for the 3DS with over 16 million copies sold, and this was partly attributed to the new fans to the series brought in by Go.{{cite news |title=Pokémon Sun and Moon break 3DS records with 10M units shipped globally |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/18/pokemon-sun-and-moon-break-3ds-records-with-10m-units-shipped-globally/ |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=TechCrunch |date=18 November 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172528/https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/18/pokemon-sun-and-moon-break-3ds-records-with-10m-units-shipped-globally/ |url-status=live }} In an interview, director of Sun and Moon Shigeru Ohmori remarked that the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon sequels were designed partly to facilitate entry for newcomers to the franchise brought in by Go.{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=How Pokémon Go helped shape the upcoming Ultra Sun and Moon on Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/19/16466536/pokemon-ultra-sun-moon-interview-nintendo |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=The Verge |date=19 October 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013501/https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/19/16466536/pokemon-ultra-sun-moon-interview-nintendo |url-status=live }} The first Pokémon games for the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, took significant inspirations from Go.{{cite news |last1=Segarra |first1=Lisa Marie |title='Pokémon: New Let's Go Game Pushes 22-Year Old Franchise Into a New Era |url=https://fortune.com/2018/11/15/pokemon-lets-go-switch/ |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=Fortune |date=15 November 2018 |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165130/https://fortune.com/2018/11/15/pokemon-lets-go-switch/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Hoggins |first1=Tom |title=Pokémon Let's Go review: Is new Switch game next step for Pokémon Go players? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/reviews/pokemon-go-review-new-switch-game-next-step-forpokemon-go-players/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/reviews/pokemon-go-review-new-switch-game-next-step-forpokemon-go-players/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=The Telegraph |date=13 November 2018}}{{cbignore}} A line of official Go merchandise was released in November 2019.{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go Gets Official Merchandise Just in Time for Christmas |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/11/26/pokemon-go-official-merchandise/ |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=WWG |date=26 November 2019 |language=en}}

File:Pokemon go fest.jpg in 2017]]

In addition to standard gameplay, the game has held several in-game and live events.{{cite news|last1=Hern|first1=Alex|title=Pokémon Go Halloween: can a spooky 'event' tempt people back to catch 'em all?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/oct/25/pokemon-go-halloween-event-millions-players-game|work=The Guardian|date=October 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917213802/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/oct/25/pokemon-go-halloween-event-millions-players-game|archive-date=September 17, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Etherington|first1=Darrell|title=Pokémon Go's Thanksgiving event gives players double XP and Stardust|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/21/pokemon-gos-thanksgiving-event-gives-players-double-xp-and-stardust/|access-date=September 17, 2017|work=TechCrunch|date=November 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917213932/https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/21/pokemon-gos-thanksgiving-event-gives-players-double-xp-and-stardust/|archive-date=September 17, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Pokémon Go update brings cheap storage upgrades for all|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/16/14635600/pokemon-go-update-storage-upgrade-discount|access-date=September 17, 2017|work=Polygon|date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918021238/https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/16/14635600/pokemon-go-update-storage-upgrade-discount|archive-date=September 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The first live event officially held by Niantic was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2017.{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Pokémon Go's first community event is a hint of the game's future|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/4/15546436/pokemon-go-community-events-2017-outdoors|access-date=September 17, 2017|work=Polygon|date=May 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918021026/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/4/15546436/pokemon-go-community-events-2017-outdoors|archive-date=September 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In July 2017, a community event was held in Grant Park, Chicago, in honor of the first anniversary of the game's release.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PokemonGoNews/status/872825197266481152|title=#PokemonGO Fest! Celebrating the First Anniversary of Pokémon GO|website=Twitter|access-date=July 20, 2017}} Despite the fact that almost no information about the event, including ticket prices and attractions, was released by Niantic ahead of the ticket sale, over 20,000 tickets sold out within a half hour.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2017/06/17/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-tickets-go-on-sale-in-48-hours-and-no-one-knows-what-it-actually-is/#3cecac160047|title=Pokémon GO Fest Chicago Tickets Go On Sale In 48 Hours And No One Knows What It Actually Is|website=Forbes|access-date=June 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617143413/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2017/06/17/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-tickets-go-on-sale-in-48-hours-and-no-one-knows-what-it-actually-is/#3cecac160047|archive-date=June 17, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2017/06/19/pokemon-go-fest-tickets-seem-to-already-be-sold-out/#695784f1eb7e|title='Pokémon GO Fest' Tickets Already Sold Out|website=Forbes|access-date=June 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619211352/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2017/06/19/pokemon-go-fest-tickets-seem-to-already-be-sold-out/#695784f1eb7e|archive-date=June 19, 2017|df=mdy-all}} During the event itself, attendees suffered connectivity issues and crashes, due to the heavy amount of localized cellular activity.{{cite magazine|last1=Hester|first1=Blake|title=Pokemon Go Fest Plagued with Connectivity Issues|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/pokemon-go-fest-plagued-with-connectivity-issues-w493887|access-date=July 25, 2017|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725012837/http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/pokemon-go-fest-plagued-with-connectivity-issues-w493887|archive-date=July 25, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Afterwards, Niantic announced that they would refund everybody who bought a ticket, as well as give them $100 of in-game currency.{{cite news|last1=Tassi|first1=Paul|title='There's A 20 Minute Line To Leave' – How Pokémon GO Fest Almost Became Gaming's Fyre Festival|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2017/07/24/theres-a-20-minute-line-to-leave-how-pokemon-go-fest-almost-became-gamings-fyre-festival/|access-date=July 25, 2017|work=Forbes|date=July 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724155623/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2017/07/24/theres-a-20-minute-line-to-leave-how-pokemon-go-fest-almost-became-gamings-fyre-festival/|archive-date=July 24, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Following the event, around two dozen attendees filed suit against Niantic, seeking travel reimbursement.{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Some Pokémon Go Fest attendees are filing suit against Niantic (update)|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/27/16051538/pokemon-go-fest-lawsuit|website=Polygon|date=July 27, 2017|access-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729095835/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/27/16051538/pokemon-go-fest-lawsuit|archive-date=July 29, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

