Pokémon Go

{{Short description|2016 mobile game}} {{Use American English|date=June 2016}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}} {{Infobox video game | image = Pokemon Go.svg | caption = Game logo | developer = Niantic | publisher = Niantic | series = ''Pokémon'' | engine = Unity | platforms = {{nowrap|iOS, Android}} | released = {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|July 6, 2016}} | {{Video game release |NA/AUS|July 6, 2016 |EU|July 13, 2016 |JPN|July 22, 2016 |IND|December 14, 2016{{efn|See § Regional availability for exact release dates per region.}}}} }} | genre = Augmented reality, location-based game | modes =  | producer = Steve Wang<ref>{{cite web |last=Walker |first=John |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Niantic Gets Surprisingly Frank About Their Failings With ''Pokémon Go'' |url=https://kotaku.com/niantic-gets-surprisingly-frank-about-their-failings-wi-1847606354 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825004352/https://kotaku.com/niantic-gets-surprisingly-frank-about-their-failings-wi-1847606354 |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |accessdate=August 24, 2024 |work=Kotaku}}</ref> | director = Tatsuo Nomura | designer = Matthew Ein<ref>{{cite web |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Live and Kicking: Four years after launching, Niantic is already planning for Pokémon GO Fest 2030 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/live-and-kicking-niantic-pokemon-go-four-years/ |accessdate=August 24, 2024 |work=Pocket Gamer}}</ref><br>Junichi Masuda<ref>{{cite web |last=Barder |first=Ollie |date=November 1, 2018 |title=Junichi Masuda Talks About How 'Pokémon GO' Inspired The Creation Of 'Pokémon: Let's Go!' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2018/11/01/junichi-masuda-talks-about-how-pokemon-go-inspired-the-creation-of-pokemon-lets-go/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825004222/https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2018/11/01/junichi-masuda-talks-about-how-pokemon-go-inspired-the-creation-of-pokemon-lets-go/ |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |accessdate=August 24, 2024 |work=Forbes}}</ref> | programmer = Game Freak | artist = Dennis Hwang<br>Yusuke Kozaki<br>Mieke Hutchins | composer = Junichi Masuda }}

'''''Pokémon Go''''' (stylized as '''''Pokémon GO''''') is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game developed and published by Niantic, in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, for iOS and Android devices. The game uses GPS to locate, capture, train, and battle Pokémon. It is free-to-play, featuring a freemium model that includes local advertising and offers in-app purchases for additional in-game items. ''Pokémon Go'' launched with approximately 150 Pokémon species, with new species regularly introduced.

Upon its release, ''Pokémon Go'' received "mixed" or "average" reviews; critics found the experience enjoyable, but noted several technical issues. Despite this, it became one of the most popular and profitable mobile apps of 2016, amassing over 500 million downloads worldwide. The game is credited with popularizing location-based and AR technology, encouraging physical activity and social interaction. However, it has also faced criticism for causing accidents and public disturbances. Some governments raised security concerns and imposed regulations on its use. As of May 2018, ''Pokémon Go'' had over 147 million monthly active users and had been downloaded more than 1 billion times worldwide by early 2019. By 2020, the game had generated over 6 billion dollars in revenue. It is considered among the best mobile games of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Kai |date=2023-09-21 |title=The 16 Best Mobile Games Of All Time |url=https://gamerant.com/best-mobile-games-of-all-time/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=I. G. N. |date=2018-11-22 |title=The Best Mobile Games |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/22/the-best-mobile-games |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, Scopely acquired the game as part of a 3.5 billion dollar purchase of Niantic's gaming division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Astle |first=Aaron |date=2025-06-02 |title=Pokémon Go under new ownership as Scopely closes $3.5bn Niantic deal |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/pokemon-go-under-new-ownership-as-scopely-closes-35bn-niantic-deal/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref>

== Gameplay == {{Multiple image | perrow = 2 | direction = horizontal | align = right | total_width = 330 | header = | image1 = Pokémon Go map.png | caption1 = Players must explore the physical world to progress on the game map and discover PokéStops. These PokéStops are depicted as small circular objects, with their color changing depending on whether they have been spun (blue for not spun, purple for spun) to obtain items. Players can also find gyms, represented by large towers. | image2 = Pokémon Go AR Mode, Dec 2017.png | caption2 = In augmented reality mode, players must "throw" a Poké Ball to capture a Treecko by pressing on the ball and flicking it up or making a curving motion towards the Pokémon, and then releasing it after the motion. }}Players can customize their avatars after creating an account, with the option of keeping the default avatar.<ref name="gender">{{cite news |last1=Denham |first1=Jess |date=July 12, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Osworth |first1=Ali |date=July 9, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |website=Autostraddle |publisher=The Excitant Group |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Avatars are displayed on the game map according to the player's GPS location. The map features "PokéStops" and "Pokémon Gyms"; players can equip PokéStops with "Lure Modules" to attract wild Pokémon, including potentially rare ones.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ungureanu |first=Horia |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-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 |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |newspaper=Tech Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bastow |first=Clem |date=July 11, 2016 |title=From Pokéstops to Pikachu: everything you need to know about Pokémon Go |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/11/from-pokestops-to-pikachu-everything-you-need-to-know-about-pokemon-go |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 |archive-date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Gyms serve as battle arenas for team-based king-of- the-hill matches.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine |last1=Peckham |first1=Matt |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Review: 'Pokémon Go' Is an Ingenious Idea With Too Many Rough Edges |url=https://time.com/4401279/pokemon-go-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713165919/http://time.com/4401279/pokemon-go-review/ |archive-date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |magazine=Time |df=mdy-all}}</ref> These locations are typically at points of interest and originally adapted from ''Ingress'' portals.<ref name="Destructoid">{{cite web |last1=Cosimano |first1=Mike |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Review: Pokemon Go |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-pokemon-go-374630.phtml |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |website=Destructoid}}</ref> Some Gyms and PokéStops have been placed in problematic locations, such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the abandoned Bagram Air Force Base.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Soldiers watch the US withdrawal from Bagram Airfield through the lens of Pokemon Go |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2021-07-02/pokemon-go-bagram-troop-withdrawal-2027917.html |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=Stars and Stripes}}</ref> Since 2019, player submissions have also been included in these locations, subject to review by other players.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 August 2019 |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=27 December 2020 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref>

Players' avatars move across the game map to reflect their real-world location as they explore their surroundings. Different Pokémon species appear in various regions worldwide, with Water-type Pokémon typically found near bodies of water.<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |last=Concepcion |first=Miguel |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Pokemon GO Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-go-review/1900-6416477/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717132845/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-go-review/1900-6416477/ |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> When players encounter a Pokémon, they can view it against a live-rendered background or in augmented reality (AR) mode.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Luke |date=September 10, 2015 |title=Pokémon GO Coming to Smartphones |url=https://ign.com/articles/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-coming-to-smartphones |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 |access-date=September 10, 2015 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref> AR mode uses the camera and gyroscope on the player's mobile device to display a Pokémon as if it were present in the real world.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=December 16, 2015 |title=How Pokémon Go will benefit from Niantic's lessons from Ingress on location-based game design |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/12/16/how-niantic-will-marry-animated-characters-with-mobile-location-data-in-pokemon-go/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2016 |work=VentureBeat}}</ref> Players can capture screenshots, called "Snapshots", of the Pokémon they encounter, regardless of whether the AR feature is enabled.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title=53 Perfectly Timed Pokemon Go Screenshots |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/11/23-perfectly-timed-pokemon-go-screenshots |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133917/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/11/23-perfectly-timed-pokemon-go-screenshots |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

The game is free to play but offers in-app purchases for items such as Incense, Lure Modules, and Lucky Eggs, which enhance gameplay.<ref name=":2">{{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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711220214/http://time.com/4401084/pokemon-go-how-play-guide-tips/ |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> These items can be purchased with PokéCoins or real money. Incense attracts Pokémon for 60 minutes, Lure Modules attract Pokémon to a PokéStop for 30 minutes, and Lucky Eggs double experience points for 30 minutes. Pokémon have Combat Power (CP), which measures their battle strength; higher CP Pokémon become more challenging to catch as players level up.<ref name=":3">{{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}}</ref> The "Appraisal" feature helps users evaluate their Pokémon's strength.<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last1=Tapsell |first1=Chris |date=July 17, 2019 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=eurogamer.net |publisher=Gamer Network Limited}}</ref>

=== Avatar customization === Players can customize<ref>{{cite web |title=Customizing your Avatar — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2376-customizing-your-avatar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423011758/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2376-customizing-your-avatar/ |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> their avatars' appearance with various clothing options that change based on the season,<ref>{{cite web |title=What are Seasons? — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2793-what-are-seasons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423011757/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2793-what-are-seasons/ |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> player level, and in-game sponsors or events. Clothing items include hats, accessories, tops, bottoms, socks, footwear, and bags. Many of these items feature references to specific Pokémon, teams,<ref>{{cite web |title=How do I change my team? — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/107-how-do-i-change-my-team/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> or regions. While most clothing pieces are free, some can be purchased with Coins.<ref>{{cite web |title=Using PokéCoins to Make Purchases in the Shop — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/94-using-pokecoins-to-make-purchases-in-the-shop-1582065532/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> Players can earn Coins during select events, receive them as rewards for leveling up,<ref>{{cite web |title=Leveling up & Earning Medals — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/101-leveling-up-earning-medals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154328/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/101-leveling-up-earning-medals/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> or get them as prizes for completing Special Research<ref>{{cite web |title=Types of Research — Pokémon GO Help Center |url=https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/45-types-of-research/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154408/https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/45-types-of-research/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> tasks.

Players can further customize their avatars by selecting different poses. These poses can be gained for free, purchased, or earned as rewards. Some poses are exclusive to specific events and can only be obtained during their respective event periods. Once the event ends, there is no guarantee that the pose will be available in the game again.