Following the event in Chicago, other events have been held in Chester,{{cite news|last1=Holmes|first1=David|title=Chester goes Pokémon GO crazy|url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/chester-goes-pokmon-go-crazy-13375070|access-date=September 17, 2017|work=The Chester Chronicle|date=July 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917213913/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/chester-goes-pokmon-go-crazy-13375070|archive-date=September 17, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Yokohama,{{cite news|last1=Tanner|first1=Dedmon|title=New Pokemon Go Raid Bosses Sighted In Yokohama|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2017/08/14/new-pokemon-go-raid-bosses-sighted-in-yokohama/|access-date=September 17, 2017|work=ComicBook|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020844/http://comicbook.com/gaming/2017/08/14/new-pokemon-go-raid-bosses-sighted-in-yokohama/|archive-date=September 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}} and San Jose.{{cite news|title=Pokemon GO Announces Two More Upcoming US Events|url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-us-events-124/|access-date=September 17, 2017|work=Game Rant|date=August 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918021416/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-us-events-124/|archive-date=September 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}} In September 2017, a series of events named "Safari Zone" was held in Unibail-Rodamco shopping centers in Oberhausen, Paris and Barcelona, with events the following month in Copenhagen, Prague, Stockholm and Amstelveen.{{cite web|title=Pokémon GO Safari Zone at Unibail-Rodamco – Pokémon GO|url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/events/safarizone/unibail-rodamco/|website=Pokémon GO|publisher=Niantic Labs|access-date=September 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020826/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/events/safarizone/unibail-rodamco/|archive-date=September 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

In January 2018, Niantic announced monthly community event Community Day which aims to get players to meet up in their local areas. During a multi-hour period, players can encounter more frequent wild spawns of a particular Pokémon, an exclusive move for that Pokémon (or its evolution), an increased probability for the shiny form of that Pokémon, and bonuses such as extra stardust or XP.{{cite news|last1=Hoffer|first1=Christian|title=Pokemon Go's Community Day: What You Need to Know|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/01/20/pokemon-go-community-day/|access-date=21 January 2018|work=WWG|date=20 January 2018}} The Community Days in 2018 featured Pikachu (January 20), Dratini (February 24), Bulbasaur (March 25), Mareep (April 15), Charmander (May 19), Larvitar (June 16), Squirtle (July 8), Eevee (August 11–12), Chikorita (September 22), Beldum (October 21), and Cyndaquil (November 10).{{cite web |url=https://pokemongolive.com/events/community-day/ |title=Pokémon GO Community Day |author= |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic |access-date=October 27, 2018}}

Pokémon Go in Syria is a photography series published in 2016 by Syrian artist Khaled Akil.{{cite web |title=You Need to Be Looking at 'Pokémon Go in Syria' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/pokemon-go-in-syria-photographs-isis/ |website=Vice.com|date=28 July 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Artist Khaled Akil imagines Pokémon Go in ravaged Syria |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/artist-khaled-akil-imagines-pokmon-ravaged-syria-160722172024059.html |website=Aljazeera.net}} Akil places Pokémon characters in destroyed Syrian streets as a reminder for a world lost behind the screen.{{cite web |title=Syrian Artist Uses Pokémon Go to Create Powerful Images from His War-Ravaged Country |url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/syrian-artist-pokemon-go-war-series-577787 |website=artnet news|date=27 July 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Artist Khaled Akil depicts Pokimon Go in the Syrian civil war |url=https://www.theyellowsparrow.com/artist-khaled-akil-depicts-pokemon-go-in-the-heart-of-syrian-civil-war/ |website=theyellowsparrow.com|date=24 July 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Khaled Akil: Pokemon Go in Syria |url=https://laurietobyedison.com/body-impolitic-blog/2016/07/khaled-akil-pokemon-go-in-syria/ |website=laurietobyedison.com|date=July 23, 2016 }} While Pokémon Go was trending worldwide,{{cite web |title=The exhibition in the US showcasing the Arab world through an alternate lens |url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/the-exhibition-in-the-us-showcasing-the-arab-world-through-an-alternate-lens-1.790578 |website=thenational.ae|date=November 11, 2018 }} Akil couldn't help but notice how the media forgot about the war in Syria, and visualised his idea in the form of digital collages.{{cite web |title=Photos: Can Pokémon Go get the world to care about the plight of Syrian children? |url=https://qz.com/740016/photos-can-pokemon-go-get-the-world-to-care-about-the-plight-of-syrian-children/ |website=qz.com|date=July 23, 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Hunting for Pokemon in the rubble of war-torn Syria |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/hunting-for-pokemon-go-in-the-rubble-of-syria/ |website=cnet}}{{cite web |title=Looking at War Torn Syria Through the Lens of Pokemon Go |url=https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/looking-at-war-torn-syria-through-the-lens-of-pokemon-go-khaled-akil |website=thequint.com|date=26 July 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Artist Khaled Akil imagines Pokémon Go in ravaged Syria |url=https://satish-sharma.blogspot.com/2016/07/artist-khaled-akil-imagines-pokemon-go.html |website=Satish Sharma}}{{cite web |title=Artist's Pokémon Go in Syria project highlights plight of children living in war |url=https://www.barnebys.com/blog/artists-pokemon-go-in-syria-project-highlights-plight-of-children-living-in-war/ |website=barnebys.com |date=27 July 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402222959/https://www.barnebys.com/blog/artists-pokemon-go-in-syria-project-highlights-plight-of-children-living-in-war/ |url-status=dead }} Khaled's Pokémon series quickly went viral across the globe after he posted it online.{{cite web |title=Syrian Space: Images, Activism, and Cartographic Rendering |url=http://www.oarplatform.com/response/syrian-space-images-activism-cartographic-rendering/ |website=oarplatform.com}}{{cite web |title=Artist is Using Pokemon to Expose the Harsh Reality of the Syrian War Zone |url=https://interestingengineering.com/artist-using-pokemon-expose-harsh-reality-syrian-war-zone |website=interestingengineering.com|date=28 July 2016 }} This photography series was exhibited in various locations including the American University Museum.{{cite web |title=Contemporary images cast a striking new light on the Arab world |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/in-the-galleries-contemporary-images-cast-a-striking-new-light-on-the-arab-world/2018/11/30/aa5e1d36-f28f-11e8-80d0-f7e1948d55f4_story.html |website=washingtonpost.com}}{{cite web |title=Contemproray Photography From The Arab world |url=https://selectionsarts.com/art/contemporary-photography-from-the-arab-world/ |website=selectionsarts.com |date=19 December 2018 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403004331/https://selectionsarts.com/art/contemporary-photography-from-the-arab-world/ |url-status=dead }}