In April 2024, ''Pokémon Go'' released an update<ref>{{cite web |title=Rediscover Pokémon GO 2024 |url=https://pokemongolive.com/rediscovergo?hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154334/https://pokemongolive.com/rediscovergo?hl=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref> that introduced enhanced customization options for player avatars. The update allowed players to choose from a variety of hairstyles, adjust their avatar's body size, and select from a broader range of skin tones. However, the update received backlash from players who criticized the new avatars for having lower-quality graphics compared to the previous models. Some players were disappointed because the update interfered with certain cosmetic items they had purchased in large quantities before and after the update.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 21, 2024 |title=Pokemon Go's Latest Update is Wrecking Everyone's Player Avatars |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-player-avatar-update-bad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164544/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-player-avatar-update-bad/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024}}</ref>

=== Pokémon collection === In ''Pokémon Go'', players do not battle wild Pokémon to capture them. Instead, they throw a Poké Ball toward the Pokémon by flicking it upward on the screen. Factors affecting the success rate include the Pokémon's catch rate, timing, and the type of Poké Ball used. After capturing a Pokémon, players receive Candy and Stardust as rewards. Candy is used for leveling up or to evolve Pokémon, while Stardust is used to increase a Pokémon's Combat Power (CP). Each Pokémon evolution line has its own type of Candy. The maximum player level was initially 40 but was raised to 50 on November 30, 2020. It was subsequently increased to level 80 following a leveling update on October 15, 2025.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=2020-11-30 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref> Players can transfer Pokémon to get more Candy and free up space in their collection. Shiny Pokémon can be found through various methods, such as chance encounters or special events like "Community Day". Many players aim to complete the Pokédex by catching and evolving all Pokémon.{{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, the United States, and Europe, respectively.}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oleksinski |first1=Johnny |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Here's how to master Pokemon Go |url=https://nypost.com/2016/07/11/heres-how-to-master-pokemon-go/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713175733/http://nypost.com/2016/07/11/heres-how-to-master-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref>

In September 2016, Niantic introduced the "Buddy Pokémon" feature, allowing players to select a Pokémon from their collection to accompany their avatar during gameplay and earn bonuses and in-game items based on the chosen Pokémon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=September 3, 2016 |title=New Pokémon Go Buddy feature coming |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-03-new-pokemon-go-buddy-feature-coming |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 |access-date=September 3, 2016 |website=Eurogamer |df=mdy-all}}</ref> This feature was released later that month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dwilson |first=Stephanie Dube |date=September 10, 2016 |title='Pokemon Go' Buddy Update Live: How to Get the New Feature |url=https://heavy.com/games/2016/09/pokemon-go-buddy-update-live-available-how-to-get-feature-android-ios-access-pokemongo-works/ |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 |access-date=September 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Each Pokémon has a specific distance requirement that players must walk to earn Candy, with more Candy awarded for longer distances traveled. Niantic implemented a feature in the same update to block players using rooted or jailbroken devices from accessing the game to combat cheating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |title='Pokémon GO' Is Purging All Rooted And Jailbroken Devices From The Game To Curb Cheating |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 |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 |access-date=September 11, 2016 |website=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On January 20, 2018, ''Pokémon Go'' launched the first Community Day, a monthly event that increases the spawn rate of a selected Pokémon and grants an exclusive attack to its final evolution if it is fully evolved during the event. Players also have a higher chance of encountering the Shiny version of the featured Pokémon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introducing Pokémon GO Community Day! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/communityday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154334/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/communityday/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO}}</ref> The inaugural Community Day featured Pikachu, which could learn the exclusive move Surf when evolved into Raichu during the event.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=forbes.com}}</ref>

==== Pokémon availability ==== As of February 27, 2026, there are 946 Pokémon in the game, including regional variants,<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-26 |title=List of Pokémon by availability (GO) |url=https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_Pok%C3%A9mon_by_availability_(GO) |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Bulbapedia |language=en}}</ref> out of 1,025 in the entire Pokémon franchise. New Pokémon are regularly introduced to the game.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Regional Pokémon are often introduced simultaneously, such as the Unova region Pokémon and the Unova Stone item, both of which were released in September 2019.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172924/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/unova-pokemon/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO}}</ref>

During special events or quests, Mythical and Legendary Pokémon are often released individually or in groups.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Knezevic |first1=Kevin |date=March 30, 2018 |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |access-date=March 30, 2018 |work=GameSpot}}</ref> The first Legendary Pokémon to be released was Groudon in December 2017.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154915/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-legendary-pokemon-6002 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2018 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> Meltan and its evolved form, Melmetal, are the only Mythical Pokémon to have debuted in ''Pokémon Go''. Their release coincided with the launch of ''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'' on the Nintendo Switch. ''Pokémon Go'' initially introduced the new Mythical Pokémon Meltan as a teaser, later making it available for capture only through ''Pokémon Go'' using a "Mystery Box" obtained by completing new Research Tasks, transferring Pokémon from ''Pokémon Go'' to Pokémon HOME, or transferring Pokémon to Nintendo Switch Pokémon games.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154912/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/letsgo-celebration/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO}}</ref>

In August 2020, Mega Evolution was introduced to ''Pokémon Go'', allowing four Pokémon to Mega Evolve into five different forms.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164938/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/26/21402282/pokemon-go-mega-evolution-feature-details-release |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2020 |work=The Verge}}</ref> Since then, the feature has expanded to include 40 forms.

=== Battle system === ==== Gyms and Raids ==== Players earn experience points (XP) by participating in various in-game activities. As they accumulate XP, they advance through levels progressively, unlocking new features. Notably, at level five, players gain access to Pokémon Gyms, where they can engage in battles. They must choose to join one of three color-coded teams: Team Valor (red), Team Mystic (blue), or Team Instinct (yellow). These teams compete for control over Gyms within the ''Pokémon Go'' world.

In June 2017, Niantic announced a revamp of Gym game mechanics to promote teamwork.<ref name="pokemongolive.com">{{cite web |date=June 19, 2017 |title=Raid Battles and New Gym Features are Coming! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/raids |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621201806/http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/raids |archive-date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=June 20, 2017 |publisher=Niantic, Inc. Pokémon. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc. |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Gyms were temporarily disabled on June 19, 2017, and the updated Gyms were introduced shortly afterward through an app update.<ref name="pokemongolive.com" /> The revamped Gyms now include a spinnable component (PokéStop) where players can collect in-game items such as Potions and Poké Balls. Each Gym can hold a maximum of six Pokémon, with the requirement that each Pokémon must be unique within that Gym. The coins earned now depend on how long the defending Pokémon remains in the Gym, replacing the previous 10-coin daily gym defender bonus per Pokémon.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Patricia |date=June 25, 2017 |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 |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 |access-date=June 26, 2017 |website=Kotaku |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Legendary, Mythical, and Buddy Pokémon cannot be placed in Gyms.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In July 2017, Raid Battles were introduced, allowing players to team up and battle an over-leveled Pokémon in a Gym. If defeated, players can catch a regular version of that Pokémon. Raid difficulties range from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 5 being exclusive to Legendary Pokémon. The first Legendary Pokémon, Articuno and Lugia, were released on July 22, 2017, followed by Moltres and Zapdos. From September to November, the Legendary Beasts Entei, Raikou, and Suicune were available, rotating monthly by region. Ho-Oh appeared in Raid Battles from November 27 to December 12, 2017. In August 2020, Level 3 Mega Raids were introduced, featuring Mega Evolution, while Level 2 and Level 4 raids were merged into Level 1 and Level 3 raids, respectively.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165102/https://www.imore.com/pokemon-go-current-raid-battles |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2021-01-09 |website=iMore}}</ref>

In May 2022, Raid Battles were updated to include Mega Legendary Pokémon, now rated at 6 stars—the highest level in the game. The exclusive Pokémon available in these raids were Mega Latias and Mega Latios.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154914/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-mega-legendary-raid-difficulty-six-stars/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref>

In October 2022, a new type of raid battle called "Elite Raids" was introduced. These raids differ from regular raids in several ways. Elite Raids can only be battled in person, require a full day to begin, and are significantly more challenging, often needing a large group of players to defeat the Pokémon.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116050117/https://gamingintel.com/red-raid-eggs-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Gaming Intel |language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2023, a new type of raid battle called "Shadow Raids" was introduced. These raids can be fought either in person or remotely and offer the opportunity to capture a Shadow Pokémon after defeating it. During the battle, the Pokémon may become "enraged", boosting its attack and defense; however, this can be reversed using a "Purified Gem".<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154914/https://www.themarysue.com/pokemon-go-shadow-raids-explained/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en}}</ref> Before May 2025, trainers could only take part in Shadow Raids in person.<ref>{{cite web |title=Updates to Pokémon GO's Shadow Raids and Max Battles |url=https://pokemongo.com/post/shadow-raid-max-battle-update |access-date=25 May 2025 |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic Inc. The Pokémon Company. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc.}}</ref>

==== Trainer battles ==== In December 2018, Niantic introduced player vs. player (PvP) Trainer Battles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COMING SOON: Show your skills with Pokémon GO Trainer Battles! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/trainerbattles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406175404/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/trainerbattles/ |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO}}</ref> In January 2020, Niantic launched the Go Battle League, an online battle format that allows players to compete globally.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2020 |title='Pokémon Go' online battle feature starts rolling out |url=https://www.engadget.com/2020-01-28-pokemon-go-battle-league-rollout.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154840/https://www.engadget.com/2020-01-28-pokemon-go-battle-league-rollout.html |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2020-10-10 |website=Engadget}}</ref> Unlike the Trainer Battles introduced in 2018, the Go Battle League does not require physical proximity or real-world interactions between players. The game server automatically matches participants using a variation of the Elo rating system.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Go Battle League features three-on-three Pokémon battles in which players use fast and charged moves to defeat their opponents.<ref name=":0">{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907000133/https://venturebeat.com/business/pokemon-go-unveils-trainer-battles/ |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Players can also switch between Pokémon during battles and use Protect Shields to block attacks. The league offers three major formats: Great League (CP 1,500 or lower), Ultra League (CP 2,500 or lower), and Master League (no CP limit).<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

The Go Battle League is a competitive feature in ''Pokémon Go''. In October 2021, it was announced that ''Pokémon Go'' would be included in the 2022 World Championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon GO Championship Series |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-go/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916003131/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-go/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=www.pokemon.com |language=en}}</ref> A qualification system called the ''Pokémon Go'' Championship Series was introduced.<ref name=":1">{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203063504/https://dotesports.com/news/pokemon-go-added-to-2022-world-championship-go-championship-circuit-details-revealed |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=Dot Esports}}</ref> Trainers who reached a specific threshold in the Go Battle League qualified for the Championship Series.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Pokémon GO Championship 2022 Series Format and Event |url=https://pokemongohub.net/post/news/pokemon-go-championship-2022-series-details-shared/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204105019/https://pokemongohub.net/post/news/pokemon-go-championship-2022-series-details-shared/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=Pokémon Go Hub}}</ref> The top two players earned the opportunity to compete in the World Championships.<ref name=":1" /> Pokémon Go was also featured in the 2023 and 2024 World Championships.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907000132/https://www.shacknews.com/article/140942/pokemon-world-championships-2024-schedule |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Shacknews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922212051/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-pokemon-world-championships-event-guide/ |archive-date=September 22, 2024 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

==== Team Go Rocket battles ==== In July 2019, ''Pokémon Go'' introduced Team Go Rocket battles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Team GO Rocket invades Pokémon GO! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/teamgorocket-invasion-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154919/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/teamgorocket-invasion-2019/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2019-09-17 |website=Pokémon GO}}</ref> Players can encounter Team Go Rocket NPCs at certain PokéStops or through Team Go Rocket Balloons that appear in the sky. After defeating them, players can capture a "Shadow Pokémon", which are lower-level Pokémon with a purple, shadowy aura reminiscent of the Shadow Pokémon from ''Pokémon Colosseum'' and ''Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness''. Shadow Pokémon receive a 20% boost to their attack but suffer a 20% reduction in defense compared to regular Pokémon.<ref>{{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. |url-status=live |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. |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=niantic.helpshift.com}}</ref> Players can choose to purify Shadow Pokémon, which increases their level and stats, allows them to learn an exclusive move, and requires fewer candies to evolve.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