File:Pokémon Go sign on Ontario Highway 401 in Windsor, ON.jpg in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, warning drivers to not play Pokémon Go while driving |alt=A variable-message sign over a freeway that reads "Put down the phone, just drive" with the Pokémon Go logo crossed out.]]

The app was criticized for using locations such as cemeteries and memorials as sites to catch Pokémon,{{cite web |last1 = Velloso |first1 = Eduardo |last2 = Carter |first2 = Marcus |title = Some places should be off limits for games such as Pokémon GO |url = https://theconversation.com/some-places-should-be-off-limits-for-games-such-as-pokemon-go-62341 |website = The Conversation |date = July 12, 2016 |access-date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713164844/http://theconversation.com/some-places-should-be-off-limits-for-games-such-as-pokemon-go-62341 |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} including the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum,{{cite news |title = Holocaust Museum, Auschwitz want Pokémon Go hunts out |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/07/12/holocaust-museum-auschwitz-want-pokmon-go-hunts-stop-pokmon/86991810/ |access-date = July 13, 2016 |work = USA Today |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712220039/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/07/12/holocaust-museum-auschwitz-want-pokmon-go-hunts-stop-pokmon/86991810/ |archive-date = July 12, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,{{cite web |url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-12-holocaust-museum-pleads-stop-playing-pokemon-go-here |title = Holocaust museum pleads: stop playing Pokémon Go here |first = Tom |last = Phillips |work = Eurogamer |date = July 12, 2016 |access-date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713203924/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-12-holocaust-museum-pleads-stop-playing-pokemon-go-here |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} the National September 11 Memorial & Museum,{{cite magazine |last1 = Chan |first1 = Melissa |title = Pokémon Go Players Anger 9/11 Memorial Visitors: 'It's a Hallowed Place' |url = https://time.com/4403516/pokemon-go-911-memorial-holocaust-museum/ |access-date = July 26, 2016 |magazine = Time |date = July 12, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133416/http://time.com/4403516/pokemon-go-911-memorial-holocaust-museum/ |archive-date = July 17, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} Arlington National Cemetery,{{cite web |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/07/12/arlington-national-cemetery-wants-people-to-stop-catching-pikachu-on-its-hallowed-ground/ |title = People are now playing Pokémon Go at Arlington Cemetery |work = washingtonpost.com |access-date = July 15, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713172415/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/07/12/arlington-national-cemetery-wants-people-to-stop-catching-pikachu-on-its-hallowed-ground/ |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} the ANZAC War Memorial, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.{{cite news |publisher= BBC |date= August 2, 2016 |access-date= August 2, 2016 |title= Pokemon Go away: Troublesome Sydney Pokestop shut down |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36948331 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160804023733/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36948331 |archive-date= August 4, 2016 |df= mdy-all }} Niantic later removed content from sensitive areas such as the Hiroshima Memorial and Holocaust Museum.{{cite web |url = http://kotaku.com/you-can-no-longer-catch-pokemon-at-hiroshima-1784985508 |title = You Can No Longer Catch Pokémon At Hiroshima's Memorial Or The Holocaust Museum |first = Cecilia |last = D'Anastasio |date = August 9, 2016 |work = kotaku.com |access-date = August 9, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160808221247/http://kotaku.com/you-can-no-longer-catch-pokemon-at-hiroshima-1784985508 |archive-date = August 8, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} The game sparked complaints from Dutch company ProRail, who said that players entered their railway tracks,{{cite web |url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pokemon-go-dutch-rail-operator-tells-nintendo-change-game-after-players-wonder-onto-tracks-1570308 |title = Pokemon Go: Dutch rail operator tells Nintendo to change game after players wander onto tracks |first = Rachel |last = Middleton |work = International Business Times |date = July 12, 2016 |access-date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713162155/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pokemon-go-dutch-rail-operator-tells-nintendo-change-game-after-players-wonder-onto-tracks-1570308 |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} and fire stations told players to not impede their staff by congregating outside.{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pokemon-go-pokestops-washington-oregon-police-fire-sheriff-warning-jail-a7132751.html |title = Pokémon Go: Gamers warned to pay attention to the law when searching for 'PokéStops' |first = Rachel |last = Revesz |work = The Independent |date = July 12, 2016 |access-date = July 13, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713164813/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pokemon-go-pokestops-washington-oregon-police-fire-sheriff-warning-jail-a7132751.html |archive-date = July 13, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}