==== Dynamax and Gigantamax battles ==== In September 2024, ''Pokémon Go'' introduced Dynamax Battles and Dynamax Pokémon, a feature inspired by ''Pokémon Sword and Shield''. Players can take part in these battles either in person or remotely by using a special currency called "MP" to join, with the required amount varying based on the battle's difficulty level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Updates to Pokémon GO's Shadow Raids and Max Battles |url=https://pokemongo.com/post/shadow-raid-max-battle-update |access-date=25 May 2025 |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic Inc. The Pokémon Company.}}</ref> Up to four players can team up to battle a Dynamax Pokémon, building up a meter by attacking to Dynamax or Gigantamax their own Pokémon. Each Pokémon's Max Move, which deals increased damage and is exclusive to the Dynamax form, is determined by its regular Fast Attack type (except for G-Max Moves, which are specific to certain species). Players can also use Max Guard to boost defense and Max Spirit to restore health. If all Pokémon are defeated, players can use Max Cheer to boost the Max Meter. Only Dynamax Pokémon, Gigantamax Pokémon, Crowned Sword Zacian, Crowned Shield Zamazenta, and Eternatus are eligible for Dynamax Battles, and specific Pokémon can only be obtained in Dynamax form.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109071819/https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/every-dynamax-and-gigantamax-pokemon-in-pokemon-go-so-far-2876339/ |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Dexerto |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Big with Dynamax and Gigantamax! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/max-pokemon-battle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109071822/https://pokemongolive.com/max-pokemon-battle |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en}}</ref> Gigantamax Battles, introduced in October 2024, function similarly to Dynamax Battles but allow up to 100 players to participate in a single battle, divided into teams of four or fewer. Like Dynamax, only certain Pokémon caught from Gigantamax Battles can transform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-26 |title=How Does Gigantamax Work in Pokémon Go? |url=https://www.si.com/esports/pokemon/go-gigantamax-guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109071746/https://www.si.com/esports/pokemon/go-gigantamax-guide |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Esports Illustrated On SI |language=en-US}}</ref> Before August 2025, Gigantamax Battles supported up to 40 players in one battle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Updates to Pokémon GO's Gigantamax Battles |url=https://pokemongolive.com/news/gigantamax-100-trainers |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en}}</ref>

== Development == === Pre-release === [[File:John Hanke by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb |right|John Hanke, the founder of Niantic]] The concept of ''Pokémon Go'' was conceived in 2014 through a collaboration between Satoru Iwata of Nintendo and Tsunekazu Ishihara of The Pokémon Company, initially as an April Fools' Day project with Google called the Google Maps: Pokémon Challenge.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google's April Fools' prank puts Pokemon in the real world |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/googles-april-fools-prank-puts-pokemon-in-the-real-world/ |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 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |website=CNET |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Ishihara, a fan of Niantic's previous transreality game ''Ingress'', saw the concept as a perfect fit for the Pokémon series.<ref name="auto" /> Niantic, a Google subsidiary, used crowdsourced<ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=July 26, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> data from ''Ingress'' to create PokéStops and Gyms in ''Pokémon Go'', incorporated Google Maps data to determine Pokémon locations, and integrated map displays from OpenStreetMap starting in December 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bogle |first=Ariel |date=July 11, 2016 |title=How the gurus behind Google Earth created 'Pokémon Go' |url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/10/john-hanke-pokemon-go/ |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 |access-date=January 23, 2018 |work=Mashable |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817155446/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/4/16725748/pokemon-go-map-changes-openstreetmap |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> The game's application logic is based on the open-source Kubernetes system, which faced challenges due to ''Pokémon Go''<nowiki/>'s massive user base, leading to subsequent improvements.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Luke |date=29 September 2016 |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 |language=en}}</ref> Niantic became an independent entity following Google's restructuring into Alphabet Inc. in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2015 |title=Niantic Labs, Maker Of Ingress, Spun Out Of Google As Its Own Company |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/08/12/niantic-labs-maker-of-ingress-spun-out-as-its-own-company/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=September 9, 2015 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2015, Ishihara dedicated his speech to Iwata during the game's announcement on September 10, following Iwata's death two months earlier.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokémon go is brought up into the real world through iOS and Android |url=http://www.geeksnack.com/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-is-brought-up-into-the-real-world-through-ios-and-android/ |url-status=dead |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 |access-date=September 17, 2015 |publisher=GeekSnack}}</ref> Tatsuo Nomura, who joined Niantic in 2015 after developing the Google Maps Pokémon Challenge,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ogawa |first1=Joshua |date=October 22, 2016 |title='Pokemon Go' could evolve further |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Milestone/Pokemon-Go-could-evolve-further?n_cid=NARAN1507 |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 |access-date=October 26, 2017 |work=Nikkei Asian Review |df=mdy-all}}</ref> served as the game's director and product manager.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google+ post by Niantic Labs |url=https://plus.google.com/+Nianticlabs/posts/hzHFQ6Axbu7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109214341/https://plus.google.com/+Nianticlabs/posts/hzHFQ6Axbu7 |archive-date=November 9, 2016 |access-date=October 26, 2017 |website=Google Plus |publisher=Niantic Labs |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The soundtrack was composed by Junichi Masuda, a longtime Pokémon series composer who also contributed to the game's design.<ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |website=Business Insider |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Dennis Hwang, known for creating the Gmail logo while at Google, was one of the game's graphic designers.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2016 |title='Pokemon Go' is a work of art, not a social experiment |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-heffernan-pokemon-go-as-art-20160715-snap-story.html |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 |work=Los Angeles Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On March 4, 2016, Niantic announced a Japan-exclusive beta test starting later that month, allowing players to help test and improve the game before its public release. The beta test was later expanded to other countries.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |date=March 4, 2016 |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 |url-status=live |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 |access-date=March 4, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> On April 7, it was announced that the beta would extend to Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vuckovic |first1=Daniel |date=April 8, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO field testing is expanding to Australia and New Zealand |url=https://www.vooks.net/pokemon-go-field-testing-is-expanding-to-australia-and-new-zealand/ |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 |access-date=April 8, 2016 |website=Vooks |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Subsequently, on May 16, 2016, signups for the field test opened in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Pokémon GO Development Team |date=May 16, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO field testing expands to the United States |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-fieldtest-us/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616181918/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-fieldtest-us/ |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2016 |publisher=Niantic Labs |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pedersoli |first=Tiziano |title=Warmer! Closer! |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-ft-us-start/ |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 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |website=Niantic Labs |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The test concluded on June 30, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dornbush |first1=Jonathan |date=June 27, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go Period Ending This Week |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/27/pokemon-go-beta-period-ending-this-week |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 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Post-release === At the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, John Hanke, the founder of Niantic, unveiled the three team leaders: Candela (Team Valor), Blanche (Team Mystic), and Spark (Team Instinct).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=Claudia |date=July 24, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |work=CNET |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |date=July 24, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |work=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Hanke mentioned that only about 10 percent of the game's ideas had been implemented. Future updates, such as the trading feature, additional Pokémon,<ref name="PolyJul25">{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Pokémon Centers at PokéStops, fixing the "three-step glitch", and easier training, were confirmed.<ref name="EnGJul25">{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Niantic committed to supporting the game for "years to come".<ref name="PolyJul25" /> In a TechCrunch interview in September 2016, Hanke hinted that player vs. player Pokémon battles would be added in a future update.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Takahashi |first1=Dean |date=September 15, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=September 15, 2016 |work=VentureBeat |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In December 2016, Starbucks and Sprint partnered with Nintendo to add PokéStops and Gyms at select locations in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 8, 2016 |title=Discover the Pokémon GO Frappuccino at Starbucks |url=https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-pokemon-go |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209092537/https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-pokemon-go |archive-date=December 9, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |newspaper=Starbucks Newsroom |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Farokhmanesh |first1=Megan |date=December 7, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> An Apple Watch companion app was released the same month, allowing users to receive notifications about nearby Pokémon.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |date=December 22, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go is finally available on the Apple Watch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/22/14058136/pokemon-go-apple-watch-release |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 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In January 2017, an additional five thousand Starbucks locations became Gyms.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115174203/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/starbucks_exp |archive-date=January 15, 2017 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In February 2017, an update introduced 100 species from the Johto region, expanding the original 151. The update also included new Berries, encounter mechanics, and avatar clothing options.<ref>{{cite web |title='Pokemon Go': See New Evolution Items And Pokemon Evolutions |url=http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/9357/20170224/pokemon-go-see-new-evolution-items-and-pokemon-evolutions.htm |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 |access-date=February 16, 2017 |website=Science Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Pokémon Go' is getting a huge new update that adds 80 new Pokémon |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-generation-2-new-2017-2 |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 |access-date=February 16, 2017 |website=Business Insider |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Pokémon from ''Ruby and Sapphire'' were gradually added in late 2017, along with a weather system affecting spawns and gameplay.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew |date=13 December 2017 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817170033/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-gen-3-list-ruby-sapphire-emerald-hoenn-region-8004 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=14 December 2017 |work=Eurogamer}}</ref> In November 2018, ''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'' were released on the Nintendo Switch, featuring ''Pokémon Go''-style catching and integration between the two games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=May 29, 2018 |title=Two new Pokemon RPGs are coming to the Switch this November |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/29/17406032/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee-switch-game-freak |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2018 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref name="GameSpot post-E3 2018">{{cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=12 June 2018 |title=Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu, Eevee: Everything We Know So Far |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-eevee-everything-we-know-s/1100-6459253 |url-status=live |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 |access-date=13 June 2018 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tassi |first=Paul |title='Pokémon GO' Teasing 'Skilled Swimmer' Gen 4 Pokémon's Imminent Release |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/10/13/pokemon-go-teasing-skilled-swimmer-gen-4-pokemons-imminent-release/#19edf0127f5e |access-date=2018-10-14 |work=Forbes}}</ref> A new Pokémon species, Meltan, debuted in ''Pokémon Go'' in September. Plans to introduce Pokémon from ''Diamond and Pearl'' were announced in October 2018, with Adventure Sync—a feature that records walking data in the background—revealed on October 25.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2018-10-25 |title=Pokémon Go will soon record your steps in the background |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/25/18023046/pokemon-go-adventure-sync |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817160915/https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/25/18023046/pokemon-go-adventure-sync |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2018-10-26 |work=The Verge}}</ref> Research tasks for Bug-type Pokémon, offering players a chance to catch Shedinja, were announced on October 26.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martinez |first=Phillip |date=2018-10-26 |title=Shedinja and Shiny Caterpie are coming to 'Pokémon Go' in November |url=https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-go-november-update-shedinja-1190280 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817160929/https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-go-november-update-shedinja-1190280 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2018-10-27 |work=Newsweek}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoffer |first=Christian |date=2018-10-26 |title='Pokemon Go' Will Add Missing "Gen 3" Pokemon in November |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/10/26/pokemon-go-shedinja/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172004/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-go-shedinja/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2018-10-27 |work=Comic Book}}</ref>