File:Hsi Lai Temple no Pokemon go allowed.jpg in Hacienda Heights, California, admonishing visitors to not play Pokémon Go inside the temple grounds]]

The game's distribution of PokéStops and gyms (derived from the portals in Ingress, Niantic's science fiction-themed AR game) was noted to be sparser in many minority neighborhoods in a reflection of American demographics.{{cite web |url = http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/national/article89562297.html |title = There are fewer Pokemon Go locations in black neighborhoods, but why? |publisher = The Idaho Statesman |date = July 14, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |author = Huffaker, Christopher }} Players in rural areas also complained about the lack of Pokémon spawns, PokéStops, and gyms in their area.{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/2016/07/09/pokemon-go-isnt-great-in-rural-areas/ |title=Pokemon GO Isn't Great in Rural Areas |first=Christian |last=Hoffer |website=ComicBook.com |date=July 9, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805042159/http://comicbook.com/2016/07/09/pokemon-go-isnt-great-in-rural-areas |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/why-pokemon-go-sucks-in-the-suburbs-w430342 |title=Why 'Pokemon Go' Sucks in the Suburbs |first=Chris |last=Baker |website=RollingStone.com |date=July 21, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803065343/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/why-pokemon-go-sucks-in-the-suburbs-w430342 |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/urban-vs-rural-why-playing-pokmon-go-in-the-suburbs-could-be-hurting-your-game/388985262/ |title=Why some places in Minnesota are better for playing Pokémon GO than others |first=Jeff |last=Hargarten |website=StarTribune |date=August 3, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804224441/http://www.startribune.com/urban-vs-rural-why-playing-pokmon-go-in-the-suburbs-could-be-hurting-your-game/388985262/ |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Pokémon Go was criticized for game accessibility issues by players with physical disabilities.{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Julia |title=Pokémon Go players with physical disabilities want better accessibility options |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/18/12214664/pokemon-go-players-with-physical-disabilities-want-better |access-date=July 19, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718211656/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/18/12214664/pokemon-go-players-with-physical-disabilities-want-better |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news|last1=D'Anastasio|first1=Cecilia|title=Pokemon GO Can Be Depressing For Fans With Physical Disabilities|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/07/pokmongois-depressing-for-fans-with-physical-disabilities/|access-date=July 19, 2016|publisher=Kotaku|date=July 14, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719055717/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/07/pokmongois-depressing-for-fans-with-physical-disabilities/|archive-date=July 19, 2016|df=mdy-all}} The AbleGamers Foundation COO, Steve Spohn, said that when Pokémon Go was compared to other mobile games, it "excludes disabled players to a significant degree".{{cite news|last1=Larson|first1=Selena|title=How Pokémon Go is creating a barrier for gamers with disabilities|url=http://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-disabilities-problematic/|access-date=July 19, 2016|publisher=Daily Dot|date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717084256/http://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-disabilities-problematic/|archive-date=July 17, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

Police departments in various countries issued warnings, some tongue-in-cheek, regarding inattentive driving, trespassing, and being targeted by criminals due to being unaware of one's surroundings.{{cite web|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/national/article88935332.html|title=Police: Pokemon Go leading to increase in local crime|publisher=The Idaho Statesman|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2016|author=Irby, Kate}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/opp-warn-pokemon-players-1.3679057|title=OPP warn Pokémon Go players of 'potential risk and harm' while searching for monsters |last1=Mehta |first1=Diana |last2=Cameron |first2=Peter |date=July 14, 2016|website=CBC Beta|publisher=CBC|access-date=July 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717182349/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/opp-warn-pokemon-players-1.3679057|archive-date=July 17, 2016|df=mdy-all}} In the state of New York, sex offenders are banned from playing the app while on parole.{{cite news |last1=Vasquez|first1=Justina|title=New York Bans Registered Sex Offenders From Pokémon Go |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/02/488435018/new-york-bans-registered-sex-offenders-from-pok-mon-go|access-date=August 3, 2016|date=August 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803230916/http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/02/488435018/new-york-bans-registered-sex-offenders-from-pok-mon-go|archive-date=August 3, 2016|df=mdy-all}} Bosnian players were warned to stay out of minefields left over from the 1990s Bosnian War.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36841828?ocid=socialflow_twitter | title=Pokemon Go: Bosnia players warned of minefields | publisher=BBC | date=July 19, 2016 | access-date=July 19, 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915114320/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36841828?ocid=socialflow_twitter | archive-date=September 15, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} In Russia, a 21-year-old video blogger, Ruslan Sokolovsky, was arrested in September 2016 for two months after playing Pokémon Go at the Church of All Saints in Yekaterinburg,{{cite news|url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2016/09/03/russian-man-faces-5-years-in-prison-for-playing-pokemon-go-in-a-church|title=Russian man faces 5 years in prison for playing Pokémon Go in a church|publisher=Meduza.io|date=September 3, 2016|access-date=September 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918110954/https://meduza.io/en/news/2016/09/03/russian-man-faces-5-years-in-prison-for-playing-pokemon-go-in-a-church|archive-date=September 18, 2016|df=mdy-all}} and eventually received a suspended sentence for three and a half years in prison for charges of blasphemy.{{cite web|last=Hjelmgaard|first=Kim|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/11/russian-blogger-ruslan-sokolovsky-convicted-playing-pokemon-go-church/101541958/|title=Russian 'Pokemon Go' blogger convicted for playing in church|date=May 11, 2017|work=USA Today|access-date=May 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511104316/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/11/russian-blogger-ruslan-sokolovsky-convicted-playing-pokemon-go-church/101541958/|archive-date=May 11, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

File:Pokemon GO Sign at Nijō Castle.jpg, were placed on castles and other monuments around Japan.]]

People have suffered various injuries from accidents related to the game.{{cite web |url = http://www.wpxi.com/news/mom-says-teenage-daughter-hit-by-car-in-tarentum-after-playing-pokemon-go/399354824 |title = Mom says teenage daughter hit by car in Tarentum after playing 'Pokemon Go' |website = WPXI |date = July 13, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160714161448/http://www.wpxi.com/news/mom-says-teenage-daughter-hit-by-car-in-tarentum-after-playing-pokemon-go/399354824 |archive-date = July 14, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url = http://auburnpub.com/news/local/auburn-police-driver-crashes-into-tree-while-playing-pokemon-go/article_0a8ab3aa-94b2-5cc6-93cd-a273311818ca.html |title = Auburn police: Driver crashes into tree while playing 'Pokemon Go' |website = auburnpub.com |date = July 14, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160717083415/http://auburnpub.com/news/local/auburn-police-driver-crashes-into-tree-while-playing-pokemon-go/article_0a8ab3aa-94b2-5cc6-93cd-a273311818ca.html |archive-date = July 17, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url = http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jul/13/pokemon-go-encinitas-cliff-fall/ |title = 'Pokemon Go' players fall off 90-foot ocean bluff |website = The San Diego Union-Tribune |date = July 14, 2016 |access-date = July 14, 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160715142324/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jul/13/pokemon-go-encinitas-cliff-fall/ |archive-date = July 15, 2016 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url = http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/661285/Police--Don-t-fall--catching-them-all-.html |title = Police: Don't fall 'catching them all' |website = The Journal |location = Martinsburg, West Virginia |first = Mary |last = Stortstrom |quote = A 12-year-old Jefferson County boy suffered a broken femur bone Tuesday night while playing the Pokemon game just off Shipley School Road. A Harpers Ferry first-responder said Wednesday morning the boy was running in the dark and fell off a five-foot-high storm sewer and suffered the leg injury. |date = July 14, 2016 |access-date = July 17, 2016 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160918074618/http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/661285/Police--Don-t-fall--catching-them-all-.html |archive-date = September 18, 2016 |df = mdy-all }} In Japan, the first accident occurred within hours of the game's release.{{cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/22/pokemon-go-japan-first-injury/ |title=Japan suffers its first 'Pokémon Go' accident just hours after the game debuts |work=Mashable |author=Ho, Victoria |date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=July 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723163416/http://mashable.com/2016/07/22/pokemon-go-japan-first-injury/ |archive-date=July 23, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} The first death in Japan attributed to Pokémon Go occurred in late August 2016. A distracted driver playing the game killed one woman and seriously injured another. The 39-year-old farmer did not notice the women crossing a street and struck them with his truck. The woman died of a broken neck. Japan's National Police Agency said it was the 79th Pokémon Go-related accident in the country.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/25/12637878/pokemon-go-driver-kills-woman-japan |title=Driver distracted by Pokémon Go kills woman in Japan |work=The Verge |first=Rich |last=McCormick |date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=August 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825094505/http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/25/12637878/pokemon-go-driver-kills-woman-japan |archive-date=August 25, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} On August 11, 2016, a young girl in Cambodia was reportedly killed after being hit by a car while trying to capture a Pokémon on a road. The case was the first death related to Pokémon Go among Southeast Asian countries.{{cite web|url= http://m.autopro.com.vn/campuchia-mai-bat-pokemon-tren-pho-co-gai-tre-bi-o-to-dam-chet-tham-thuong-20160812092519593.chn |title=Campuchia: Mải bắt Pokemon trên phố, cô gái trẻ bị ô tô đâm chết thảm thương |language=vi |publisher=Auto Pro |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2016}} In January 2017, Chinese-American civilian Jiansheng Chen was shot dead while playing Pokémon Go.

File:Pokémon Go Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.jpg welcoming Pokémon Go players and encouraging them to play safely]]

Al-Azhar University in Cairo described the game as "harmful mania."{{cite news |first=Doug |last=Stanglin |newspaper=USA Today |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |title=Fatwa No. 21,758: Saudi-clerics ban Pokemon Go |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/07/20/top-saudi-clerics-ban-pokemon-go/87330916/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720142202/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/07/20/top-saudi-clerics-ban-pokemon-go/87330916/ |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} A Cossack leader declared that it "smacks of Satanism", Kuwait banned the game from government sites, Indonesian officials deemed it a national security threat, and in Israel the IDF banned the game from Army bases out of security considerations.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/world/asia/pokemon-go-saudi-arabia-russia-egypt.html | title=Nations of the World Confront the Pokémon Menace | work=New York Times | date=July 20, 2016 | access-date=July 22, 2016 | last=Zraick | first=Karen | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721040029/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/world/asia/pokemon-go-saudi-arabia-russia-egypt.html | archive-date=July 21, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} In Saudi Arabia, the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars declared, in light of a 2001 fatwa banning the Pokémon card game as a form of gambling, that the electronic app required a new ruling.{{cite web | url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/article91101887.html | title=Saudi clerics: App version of Pokemon requires new ruling | publisher=Idaho Statesman | date=July 21, 2016 | access-date=July 21, 2016}} This was also followed by both Indian and Malaysian Islamic leaders telling Indian and Malaysian Muslims to avoid the game.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/fatwa-against-pokemon-go-in-india/articleshow/53563918.cms |title=Fatwa against Pokemon Go in India |publisher=Times of India |date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108130533/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/Fatwa-against-Pokemon-Go-in-India/articleshow/53563918.cms |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/ |title=Malaysian Islamic leaders say no to 'Pokemon Go' |publisher=The Japan Times |date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806053602/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