In a January 2019 interview with ''Business Insider'', John Hanke stated that in 2018, ''Pokémon Go'' became the game Niantic had originally envisioned.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weinberger |first1=Matt |date=21 January 2019 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817173940/https://www.businessinsider.com/niantic-ceo-john-hanke-samsung-axiomatic-gaming-valuation-2019-1 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Business Insider}}</ref>

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Niantic implemented significant gameplay adjustments for players restricted from leaving their homes. These changes included indoor step tracking for distance challenges, long-distance player-versus-player battles, enhanced "Incense" effects, increased spawn points, and a doubled player interaction radius.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2020 |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2021-01-14 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2025, Scopely acquired some of Niantic's games, including ''Pokémon Go'', while other Niantic games such as Ingress and Peridot were spun off.<ref>{{cite news |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=13 March 2025 |title=Pokémon Go (and other Niantic games) just sold for $3.5B |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/538132/pokemon-go-niantic-games-sold-scopely-acquisition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315015400/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/538132/pokemon-go-niantic-games-sold-scopely-acquisition |archive-date=15 March 2025 |access-date=15 March 2025 |work=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kant |first=Rishi |date=12 March 2025 |editor-last=Samuel |editor-first=Maju |title='Pokemon Go' maker Niantic to sell game division to Saudi-owned Scopely for $3.5 billion |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-sell-game-division-saudi-owned-scopely-35-billion-2025-03-12/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=12 March 2025 |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Reuters |location=Pakistan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Scopely to acquire Niantic games business, which includes "Pokémon GO," one of the most successful mobile games of all time |url=https://www.scopely.com/en/news/scopely-to-acquire-niantic-games-business-which-includes-pokemon-go-one-of-the-most-successful-mobile-games-of-all-time |website=www.scopely.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== ''Pokémon Go'' Plus and ''Pokémon Go'' Plus + === thumb|upright|The ''Pokémon Go'' Plus, shown with its wrist strap The ''Pokémon Go'' Plus is a Bluetooth Low Energy wearable device developed by Nintendo's Platform Technology Development division. It enables players to perform in-game actions without looking at their smart device.<ref name="polygonpin">{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go Plus: Everything you need to know |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/11/12153040/pokemon-go-plus-price-info-and-release-date |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 |archive-date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> When near a Pokémon or PokéStop, the device vibrates, prompting the player to press the button to capture the Pokémon or collect items from the PokéStop.<ref name="polygonpin" /> Players can only see what they have received when the next time they open the app on their mobile device.<ref name="auto" /> The design resembles a Poké Ball and the Google Maps pin.<ref name="polygonpin" /> The decision to create this device, rather than a smartwatch app, was made to make it more accessible to players who find smartwatches too expensive.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=July 12, 2015 |title=Watch Future – Time killers: The strange history of wrist gaming |url=http://www.polygon.com/a/smartwatch-history-guide-evolution/watch-future |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 |access-date=June 16, 2016 |work=Polygon |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It was launched in the United Kingdom and North America on September 16, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Go Plus. Explained! |url=https://pokestopshop.net/blogs/news/pokemon-go-plus-wearable-wristband |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 |access-date=August 29, 2016 |website=PokeStop Shop |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="techcrunchrelease">{{cite web |last=Russell |first=Jon |date=July 6, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go is launching on iOS and Android today |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/06/pokemon-go-is-launching-on-ios-and-android-today/ |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 |access-date=July 9, 2016 |website=TechCrunch |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=July 27, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go Plus delayed to September |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/27/12294496/pokemon-go-plus-delay-september |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 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |website=Polygon |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On July 14, 2023, the ''Pokémon Go'' Plus + was introduced as the successor to the ''Pokémon Go'' Plus, offering automatic Pokémon catching and PokéStop interaction, as well as sleep-tracking features for use with Pokémon Sleep.

== Release == === Regional availability === {|class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="margin: 1em auto;" width="70%" |+ Global release dates for ''Pokémon Go'' |- | style="text-align: center;" colspan=4 | 600px |- ! scope="col" | Key ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" width="75%"| Countries and territories ! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|References}} |- |bgcolor="#CC0000"| | July 6, 2016 | Australia, New Zealand, and the United States |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Jason |date=July 7, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go launches in US on iOS and Android |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/06/pokemon-go-launches-worldwide-on-ios-and-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708130558/http://venturebeat.com/2016/07/06/pokemon-go-launches-worldwide-on-ios-and-android/ |archive-date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2016 |website=Venture Beat |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Matulef |first1=Jeffrey |title=Pokémon GO is out now in Australia and New Zealand |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-06-pokemon-go-is-out-now-in-japan-australia-and-new-zealand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707151445/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-06-pokemon-go-is-out-now-in-japan-australia-and-new-zealand |archive-date=July 7, 2016 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |website=Eurogamer |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 6, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go Is Available Now on Android Devices |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-is-available-now-on-android-devices/1100-6441523/ |access-date=July 5, 2016 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><ref name="Verge">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |date=September 10, 2015 |title=With Pokémon Go, Nintendo is showing that it takes mobile seriously |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/10/9300101/pokemon-go-nintendo-mobile-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911024918/http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/10/9300101/pokemon-go-nintendo-mobile-games |archive-date=September 11, 2015 |access-date=September 11, 2015 |work=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#000066"| | July 13, 2016 | Germany |<ref name="vergegermany">{{cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=July 13, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go arrives in Europe with German launch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/13/12170608/pokemon-go-launch-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713212018/http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/13/12170608/pokemon-go-launch-europe |archive-date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |website=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#4ca6ff"| | July 14, 2016 | United Kingdom |<ref>{{cite news |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go unleashed in the UK |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36793610 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715183819/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36793610 |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |df=mdy-all |agency=BBC}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#ff9832"| | July 15, 2016 | Italy, Spain, and Portugal |<ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO available in Italy, Spain, and Portugal – Nintendo Everything |url=http://nintendoeverything.com/pokemon-go-available-in-italy-spain-and-portugal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716124845/http://nintendoeverything.com/pokemon-go-available-in-italy-spain-and-portugal/ |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |language=en |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#009900"| | July 16, 2016 | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland |<ref name="EuropeRelease">{{cite web |date=July 16, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO Available in Twenty-Six New Countries |url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-eu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808080050/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-eu |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 16, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go is officially out in Ireland – GO! |url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/discover/pokemon-go-is-officially-out-in-ireland-go-745094.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717151404/http://www.breakingnews.ie/discover/pokemon-go-is-officially-out-in-ireland-go-745094.html |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |newspaper=Breaking News |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#E5E500"| | July 17, 2016 | Canada |<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO is now available in Canada! |url=https://twitter.com/pokemongoapp/status/754756895584509952 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717232107/https://twitter.com/pokemongoapp/status/754756895584509952 |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#C87137"| | July 19, 2016 | Puerto Rico |<ref>{{cite news |title=El fenómeno de Pokémon Go se acapara de Puerto Rico pese a problemas con servidores |url=http://www.univision.com/estilo-de-vida/videojuegos/el-fenomeno-de-pokemon-go-se-acapara-de-puerto-rico-pese-a-problemas-con-servidores |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816091721/http://www.univision.com/estilo-de-vida/videojuegos/el-fenomeno-de-pokemon-go-se-acapara-de-puerto-rico-pese-a-problemas-con-servidores |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=Univision |language=es |df=mdy-all |issue=July 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 19, 2016 |title="Pokémon Go" comienza a funcionar en Puerto Rico |url=http://www.primerahora.com/tecnologia/nota/pokemongocomienzaafuncionarenpuertorico-1165432/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819093117/http://www.primerahora.com/tecnologia/nota/pokemongocomienzaafuncionarenpuertorico-1165432/ |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=Primera Hora |language=es |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#FF00FF| | July 22, 2016 | Japan |<ref name="JPrelease-NQN">{{Cite news |date=July 22, 2016 |script-title=ja:「ポケモンGO」、日本でも配信開始 |url=http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASFL14H8K_S6A720C1000000/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722031617/http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASFL14H8K_S6A720C1000000/ |archive-date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |publisher=Nikkei News |location=Tokyo |language=ja |df=mdy-all |agency=Nikkei Quick New (NQN)}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#BDFF48"| | July 24, 2016 | France |<ref name="France">{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Yuji |date=July 18, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go release delayed in France following Nice attack |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-release-delayed-in-france-following-nice-attack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721080538/http://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-release-delayed-in-france-following-nice-attack/ |archive-date=July 21, 2016 |access-date=July 24, 2016 |publisher=CNET |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#FF2A7F"| | July 25, 2016 | Hong Kong |<ref>{{cite news |last=Nakamura |first=Yuji |date=July 25, 2016 |title=Nintendo Plunges After Saying Pokemon Go's Impact Is Limited |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |newspaper=Bloomberg Technology |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#37C8AB"| | August 3, 2016 | {{anchor|Brazil}}Latin America and Caribbean islands |<ref name="LatinAmericaRelease">{{cite web |date=August 3, 2016 |title=We are excited to share more details about Pokémon GO, including the launch across Latin America! |url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-latam/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807004225/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-latam |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go mapping sites were major resource suck, Niantic says |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/4/12383690/pokemon-go-pokemon-map-shutdown-niantic-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806080234/http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/4/12383690/pokemon-go-pokemon-map-shutdown-niantic-update |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#800080"| | August 6, 2016 | Brunei, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam |<ref name="SEAsiaRelease">{{cite web |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO is now available in countries and regions across Asia and Oceania |url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-asia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809081040/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-asia/ |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Suzuki, Wataru |date=August 6, 2016 |title='Pokemon Go' invades Southeast Asia |url=http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/Pokemon-Go-invades-Southeast-Asia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807160242/http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/Pokemon-Go-invades-Southeast-Asia |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |publisher=Nikkei Asian Review |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#80e5ff"| | September 29, 2016 | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macau, North Macedonia, and Serbia |<ref name="BalkanRelease">{{cite web |date=September 29, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO available in five new countries and regions |url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-sep16/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008003851/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-sep16/ |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#55ff99"| | {{nowrap|September 30, 2016}} | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan |<ref name="CentralAsiaRelease">{{cite web |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO available in six new countries |url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-sep16-2nd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008003919/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-sep16-2nd/ |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#00ffcc"| |October 4, 2016 | Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Seychelles, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia |<ref name="AfricaRelease">{{cite web |date=October 4, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO available in thirty-one new countries |url=http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/launch-oct16/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008001720/http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/launch-oct16/ |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |publisher=Niantic, Inc. Pokémon. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc. |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#c8ab37"| |November 17, 2016 | Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates |<ref name="MiddleEastRelease">{{cite web |date=November 17, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO now available in eight new countries in the Middle East |url=http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-me/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118101022/http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/launch-me/ |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |website=pokemongo.nianticlabs.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="#cd0987"| |December 13, 2016 | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka |<ref name="SouthAsiaRelease">{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO is now available in India and other South Asian Countries! |url=http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/launch-in/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214103838/http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/launch-in/ |archive-date=December 14, 2016 |access-date=December 13, 2016 |website=pokemongolive.com |publisher=Niantic, Inc. Pokémon. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc. |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="ffff00"| |January 24, 2017 | South Korea |<ref name="KoreaRelease">{{cite web |last1=Van Boom |first1=Daniel |title=Pokemon Go craze finally hits South Korea |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-craze-finally-hits-south-korea/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124112117/https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-craze-finally-hits-south-korea/ |archive-date=January 24, 2017 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |website=CNET |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="8b4513"| |September 11, 2018 | Russia{{efn|Shut down in March 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mott |first=Nathaniel |date=12 March 2022 |title=Niantic Shuts Down Pokemon Go in Russia, Belarus |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/mobile-games/139191/niantic-shuts-down-pokemon-go-in-russia-belarus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817160932/https://www.pcmag.com/news/niantic-shuts-down-pokemon-go-in-russia-belarus |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=PCMag |language=en-gb}}</ref>}} |<ref name="RussiaRelease">{{cite web |date=September 11, 2018 |title=Game Pokemon Go appeared in Russia two years after the world launch |url=https://hybridtechcar.com/2018/09/11/game-pokemon-go-appeared-in-russia-two-years-after-the-world-launch/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322161223/https://hybridtechcar.com/2018/09/11/game-pokemon-go-appeared-in-russia-two-years-after-the-world-launch/ |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=January 19, 2019 |website=hybridtechcar |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |bgcolor="800800"| |June 3, 2021 | Turkey |<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2021 |title=Pokemon GO'dan sevindiren gelişme |url=https://shiftdelete.net/pokemon-go-dan-sevindiren-gelisme |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174548/https://shiftdelete.net/pokemon-go-dan-sevindiren-gelisme |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=June 4, 2021 |website=Teknoloji Haberleri - ShiftDelete.Net}}</ref> |- | |October 12, 2024 | Saudi Arabia |<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2024 |title=لعبة Pokémon GO تستضيف حدث تفاعلي كبير في بوليفارد الرياض سيتي |url=https://www.saudigamer.com/pokemon-go-hosts-major-interactive-event-at-riyadh-city-boulevard/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203103102/https://www.saudigamer.com/pokemon-go-hosts-major-interactive-event-at-riyadh-city-boulevard/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=Saudi Gamer}}</ref> |}