During Thailand's 2016 constitutional referendum polling, Pokémon Go players were told to refrain from entering polling stations.{{cite web|url= http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1054753/referendum-day-pokemon-hunting-banned-at-polls |title=Referendum Day: Pokemon hunting banned at polls |work=Agence France-Presse |publisher=Bangkok Post |date=August 7, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016}} Thus the Thai National Broadcasting and Communications Commission intends to ask Niantic to remove Pokémon characters and PokéStops from locations such as government facilities, historic and religious sites, private property as well as dangerous spots such as narrow footpaths and rivers.{{cite web |url=http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Thailand-to-insist-on-Pokemon-free-zones |title=Thailand to insist on Pokemon-free zones |author=Ono, Yukako |publisher=Nikkei Asian Review |date=August 10, 2016 |access-date=August 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811155047/http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Thailand-to-insist-on-Pokemon-free-zones |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Cambodia has banned the game in a former genocide site after Pokémon players showed up at the site.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/10/pokemon-go-players-banned-from-cambodia-genocide-museum |title=Pokémon Go players banned from Cambodia genocide museum |agency=Associated Press |work=The Guardian |date=August 10, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907053925/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/10/pokemon-go-players-banned-from-cambodia-genocide-museum |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Vietnam has banned players from entering the government and defense offices.{{cite web |url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/166378/vietnam-bans-pokemon-go-government-defence-offices |title=Vietnam bans Pokemon Go from government, defence offices |agency=Reuters |publisher=New Straits Times |date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918034718/http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/166378/vietnam-bans-pokemon-go-government-defence-offices |archive-date=September 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications is also considering the game's negative impact to Vietnamese society, where many people left home at night, crossed the road or drove on the street with their eyes kept focused on phones, which brought the need to ban the game in the country.{{cite web |url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-it/162437/pokemon-go-may-be-banned-in-vietnam.html |title=Pokemon Go may be banned in Vietnam |author=Nguyen, Nam |publisher=Vietnam Net |date=August 20, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828220033/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-it/162437/pokemon-go-may-be-banned-in-vietnam.html |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Following the move by other Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines also banned the game in all administration offices.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/r-philippines-bans-pokemon-go-in-public-offices-2016-8?IR=T&r=US&IR=T |title=The Philippines has banned Pokemon Go in public offices |author=Morales, Neil Jerome |agency=Reuters |publisher=Business Insider |date=August 24, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915180546/http://www.businessinsider.com/r-philippines-bans-pokemon-go-in-public-offices-2016-8?IR=T&r=US&IR=T |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} According to a survey by Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), around 4% of employers in Malaysia fired their staff for playing the game during working hours.{{cite web |url=http://www.humanresourcesonline.net/4-employers-malaysia-fired-staff-pokemon-go/ |title=4% of employers in Malaysia have fired staff over Pokémon Go |date=September 26, 2016 |publisher=Human Resources |access-date=September 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927132214/http://www.humanresourcesonline.net/4-employers-malaysia-fired-staff-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

Russia also voiced their concerns over the application, with Nikolay Nikiforov, the country's Minister of Communications and Mass Media, suspecting foreign intelligence agencies using the application to collect information, while some fundamentalist religious groups in the region claim it to be demonic.{{cite web | url=https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/pokemon-goes-russian-54635 | title=When Pokemon Virtual Reality Meets Russian Reality | publisher=The Moscow Times | date=July 30, 2016 | access-date=July 30, 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729205756/https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/pokemon-goes-russian-54635 | archive-date=July 29, 2016 | df=mdy-all }} The Supreme Council of Virtual Space in Iran officially banned the game in August 2016 over security concerns.{{cite news |publisher=BBC |date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go banned by Iranian authorities over 'security' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36989526 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805203823/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36989526 |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} The same month, The Pentagon facility in U.S. restricted the use of the game on their property, citing security risks by collecting secret information.{{cite web|last1=Gallagher|first1=Brian|title=Pokémon Go Banned by the Pentagon Because of Spy Threat|url=http://movieweb.com/pokemon-go-banned-pentagon-spy-threat/|website=MovieWeb|date=August 15, 2016 |access-date=August 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816045955/http://movieweb.com/pokemon-go-banned-pentagon-spy-threat/|archive-date=August 16, 2016|df=mdy-all}} In the United Kingdom, 290 police incidents were reported to have occurred in July 2016 in the country due to the game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-37183161|title=Hundreds of Pokemon Go incidents logged by police|work=BBC News |date=August 29, 2016 |access-date=August 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829122500/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-37183161|archive-date=August 29, 2016|df=mdy-all}} In September 2016, Niantic stopped supporting the CyanogenMod mobile operating system. This prevented users playing on CyanogenMod from playing the game from that point forward.{{cite web |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/09/11/guide-play-pokemon-go-0-37-rooted-android-magisk |title=How to play Pokémon GO (0.37+) on a rooted Android with Magisk |first=Richard |last=Gao |date=September 11, 2016 |access-date=September 14, 2016 |publisher=Android Police |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913160423/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/09/11/guide-play-pokemon-go-0-37-rooted-android-magisk/ |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

In India, the Gujarat High Court issued a notice to Niantic on the grounds of "posing danger to public safety".