The official launch of the game began on July 6, 2016, in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Due to server strain at launch, Niantic CEO John Hanke announced that releases in other regions would be "paused until Niantic is comfortable" with fixing the issues.<ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=July 9, 2016 |website=Gamespot |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=July 9, 2016 |website=Business Insider |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="EuropeRelease" /> The Japanese launch, initially scheduled for July 20,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Jon |date=July 19, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=TechCrunch |df=mdy-all}}</ref> was delayed due to a leaked sponsorship deal with McDonald's,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mochizuki |first1=Takashi |date=July 19, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=Wall Street Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibbs |first1=Samuel |date=July 20, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go Japan launch delayed by McDonald's sponsorship leak |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/20/pokemon-go-japan-launch-delayed-mcdonalds-sponsorship-gyms |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 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |work=The Guardian |df=mdy-all}}</ref> eventually releasing two days later.<ref name="JPrelease-NQN" /> The French release, originally planned for July 15, was postponed to July 24 following a terrorist attack in Nice on July 14.<ref name="France" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Cecilia |author-link=Amid Amidi Rampant Safety Concerns |date=July 21, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go To Launch In France Amid |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2016/07/21/pokemon-go-hits-france-and-many-are-very-nervous/#52379dc74e0e |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 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |df=mdy-all}} * {{cite news |last1=Francoise |first1=Sarah |date=July 20, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |df=mdy-all}} * {{cite news |last1=Audureau |first1=William |date=July 21, 2016 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr}}</ref> Third-party apps and websites were shut down in late July, reducing server strain and allowing Niantic to resume global releases. Central and South America, as well as a significant portion of Southeast Asia, received the game in early August.<ref name="LatinAmericaRelease" /><ref name="SEAsiaRelease" /> Indonesia became the first Asian country to have the game operational, although the official release in that region was on August 6.<ref>{{cite web |last=Low |first=Aloysius |date=July 15, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go is strangely working in one Asian country: Indonesia |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-is-strangely-working-in-one-unannounced-country-indonesia/ |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 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |work=cnet.com |df=mdy-all |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.}}</ref>

In South Korea, ''Pokémon Go'' was not officially released due to restrictions imposed on online mapping data. However, a glitch allowed the game to function in a small area around Sokcho, in the northeastern part of the country, which was mistakenly considered part of Niantic's North Korea mapping region.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ko:'포켓몬 고' 지도반출 문제와 무관 |url=http://m.news.naver.com/read.nhn?mode=LSD&sid1=001&oid=022&aid=0003076481 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725112239/https://m.news.naver.com/read.nhn?mode=LSD&sid1=001&oid=022&aid=0003076481 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2016 |script-title=ko:제목 [참고]「'포켓몬 고' 미서비스, 구글 지도반출 불허 때문」 보도 관련 |url=http://www.molit.go.kr/USR/NEWS/m_72/dtl.jsp?lcmspage=1&id=95077750 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Molit.go.kr |language=ko |df=mdy-all}}</ref> This led to a surge in players taking advantage of the glitch. Bus tickets from Seoul to Sokcho sold out, and locals shared information about free Wi-Fi spots with tourists.<ref name="TGSK">{{cite news |last=Gibbs |first=Samuel |date=July 13, 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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Players even discovered a Gym in Panmunjom, near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, but Niantic later removed it.<ref name="DMZ">{{cite web |last=Wehner |first=Mike |date=July 13, 2016 |title=The mysterious Pokémon Go gym at the border of North Korea and South Korea has disappeared |url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-gym-north-korea-dmz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717134907/http://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-gym-north-korea-dmz/ |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |website=The Daily Dot}}</ref> After the game's release in Japan, parts of Busan also became playable, as they were considered part of Japan's mapping area due to Tsushima Island's proximity.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sohn |first=Ji-young |date=July 24, 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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |newspaper=The Korean Herald |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' officially launched in South Korea in January 2017.<ref name="KoreaRelease" />

In mainland China, Google services are inaccessible due to the Great Firewall, and the GPS feature in ''Pokémon Go'' is blocked by Niantic. Players in China must install the game using App Store IDs from different regions and use VPNs to access Google services required to load the game. Some players resort to GPS spoofing apps to bypass the GPS restrictions. Some have turned to a clone app called ''City Spirit Go'', which appeared shortly after ''Pokémon Go''<nowiki/>'s beta test in Japan.<ref name="latimesspoof">{{cite web |last=Yang |first=Yingzhi |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Chinese go to great lengths to get 'Pokemon Go' — and make a knockoff |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-pokemon-snap-story.html |url-status=live |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> As of 2020, the official game remains unplayable in many parts of China due to the in-game GPS modules being blocked.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

After its release on August 6, 2016, in Taiwan ''Pokémon Go'' quickly gained immense popularity.<ref name="He">{{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 |chapter=Gaming while Aging: TheLudification of Later Life in Pokémon Go |editor-last2=Eyman |editor-first2=Douglas |editor-last3=Sun |editor-first3=Hongmei}}</ref>{{Rp|page=199}} The high level of urbanization in Taiwan provided an ideal environment for the game's location-based features, attracting large crowds of players in cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.<ref name="He" />{{Rp|page=199}} Chen Ching-Po, also known as "Uncle Pokémon", gained recognition for attaching seventy-two smartphones with over twenty ''Pokémon Go'' accounts to his bicycle.<ref name="He" />{{Rp|page=202}}

In August 2016, when the game was launched in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was initially excluded. However, users in Thailand discovered that the game was accessible in border cities near Myanmar.<ref name="PMy">{{Cite news |last=RJ Vogt |date=August 10, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go works in Myanmar |url=http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/lifestyle/21851-pokemon-go-works-in-myanmar.html |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 |access-date=August 9, 2016 |work=The Myanmar Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The game expanded to the Balkans, Macau, and Central Asia in September 2016. By the end of the year, it was also made available in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.<ref name="BalkanRelease" /><ref name="CentralAsiaRelease" /><ref name="MiddleEastRelease" /><ref name="SouthAsiaRelease" />

On September 11, 2018, the game was quietly released on Russia's App Store and Google Play Store, over two years after its initial launch. Niantic did not make an official announcement about this release.<ref name="RussiaRelease" />

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

=== Commercial response === ==== Nintendo ==== thumb|right|upright=1.5|A graph of Nintendo's stock value in July 2016 depicting the surge in investment following ''Pokémon Go''<nowiki/>'s initial release on July 7 and subsequent slump on July 25

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 percent.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 8, 2016 |title=Nintendo shares soar as new Pokemon mobile game captures hearts |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-stocks-idUSKCN0ZO059 |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 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |work=Reuters |df=mdy-all}}</ref> By July 14, shares had increased by as much as 50 percent.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Nintendo shares up more than 50% since Pokemon Go release – BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-36791275 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714050021/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36791275 |archive-date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Despite Nintendo owning only a 32 percent stake in The Pokémon Company and an undisclosed stake in Niantic,<ref>{{cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Eli |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Nintendo's market value rose by 9 billion USD within five days of ''Pokémon Go''<nowiki/>'s release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go adds $9B to Nintendo's value, global rollout continues this week |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-adds-9b-to-nintendos-value-global-rollout-continues-this-week/ |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 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |website=TechCrunch |df=mdy-all}}</ref> This trend continued for more than a week after the game's launch, and by July 19, the Nintendo's stock value had more than doubled compared to its pre-release level. Turnover sales reached a record-breaking ¥703.6 billion (6.6 billion USD), and trading of the stock accounted for a quarter of all trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main board.<ref>{{cite news |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |df=mdy-all |agency=Reuters}}</ref> The ''Financial Times'' suggested investors were speculating not on ''Pokémon Go'' itself, but on the potential success of future Nintendo app releases, as the company increasingly moves into the mobile app market—an area it had historically been reluctant to enter, fearing it would cannibalize portable console and video game sales.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO shows Nintendo the promise of mobile |url=https://www.ft.com/content/237ab9e6-4724-11e6-b387-64ab0a67014c |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 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all |newspaper=The FT}}</ref> Nintendo planned to release four more smartphone app games by March 2017, and investors noted ''Pokémon Go'' demonstrated Nintendo still possesses some of the "most valuable character intellectual property in the world", with franchises such as ''Super Mario'', ''The Legend of Zelda'', and ''Metroid''.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Nintendo shares soar on Pokemon Go success |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36762791 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711103152/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36762791 |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all |newspaper=BBC News}}</ref>