The notice was issued on a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) seeking a ban on the game in India. In addition, a second PIL was filed against the developers of Pokémon Go for hurting religious sentiments by showing images of eggs in places of worship of different religious groups, but the game was not banned.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/pokemon-go-release-date-india-ar-game-likely-be-banned-over-safety-concerns-693814|title='Pokemon Go' release date in India: AR-game likely to be banned over safety concerns|first=Sami|last=Khan|website=International Business Times|date=September 15, 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223201733/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/pokemon-go-release-date-india-ar-game-likely-be-banned-over-safety-concerns-693814|archive-date=December 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

Pokémon Go{{'}}s targeted local advertising has been described by Shoshana Zuboff in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism as an experiment that initiated from Google to move targeted advertising from the digital domain (cost per click) into the physical domain (cost per visit) by the use of sponsored locations. "In the end we recognize that the probe was designed to explore the next frontier: the means of behavioral modification. The game about the game is, in fact, an experimental facsimile of surveillance capitalism's design for our future."{{Cite book|last=Zuboff |first=Shoshana |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1045067848|title=The age of surveillance capitalism : the fight for the future at the new frontier of power|date=January 31, 2019|isbn=978-1-78125-684-8|location=London|oclc=1045067848|page=301}}

Players of Pokémon Go have been known to vandalize OpenStreetMap, one of the game's map data sources, to manipulate gameplay.{{cite journal|title=Cartographic Vandalism in the Era of Location-Based Games—The Case of OpenStreetMap and Pokémon GO|first1=Levente|last1=Juhász|first2=Tessio|last2=Novack|first3=Hartwig H.|last3=Hochmair|first4=Sen|last4=Qiao|journal=ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information|volume=9|issue=4|date=March 26, 2020|page=197|doi=10.3390/ijgi9040197|doi-access=free }}

Multiple unofficial, third-party apps were created to correspond with Pokémon Go. Notable apps include "Poké Radar" and "Helper for Pokémon Go", where players can crowdsource much of the Pokémon that can be found in the game at a particular time.{{cite news |last1=Bell |first1=Karissa |title=Pokémon-tracking apps rise to the top of App Store |url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/18/pokemon-go-helper-apps |access-date=July 18, 2016 |work=Mashable |date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720184351/http://mashable.com/2016/07/18/pokemon-go-helper-apps/ |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1=Kovach |first1=Steve |title=A hot new app at the top of the App Store shows you where to find Pokémon — here's how 'Poke Radar' works |url=http://www.techinsider.io/how-to-find-pokemon-with-poke-radar-app-2016-7 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721073632/http://www.techinsider.io/how-to-find-pokemon-with-poke-radar-app-2016-7 |archive-date=July 21, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} At its peak of popularity, "Poké Radar" hit #2 on the Apple App Store, behind Pokémon Go itself.{{cite news |last1=Kovach |first1=Steve |title=The #2 app in the App Store claims to help you find Pokémon |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/poke-radar-app-claims-to-help-you-find-pokemon-2016-7 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719133409/http://www.businessinsider.com.au/poke-radar-app-claims-to-help-you-find-pokemon-2016-7 |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1=Dennis |first1=Catrina |title=New PokeRadar App Will Show You Exactly Where Pokemon Are |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/18461-pokeradar-app-helps-you-find-pokemon |access-date=July 19, 2016 |date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808084951/https://www.inverse.com/article/18461-pokeradar-app-helps-you-find-pokemon |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last1=Allan |first1=Patrick |title=Poke Radar Shows You Where to Find and Catch 'Em All In Pokémon Go |url=http://lifehacker.com/poke-radar-shows-you-where-to-find-and-catch-em-all-in-1783859653 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |date=July 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718211600/http://lifehacker.com/poke-radar-shows-you-where-to-find-and-catch-em-all-in-1783859653 |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

{{anchor|GoChat}}Another app, GoChat, which allows players to leave messages for other players at specific locations, accrued more than 1 million downloads in five days and reached the top 10 in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.{{cite news |first=Casey |last=Newton |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=This man's Pokémon Go chat app is so successful that it's driving him bankrupt |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/11/12153370/gochat-pokemon-go-chat-app-jonathan-zarra-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719075308/http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/11/12153370/gochat-pokemon-go-chat-app-jonathan-zarra-interview |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} However, the app's developer Jonathan Zarra chose to leave the app unmonetized and had financial trouble keeping the app's servers online until bringing on angel investor and board member Michael Robertson. After acquiring significant funding, the app reached over 2 million active users.{{cite news |first=Erik |last=Duindam |date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |title=How I built an app with 500,000 users in 5 days on a $100 server |url=https://medium.com/unboxd/how-i-built-an-app-with-500-000-users-in-5-days-on-a-100-server-77deeb238e83#.pcwn8756w |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720210751/https://medium.com/unboxd/how-i-built-an-app-with-500-000-users-in-5-days-on-a-100-server-77deeb238e83#.pcwn8756w |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |first=Zlata |last=Rodionova |newspaper=The Independent |date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=The man behind Pokémon Go chat app is so successful that it's driving him bankrupt |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pokemon-go-chat-app-developper-smartphone-android-ios-shares-price-nintendo-a7133096.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715122426/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pokemon-go-chat-app-developper-smartphone-android-ios-shares-price-nintendo-a7133096.html |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} According to RiskIQ, at least 215 fake versions of the game were available by July 17, 2016. Several of these fake apps contained malicious programming and viruses.{{cite news |first=Harry |last=Cockburn |newspaper=The Independent |date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |title=Fake Pokemon Go apps lock phones and access porn sites |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/fake-pokemon-go-apps-lock-phones-and-access-porn-sites-a7141366.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718180057/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/fake-pokemon-go-apps-lock-phones-and-access-porn-sites-a7141366.html |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

{{anchor|Pokévision|Pokevision}}Launched on July 22, 2016, "Pokévision" enabled players to find exactly where Pokémon spawned and how much time was left until they despawned; the site used data hacked directly from the game.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Chris|title=Someone turned the best Pokemon Go hack into an online tool every player needs|url=http://bgr.com/2016/07/22/pokemon-go-trick-find-pokemon-hack-google-maps/|access-date=August 8, 2016|work=BGR|date=July 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809115525/http://bgr.com/2016/07/22/pokemon-go-trick-find-pokemon-hack-google-maps/|archive-date=August 9, 2016|df=mdy-all}} In the five days following the website's launch, 27 million unique visitors used the site.{{cite news|last1=Mac|first1=Ryan|title=Pokémon-Locating Apps Are Hot But How Long Will They Be Around?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2016/07/27/pokevision-pokeradar-pokemon-go-apps/#3c4157049717|access-date=August 8, 2016|date=July 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804220405/http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2016/07/27/pokevision-pokeradar-pokemon-go-apps/#3c4157049717|archive-date=August 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On July 31, multiple search apps and sites, including Pokévision, were disabled as they violated Niantic's terms of service.{{cite news |last1=Mac |first1=Ryan |title='Pokémon GO' Cuts Off Access To Pokévision And Other Creature-Finding Apps |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2016/07/31/pokemon-go-cuts-off-access-to-pokevision-and-other-creature-finding-apps/ |access-date=July 31, 2016 |date=July 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160909163751/http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2016/07/31/pokemon-go-cuts-off-access-to-pokevision-and-other-creature-finding-apps/amp/ |archive-date=September 9, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic responded by implementing changes and new features in the game which allowed players to easily play remotely.[https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/pokemon-go/?s=top-articles&f=covid-19-event-feature-updates&p=web Covid-19 Event & Feature Updates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128011520/https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/pokemon-go/?s=top-articles&f=covid-19-event-feature-updates&p=web |date=November 28, 2021 }}. Niantic "Support". However, starting on August 1, 2021, Niantic began rolling back these changes as part of their Exploration Bonus Updates. Players in New Zealand and the United States were the first to receive the post-pandemic changes, and gradually, they were rolled out to the rest of the world "in accordance with recommendations from global health organizations." In fear of violations in health and personal safety regulations, as well as negatively impacting players with disabilities, the company has since received heavy criticism from the player base (including top players Brandon Tan and Nick Oyzon) due to their reverting safety measures implemented during the pandemic, in which gym and Pokéstop interaction distances were increased from 40 to 80 metres. Despite increasing rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in various U.S. states (resulting in overflowing hospitals), Niantic are firm on not keeping the pandemic bonuses. Players began boycotting Pokémon Go since in first week of August 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/aug/03/pokemon-no-go-players-revolt-as-niantic-sends-them-back-outside|title=Pokémon no go? Players revolt as Niantic sends them back outside|last=Hern|website=The Guardian|first=Alex|date=2021-08-03}}{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22611737/pokemon-go-hearusniantic-pokestop-spin-distance-pandemic-rollback-niantic-boycott|title=Pokémon Go's biggest players call on Niantic to restore pandemic bonuses|last=Good|first=Owen|website=Polygon|date=2021-08-06}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/pokemon_go_players_are_boycotting_the_game_after_niantic_removes_covid_changes|title=Pokémon GO Players Are Boycotting The Game After Niantic Removes COVID Changes|website=NintendoLife|date=2021-08-05|last=Gray|first=Kate}}{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/fans-dismayed-niantic-removed-pokemon-go-safety-measure-1847408137|title=Fans Dismayed Niantic Removed Pokémon Go Safety Measures Despite Delta|first=Mike|last=Fahey|date=2021-08-02}}

On Twitter, the #HearUsNiantic started trending worldwide as fans and players voiced their censure towards Niantic's decision to remove the pandemic bonuses.{{cite web|url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/14756/the-hearusniantic-starts-trending-on-twitter-as-the-recent-changes-to-pok%C3%A9mon-go-has-left-everyone-furious|website=Ingen Global|title=The #HearUsNiantic starts trending on Twitter as the recent changes to Pokémon GO has left everyone furious|first=Daniel "Quest"|last=Kwon|date=2021-08-05}}[https://gamingonphone.com/news/niantic-responds-to-hearusniantic-that-threatens-to-boycott-pokemon-go/ Niantic responds to #HearUsNiantic that threatens to boycott Pokemon Go] A letter was sent to Niantic, which responded to the community by stating that the pandemic changes will not stay.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/niantic-response-fan-fury-pokemon-go-accessibility|title=Niantic Responds to Fans' Fury Over Pokemon Go Changes|website=IGN|first=Jared|last=Moore|date=2021-08-06}} As Niantic are an AR company, part of their business strategy is to sell user data by players after completing AR Mapping tasks where they can log their surroundings at marked PokéStops in their in-game maps.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-do-ar-mapping-in-pokemon-go/ar-BB1agmjp|website=MSN|title=How to do AR Mapping in Pokemon GO|last=O'Dwyer|first=Jack|date=2020-10-21}} The reduced distance means an increased potential for Niantic to generate more revenue. Another reason for their changes is for Niantic to preserve their image of being an AR tech giant; on their blog post they stated that it is their "mission" to "encourage outdoor exploration" and "to connect [people] to real places in the real world, and to visit places that are worth exploring."{{cite web|url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/pgo-exploration-bonus-response/?hl=en|title=A Response To Our Pokémon GO Community|publisher=Niantic|date=2021-08-05}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

• List of Pokémon, the list of all of the original Pokémon by order
• Pikmin Bloom, Similar game also developed by Niantic and Nintendo

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Pokémon Go}}

• {{Official website|https://pokemongolive.com/en/}}

{{Pokémon spin-offs}}

{{Nintendo mobile games}}

{{Niantic Labs}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pokemon Go}}

Category:2010s fads and trends

Category:2016 video games

Category:Android (operating system) games

Category:Augmented reality games

Category:BAFTA winners (video games)

Category:Creatures (company) games

Category:Free-to-play video games

Category:IOS games

Category:Location-based games

Category:Niantic, Inc. games

Category:Pervasive games

Category:Pokémon spinoff games

Go

Category:Proprietary cross-platform software

Category:The Game Awards winners

Category:Video game controversies

Category:Video games developed in the United States

Category:Video games scored by Junichi Masuda

Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists

Category:WatchOS software