By July 22, Nintendo had gained ¥1.8 trillion (17.6 billion USD) in market capitalization since the game's release.<ref name="BloombergJuly25" /> However, after Nintendo clarified that it neither produced ''Pokémon Go'' nor had received significant financial gains from it, its stock fell by 18 percent—equivalent to a ¥708 billion (6.7 billion USD) loss in market value—on July 25.<ref name="BloombergJuly25" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Hern |first=Alex |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |df=mdy-all}}</ref> This marked the largest single-day decline for Nintendo since 1990 and reached the maximum one-day trading limit allowed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. According to Macquarie Securities, the company holds an approximately 13 percent "effective economic stake" in the game.<ref name="BloombergJuly25">{{cite magazine |last1=Nakamura |first1=Yuji |last2=Amano |first2=Takashi |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 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |magazine=Bloomberg |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==== Other companies ==== The stock surge was not limited to Nintendo; other companies such as Tomy, TV Tokyo, and the Bank of Kyoto also experienced substantial gains.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kitanaka |first=Anna |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |newspaper=Bloomberg |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Zagg, the owner of a battery case manufacturing company, saw its stock increase by 25% due to the popularity of ''Pokémon Go''.<ref>{{cite news |last=La Monica |first=Paul R. |date=July 18, 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=dead |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=CNN Money |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Technical issues === At launch, the game suffered from frequent server outages due to heavy usage.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=July 8, 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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |magazine=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 fifty times the expected server traffic, or 10 times the expected worst-case scenario.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 September 2016 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161539/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/30/pokemon-go-traffic-google |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> Frequent crashes and authentication errors plagued the game's release and lasted for several days. For the first two days after launch, players could not access the game through their Pokémon Trainer Club accounts; only Gmail-based accounts could gain access to the game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=July 8, 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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 11, 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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |df=mdy-all |agency=Australian Associated Press}}</ref> On July 16, a few hours after the release in many European countries, the game's servers temporarily went offline.<ref name="polygonoutage" /> The outage was claimed by a hacking group called "PoodleCorp", who said they used a DDoS attack to shut them down,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Worley |first1=Will |date=July 16, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=The Independent}}</ref> although the problem was fixed later that day.<ref name="polygonoutage">{{cite news |last1=Good |first1=Owen |date=July 16, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Velocci |first1=Carli |date=July 16, 2016 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717131920/http://gizmodo.com/pokemon-go-servers-reportedly-hacked-because-it-was-bou-1783779474 |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Gizmodo |publisher=Gawker Media}}</ref> The next day, the servers went down again as the game was launched in Canada.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thier |first1=Dave |date=July 17, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> John Hanke issued an apology for the server issues at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, stating, "we weren't provisioned for what happened".<ref name="EnGJul25" />

Some early iOS installs of ''Pokémon Go'' required users to provide the app with full access to their Google accounts, 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".<ref>{{cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Joseph |date=July 10, 2016 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001024512/http://www.inc.com/joseph-steinberg/pokemon-go-users-beware-two-major-security-risks.html |archive-date=October 1, 2016 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |work=Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{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/ |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 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |publisher=ARS Technica |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |publisher=Macworld |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Pokémon Company and Niantic responded to the concerns, recognizing that the iOS app "... erroneously requests full access permission for the user's Google account ...".<ref>{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go ... hand over all of your Google Gmail, Drive, Photos |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/07/11/pushy_pokemon_go_criticized/ |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |publisher=The Register |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title='Pokémon Go' on iOS is digging deep into linked Google accounts (update) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-on-ios-is-digging-deep-into-linked-google-accounts/ |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |website=Engadget |df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, Adam Reeve—the person who initially made accusations of the security issues in a Tumblr post—later backtracked on his claim and was not "100 percent sure" it was valid.<ref name="Reeve">{{cite web |last=Blue |first=Violet |date=July 15, 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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Reeve2">{{cite web |last=Turton |first=William |date=July 11, 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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |work=Gizmodo |publisher=Gawker Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 account usage, as initially conveyed. Guido found that this enabled Niantic to access people's email addresses and phone numbers unintentionally.<ref name="Reeve" /> A subsequent iOS app update reduced the scope of access.<ref name="iosfix">{{cite news |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |date=July 12, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |df=mdy-all |agency=venturebeat}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Reeve2" />

{{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 their proximity to a nearby Pokémon; however, it universally became "stuck" at three steps, earning it the name "three-step-glitch".<ref>{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=July 19, 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 |access-date=August 2, 2016 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Niantic removed the footstep feature completely on July 30,<ref name="kotakufootstepsremoved">{{cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=July 30, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go Update Fixes Three-Step Glitch By Removing Steps Entirely |url=http://kotaku.com/thats-one-way-to-fix-pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-1784589719 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731060321/http://kotaku.com/thats-one-way-to-fix-pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-1784589719 |archive-date=July 31, 2016 |access-date=July 31, 2016 |website=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media}}</ref> sparking criticism from players.<ref name="USATodayFootprints" /> By August 1, players reported a new glitch that swaps their captured Pokémon with another one at random.<ref>{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=August 1, 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 |access-date=August 2, 2016 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 who got them to keep the game fair.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paget |first=Mat |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 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |publisher=GameSpot |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

== Reception == {{Overly detailed|section|date=October 2024}}{{Video game reviews | MC = wikidata | 4P = 50/100<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2016 |title=Test: Pokémon GO (Taktik & Strategie) |url=https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Allgemein/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Allgemein/37089/81968/Pokemon_GO.html |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=4Players.de}}</ref> | Destruct = 3.5/10<ref name="Destructoid" /> | GSpot = 7/10<ref name="GSpot" /> | GTM = 7/10<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Go review |url=https://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/pokemon-go-review/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023151331/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/pokemon-go-review/ |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=GamesTM}}</ref> | Gamezebo = 3.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokemon GO Review: Catch 'Em for Real |url=https://www.gamezebo.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-review-catch-em-real/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223095113/https://www.gamezebo.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-review-catch-em-real/ |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=GameZebo}}</ref> | HCG = 3.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2016 |title=Review: Pokémon GO |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/07/17/review-pokemon-go/216689/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928025447/https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/07/17/review-pokemon-go/216689/ |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=Hardcore Gamer}}</ref> | IGN = 7/10<ref name="IGNR">{{cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133052/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-review |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> | JXV = 18/20<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2018 |title=Test : Pokémon GO : L'excellence sur la durée |url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/838081/pokemon-go-l-excellence-sur-la-duree.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161541/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/838081/pokemon-go-l-excellence-sur-la-duree.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=Jeuxvideo.com}}</ref> | PG = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO review - GO outside and play it |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/070656/pok-mon-go-review-go-outside-and-play-it/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161542/https://www.pocketgamer.com/pokemon-go/pokemon-go-review-go-outside-and-play-it/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=Pocket Gamer}}</ref> | Poly = 7.5/10<ref name="polygongoreview" /> | TG = 2/5<ref name="Guardian">{{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 |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 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |website=The Guardian |df=mdy-all}}</ref> | USG = 3/5<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go Review: Broken App, Amazing Community |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/pokmon-go-review-broken-but-amazing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803093235/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/pokmon-go-review-broken-but-amazing |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=USgamer}}</ref> }}

''Pokémon Go'' was 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.<ref name="GSpot" /><ref name="IGNR" /><ref name="pocketgamerreview" />

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

Philip Kollar and Allegra Frank (''Polygon'') both agreed that ''Pokémon Go'' was "an exciting social experience", but were unsure how long the game and its popularity would last, stating it could either last for many years or "end up as a brush fire craze that the whole gaming world is talking about for a few weeks, and then it is forgotten".<ref name="polygongoreview">{{cite web |last1=Kollar |first1=Philip |last2=Frank |first2=Allegra |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go review |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/14/12183956/pokemon-go-review-ios-android-nintendo-niantic-company-mobile-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160717061107/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/14/12183956/pokemon-go-review-ios-android-nintendo-niantic-company-mobile-game |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>

Other critics expressed more negative views of the game, with many citing frequent crashes and other technical issues, as well as shallow gameplay.<ref name="Time" /> Kallie Plagge (''IGN'') said that although the game lacked polish and depth, the overall experience accounted for it.<ref name="IGNR" /> Matt Peckham (''Time'') criticized the game for its frequent crashes.<ref name="Time" /> Mike Cosimano (''Destructoid'') also took issue with the game, saying the original idea showed promise but was improperly executed.<ref name="Destructoid" /> Kat Brewster (''The Guardian'') wrote that although she thought ''Pokémon Go'' was not a good game, it was "a great experience".<ref name="Guardian" /> 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 reason being the constant server issues.<ref name="GSpot" /> 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''".<ref name="kotaku3step">{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=July 19, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go's Three-Step Glitch Makes Tracking Pokémon Even Harder |url=http://kotaku.com/pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-makes-tracking-pokemon-im-1783854268 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719033836/http://kotaku.com/pokemon-gos-three-step-glitch-makes-tracking-pokemon-im-1783854268 |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |website=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media}}</ref> Critics also emphasized 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.<ref name="mic">{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Leif |date=July 6, 2017 |title='Pokémon Go' Anniversary: One year later, it's still a city dweller's game |url=https://mic.com/articles/181585/pokemon-go-anniversary-one-year-later-its-still-a-city-dwellers-game#.VYdbani0t |access-date=September 12, 2017}}</ref>

=== Downloads and revenue === ==== 2016 ==== thumb|Revenue of ''Pokémon Go'' between 2016 and 2020 ''Pokémon Go'' rapidly rose to the American iOS App Store's "Top Grossing" and "Free" charts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborn |first=Alex |date=July 7, 2016 |title=Pokemon GO Is the Top Grossing App on the US App Store |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/07/pokemon-go-is-the-top-grossing-app-on-the-us-app-store |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 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 7, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO Tips: How Buying PokéCoins Makes Nintendo Richer |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/pokemon-go-tips-how-buying-pokecoins-makes-nintendo-richer-2389963 |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 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |website=International Business Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It has become the fastest game to top the App Store and Google Play, beating ''Clash Royale'',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |date=July 11, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |work=VentureBeat |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and it became the most downloaded app on the App Store of any application in the first week.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dillet, Romain |date=July 22, 2016 |title=Apple says Pokémon Go is the most downloaded app in its first week ever |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/22/apple-says-pokemon-go-is-the-most-downloaded-app-in-its-first-week-ever/ |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 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |publisher=TC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Within two days of release, it was installed on more than 5 percent of Android devices in the United States, according to SimilarWeb.<ref name="Pokemon Go Facts">{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go doing well |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/pokemon-game-adds-7-5-095739989.html |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 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to Sensor Tower, the game was downloaded more than 10 million times within the first week of being released, becoming the fastest app to ever do so,<ref name="30million">{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Brett |date=July 20, 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 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and reached 15 million global downloads by July 13.<ref>{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Brett |date=July 13, 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 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to SurveyMonkey, the game became the most active mobile game in the United States of all time with 21 million active users on July 12, eclipsing ''Candy Crush Saga''{{'s}} peak of 20 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lovelace |first=Berkeley Jr. |date=July 13, 2016 |title='Pokemon Go' now the biggest mobile game in US history |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-now-the-biggest-mobile-game-in-us-history.html |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=CNBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kemkes |first=Jimmy |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 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |publisher=XGN |language=nl |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On the day of release in Japan, more than 10 million people downloaded the game,<ref>{{cite news |last=Soble |first=Jonathan |date=July 22, 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 |access-date=July 23, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> including 1.3 million in the first three hours.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spitzer |first=Kirk |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 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref> By July 31, the game exceeded 100 million downloads worldwide, according to App Annie and Sensor Tower.<ref name="USATodayFootprints">{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Brett |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 |access-date=August 2, 2016 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Moon |first=Mariella |date=August 1, 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 |access-date=August 2, 2016 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On August 8, ''Pokémon Go'' reached the milestone of over 100 million downloads on Google Play alone after barely 33 days on the market.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO passes 100 million Play Store downloads in just a month |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/08/08/pokmon-go-passes-100-million-play-store-downloads-just-month/ |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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticlabs.pokemongo&hl=it |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 |access-date=July 28, 2017 |publisher=Google Play |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Through in-game purchases, the game accumulated more than {{US$|160 million|long=no}} USD by the end of July 2016,<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Passes $160 Million Worldwide Revenue, Usage Remains Strong |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-160-million-dollars-usage-still-strong |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804095654/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-160-million-dollars-usage-still-strong |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=Sensor Tower App Marketing Blog |df=mdy-all}}</ref> with App Annie reporting that ''Pokémon Go'' had generated around {{US$|10 million|long=no}} in revenue every day that entire month.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 29, 2016 |title=Pokémon GO: An Opportunity, Not a Threat |url=https://www.appannie.com/insights/mobile-strategy/pokemon-go-an-opportunity-not-a-threat/ |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 |access-date=July 29, 2016 |work=App Annie Content |publisher=App Annie |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The same month, Sensor Tower reported that the game had exceeded {{US$|200 million|long=no}} in worldwide revenue, beating every existing record set by ''Clash of Clans'' and ''Candy Crush'' by a wide margin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ending a Historic First Month, Pokémon GO Has Passed $200 Million in Worldwide Revenue |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809145021/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-month |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |publisher=Sensor Tower App Marketing Blog |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On August 12, 2016, the ''Financial Times'' reported ''Pokémon Go'' reached {{US$|268 million|long=no}} in revenue after five weeks, counting only the U.S., British, and German markets.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murgia |first=Madhumita |date=August 12, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go crosses $250m in revenues since launch |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2dd63522-5fdf-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93 |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 |access-date=August 28, 2016 |newspaper=Financial Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The average daily usage of the app on Android devices in July 2016 exceeded that of Snapchat, Tinder, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Molina |first1=Brett |date=July 12, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Due to 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 dollars in global revenue, according to Sensor Tower.<ref>{{cite web |last1=V. |first1=Cosmin |date=September 2, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go revenue skyrockets to more than $440 million since release |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Pokemon-GO-revenue-skyrockets-to-more-than-440-million-since-release_id84912 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903171919/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Pokemon-GO-revenue-skyrockets-to-more-than-440-million-since-release_id84912 |archive-date=September 3, 2016 |access-date=September 2, 2016 |website=phoneArena |df=mdy-all}}</ref> By September 30, it had received {{nowrap|500 million}} downloads and grossed {{US$|470 million|long=no}} in 80 days, according to market research firm Newzoo.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 September 2016 |title=Analysis of Pokémon GO: A Success Two Decades in the Making |url=https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/analysis-pokemon-go/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201122637/https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/analysis-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=30 January 2021 |work=Newzoo |language=en}}</ref> Pokémon Go reached the milestone of 600 million dollars in revenue after only 90 days on the market, becoming the fastest mobile game ever to do so.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokemon Go Reaches $600 Million, Faster Than Any Mobile Game in History – Report |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-reaches-600-million-faster-than-any-mob/1100-6444687/ |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}}</ref>

Besides in-game purchases, partnerships with retail chains like Starbucks,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Starbucks |url=https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2016/starbucks-pokemon-go/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241012223010/https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2016/starbucks-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=October 12, 2024 |access-date=2020-11-23 |newspaper=Starbucks Stories}}</ref> McDonald's, and<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mochizuki |first=Takashi |date=2016-07-19 |title=McDonald's Unit to Sponsor 'Pokémon Go' in Japan |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-unit-to-sponsor-pokemon-go-in-japan-1468936459 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161545/https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-unit-to-sponsor-pokemon-go-in-japan-1468936459 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=2020-11-23 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> Sprint<ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=2020-11-23 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> pay Niantic Labs for "Foot Traffic" on demand at 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}} USD); 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 dollars by a mobile game (reached in 20 days on July 26).<ref>{{cite web |last=Swatman |first=Rachel |date=August 10, 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 |access-date=August 18, 2016 |publisher=Guinness World Records |df=mdy-all}}</ref> By September 2016, ''Pokémon Go'' had been downloaded over 500 million times worldwide and became the fastest game to generate 500 million dollars in revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=September 8, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go becomes the fastest game to ever hit $500 million in revenue |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/08/pokemon-go-becomes-the-fastest-game-to-ever-hit-500-million-in-revenue/ |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 |access-date=September 9, 2016 |website=TechCrunch |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' was awarded the App Store's breakout hit of 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kerr |first1=Chris |date=December 7, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |website=Gamasutra |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' was reported to be the most searched game on Google in 2016.<ref>{{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/ |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 |access-date=December 1, 2016 |website=CNET |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Usage of the game in the United States peaked on July 15, 2016; by mid-September, it had lost 79 percent of its players in the country. ''Forbes'' said, "the vaguely curious stopped playing, and the more committed players ran up against a fairly unsatisfying endgame".<ref>{{cite news |date=September 13, 2016 |title='Pokémon GO' Has Lost 79% Of Its Paying Players Since Launch, But That's Fine |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 |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 |work=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In October 2016, Niantic released a Halloween-themed event, which saw a surge in revenue up to 133 percent, as reported by Sensor Tower, placing the game back at the top of the leaderboard of highest-grossing apps. It was reported that the game earned approximately 23.3 million USD between October 25 and 29, up from approximately 10 million USD between October 18 and 22.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |title=Expect 'Pokémon GO' To Make More Halloween-Like Events After Huge 133% Revenue Jump |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 |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 |website=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to App Annie, ''Pokémon Go'' grossed an estimated {{US$|950 million|long=no}} USD total in 2016.<ref name="2016-gross">{{cite news |date=January 17, 2017 |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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029001501/https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/17/pokemon-go-generated-revenues-of-950-million-in-2016/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |work=VentureBeat}}</ref>

==== 2017–2021 ==== In February 2017, ''Pokémon Go'' was named the best app at the Crunchies awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=2017 Crunchies: Best App |url=https://techcrunch.com/video/2017-crunchies-best-app/5899613ce3bb567aa3ad7e40/ |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 |access-date=February 6, 2017 |website=Tech Crunch |df=mdy-all}}</ref> By February 2017, the game had been downloaded more than {{nowrap|650 million}} times globally, with a reported {{US$|1 billion|long=no}} in revenue made, becoming the fastest mobile game ever to do so.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Randy |title=Pokémon GO Has Grossed $1 Billion Worldwide Since Launch |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220192803/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |website=sensortower.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=February 27, 2017 |title=Pokémon Go hits 650 million downloads |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/27/14753570/pokemon-go-downloads-650-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228074625/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/27/14753570/pokemon-go-downloads-650-million |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |website=Polygon |df=mdy-all}}</ref> By June 2017, the game had been downloaded more than 750 million times,<ref>{{cite web |author=The Pokémon GO team |date=June 8, 2017 |title=Celebrating the First Anniversary of Pokémon GO! |url=http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/anniversary2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626231007/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/anniversary2017 |archive-date=June 26, 2017 |access-date=June 28, 2017 |website=Pokémon GO Live |publisher=Niantic, Inc. Pokémon. Nintendo. Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK Inc. |df=mdy-all}}</ref> with an estimated revenue of {{US$|1.2 billion|long=no}}, according to Apptopia.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Sensor Tower: Pokémon Go iOS revenues soar thanks to legendary monsters (Update) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/26/sensor-tower-pokemon-go-ios-revenues-soar-thanks-to-legendary-monsters/ |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 |access-date=August 28, 2017 |work=VentureBeat |df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to mobile app research firm Apptopia, approximately 60 million users were still playing the game a year after its launch.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhasin |first=Kim |date=July 24, 2017 |title=Pokémon Go Never Went Away—and Neither Did Its Technical Woes |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-24/pokemon-go-never-went-away-and-neither-did-its-technical-woes |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 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |work=Bloomberg News |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In May 2018, The Pokémon Company announced that the game reached over 800{{nbsp}}million downloads worldwide.<ref name="800m">{{cite news |date=May 30, 2018 |title=Pokemon Go captures 800 million downloads |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/68209/pokemon-go-captures-800-million-downloads/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817161552/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/d/ajax/nextarticle/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=July 19, 2018 |work=Pocket Gamer}}</ref> ''Forbes'' estimated that the game possibly came close to 900{{nbsp}}million downloads by September 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 26, 2018 |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |work=Forbes}}</ref> The top five countries where it has received the most downloads are the United States (21.0 percent), Brazil (9.3 percent), India (8.6 percent), Mexico (5.5 percent), and Indonesia (5.0 percent).<ref name="apptopia">{{cite news |date=September 25, 2018 |title=Pokémon GO Catches $2 Billion Since Launch |url=http://blog.apptopia.com/pok%C3%A9mon-go-catches-2-billion-since-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174550/https://apptopia.com/blog/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |work=Apptopia}}</ref> As of February 2019, the game exceeded 1{{nbsp}}billion downloads worldwide.<ref name="verge">{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |date=February 28, 2019 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

A report from SuperData Research ranked ''Pokémon Go'' as the 9th highest grossing mobile game of 2017, with an annual revenue of {{US$|890 million|long=no}}.<ref name="2017-gross">{{cite web |date=January 25, 2018 |title=2017 YEAR IN REVIEW: DIGITAL GAMES AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA |url=http://strivesponsorship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SuperData-2017-year-in-review-digital-games-and-interactive-media.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014234/http://strivesponsorship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SuperData-2017-year-in-review-digital-games-and-interactive-media.pdf |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=October 18, 2020 |publisher=SuperData Research}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffer |first1=Christian |date=31 January 2018 |title=Pokemon Go Made a Ton of Money in 2017 |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/01/31/pokemon-go-2017-revenue/ |access-date=2 February 2018 |work=WWG}}</ref> Bloomberg estimated ''Pokémon Go'' generated up to {{US$|2 billion|long=no}} in total revenue by late 2017.<ref name="2016-2017-gross">{{cite news |last=Corrigan |first=Hope |date=September 6, 2017 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |work=IGN}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=July 6, 2018 |title='Pokémon Go' Celebrates second Anniversary With $1.8 Billion Revenue Milestone |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-2-years-1-billion-1202867409/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174528/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-2-years-1-billion-1202867409/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=July 9, 2018}}</ref> SuperData Research reported that, in May 2018, ''Pokémon Go'' grossed {{US$|104 million|long=no}} in monthly revenue and had {{nowrap|147 million}} monthly active players, its highest since summer 2016.<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite news |date=June 27, 2018 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172524/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-player-count-at-highest-since-2016-summer-launch |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=July 12, 2018 |work=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref> In July 2018, ''Pokémon Go'' was the top-grossing mobile app of the month.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=August 15, 2018 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2018 |work=Shacknews |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=Natalie |last2=Writer |first2=Staff |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Pokemon Go sees daily revenue increase grow 39 per cent following trading update |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/68865/pokemon-go-sees-daily-revenue-increase-grow-39-per-cent-following-trading-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817174526/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/d/ajax/nextarticle/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=pocketgamer.biz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=August 28, 2018 |title='Pokémon Go' Earning $2.5 Million Daily Since Trading Update (Report) |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-daily-revenue-sensor-tower-1202919174/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165203/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-daily-revenue-sensor-tower-1202919174/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 21, 2018}}</ref> Apptopia reported that, by September 2018, the game had grossed over {{US$|2 billion|long=no}} from in-app purchases;<ref>{{cite news |date=September 26, 2018 |title=Pokemon Go captures over $2bn through player spending |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/69111/pokemon-go-captures-over-2bn-through-player-spending/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817175006/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/pokemon-go-captures-over-2bn-through-player-spending/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |work=Pocket Gamer}}</ref> the top five countries where it has received the most revenue are Japan ({{US$|{{#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}}).<ref name="apptopia" /> It was the fourth highest-grossing game of 2018, with {{US$|1.3 billion|long=no}},<ref name="2018-gross">{{cite web |title=Market Brief – 2018 Digital Games & Interactive Entertainment Industry Year In Review |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/market-data/market-brief-year-in-review/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010757/https://www.superdataresearch.com/market-data/market-brief-year-in-review/ |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |access-date=2019-01-19 |website=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Media Research}}</ref> and in 2019 alone, ''Pokémon Go'' earned {{US$|1.4 billion|long=no}}, according to Superdata Research, a division of Nielsen Media Research.<ref name="2019-gross">{{cite web |title=Market Brief – 2019 Digital Games & Interactive Entertainment Industry Year In Review |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/2019-year-in-review/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409122229/https://www.superdataresearch.com/2019-year-in-review/ |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Media Research}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' live events earned {{US$|249 million|long=no}} in tourism revenue during 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Partleton |first1=Kayleigh |date=January 24, 2020 |title=Pokemon Go live events generated $249 million in tourism revenues in 2019 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/72432/pokemon-go-2019-live-event-tourism-revenues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806080345/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/72432/pokemon-go-2019-live-event-tourism-revenues/ |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=Pocket Gamer}}</ref> According to Sensor Tower in November 2020, ''Pokémon Go'' had accumulated nearly {{nowrap|600 million}} unique installs and generated almost {{US$|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 for revenue, and by Brazil and Mexico for installs.<ref name="stnov2020" />

During 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting players' ability to play ''Go'' outside their homes, Niantic implemented new features that allowed them to play the game from home. This was credited with increasing its player base 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dodds |first1=Laurence |date=25 December 2020 |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/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |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 |access-date=27 December 2020 |work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The game generated more than {{US$|1 billion|long=no}} of revenue in the first 10 months of 2020, according to Sensor Tower,<ref name="stnov2020">{{cite news |last1=Chapple |first1=Craig |date=3 November 2020 |title=Pokémon GO Hits $1 Billion in 2020 as Lifetime Revenue Surpasses $4 Billion |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165149/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-one-billion-revenue-2020 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=27 December 2020 |work=Sensor Tower Blog}}</ref> and it was the top-grossing mobile game of December 2020.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Worldwide digital games market: December 2020 |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/worldwide-digital-games-market |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125013910/http://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/worldwide-digital-games-market |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=15 February 2021 |work=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Company}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' was one of the top five highest-grossing games of 2020, with an annual revenue of {{US$|1.92 billion|long=no}}, according to SuperData Research,<ref name="2020-gross">{{cite web |date=6 January 2021 |title=Games and interactive media earnings rose 12% to $139.9B in 2020 |url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/2020-year-in-review |url-access=registration |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127010826/https://www.superdataresearch.com/blog/2020-year-in-review |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |access-date=6 January 2021 |website=SuperData Research |publisher=Nielsen Company}}</ref> bringing the game's cumulative revenue to {{US$|{{#expr:0.950+0.890+1.3+1.4+1.92}} billion|long=no}} by 2020.<ref name="2016-gross" /><ref name="2017-gross" /><ref name="2018-gross" /><ref name="2019-gross" /><ref name="2020-gross" /> The game generated a further {{US$|641.6 million|long=no}} in the first half of 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 July 2021 |title=Pokémon GO Catches $5 Billion in Lifetime Revenue in Five Years |url=https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-five-billion-revenue |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717071900/https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-five-billion-revenue |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=Sensor Tower}}</ref>

=== Community and cultural impact === {{further|Pokémon Go live events{{!}}''Pokémon Go'' live events}} [[File:Pokestop in Alameda Central, Mexico City.jpg|thumb|PokéStop in Alameda Central, Mexico City.]]

The game was referred to as a "social media phenomenon" that has brought people together from all walks of life.<ref name="abc">{{cite news |last1=Duffy |first1=Connor |date=July 11, 2016 |title=What is social media phenomenon Pokemon Go? |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-11/what-is-pokemon-go/7587346 |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |newspaper=ABC News |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="people">{{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 |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |work=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 231 million people engaged in 1.1 billion interactions that mentioned ''Pokémon Go'' on Facebook and Instagram in July.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Lauren |date=August 9, 2016 |title=231 Million People Talked about Pokemon Go on Facebook and Instagram in July |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/231-million-people-talked-about-pokemon-go-facebook-and-instagram-july-172891 |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 |access-date=August 11, 2016 |publisher=Adweek |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Many media outlets referred to the surge in popularity as "''Pokémon Go'' Mania", or simply "Pokémania".<ref>{{cite news |last=Isaac |first=Mike |date=July 12, 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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |df=mdy-all}} * {{cite news |last=Zinn |first=Jacob |date=July 14, 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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=Saanich News |df=mdy-all}} * {{cite news |last1=Gepner |first1=Abigail |last2=Rosa |first2=Jazmin |last3=Rosenbaum |first3=Sophia |date=July 12, 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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=New York Post |df=mdy-all}} * {{cite news |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=Bloomberg |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TIMEDictionary">{{cite magazine |last=Steinmetz |first=Katy |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |magazine=Time |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The massive popularity of the game resulted in several unusual positive effects. For example, the game placed players where they can help capture criminals and report crimes in progress, although it has also placed some in dangerous situations<ref>{{cite news |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go Is Helping Both Cops and Robbers Do Their Jobs |url=http://fortune.com/2016/07/14/pokemon-go-robberies-police/ |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |work=Fortune |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Daye |first1=Alison |date=July 13, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |work=CNN |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |date=July 13, 2016 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Kuna, Idaho Arson">{{cite web |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go players tip Kuna police to alleged arson near church |url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article88912227.html |access-date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=The Idaho Statesman}}</ref> and has even aided law enforcement's community relations,<ref name="Community relations.">{{cite web |author=Cherelus, Gina |date=July 13, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go blamed for crimes but also aids embattled U.S. police |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/pokemon-blamed-crimes-aids-embattled-004344471.html |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |work=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> albeit with caveats.<ref name="Law Enforcement Concerns and Engagement">{{cite web |author=Rocha, Veronica |date=July 16, 2016 |title='You may NOT access our jail': Police and fire official air grievances over 'Pokemon Go' |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-pokemon-go-police-fire-20160715-snap-story.html |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |work=Los Angeles Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Businesses also benefited from the nearby presence of PokéStops (or from their business being a PokéStop) with the concomitant influx of people,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go Brings Real Money to Random Bars and Pizzerias |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-11/pok-mon-go-brings-real-money-to-random-bars-and-pizzerias |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shields |first1=Mike |last2=Perlberg |first2=Steven |date=July 13, 2016 |title=Ad Agencies Scramble to Form 'Pokémon Go' Strategies |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ad-agencies-scramble-to-form-pokemon-go-strategies-1468425523 |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |work=Wall Street Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaw |first1=Sydney |date=July 14, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and the intense exploration of communities has brought local history to the forefront.<ref name="Community History">{{cite news |author=Butcher, Amy |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go See the World in Its Splendor |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&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article |url-status=live |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&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |publisher=NYT |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The game was also viewed as bringing its players to places of worship, as many Gyms are in these areas.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 24, 2016 |title=Mosques, Churches and Temples – the religious landscape of Pokemon |url=http://www.onreligion.co.uk/blogs/mosques-churches-and-temples-the-religious-landscape-of-pokemon/ |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 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |publisher=On Religion |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Despite some criticism by religious leaders, this was received positively by religious groups, who saw it as reminding adherents to come and pray.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 13, 2016 |title=Masjid Jadi Tempat Pokestop Game Pokemon GO, Begini Pandangan MUI |url=http://news.detik.com/berita/3252294/masjid-jadi-tempat-pokestop-game-pokemon-go-begini-pandangan-mui |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 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |publisher=DetikCom |language=id |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Some establishments even considered purchasing lures in the game to attract additional players to PokéStops on their property.<ref name="houstonchronicle" /> Within a week of its release, a secondary market emerged for the game, both for reselling high-level accounts on Craigslist and PlayerUp and for the sale of expert advice on Thumbtack.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2016 |title=People Are Already Flipping Pokémon Go Accounts |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/07/pokemon-go-players-flipping-accounts/ |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |publisher=Wired |language=en |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bergen |first=Mark |date=July 14, 2016 |title=This startup wants to get you paid as a Pokémon Go expert |url=http://www.recode.net/2016/7/14/12189488/thumbtack-pokemon-go-expert |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Recode |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Wireless provider T-Mobile US started an offer for free data for a year for ''Pokémon Go'' sessions,<ref>{{cite web |title=T-Mobile offers free Pokémon Go data for a year, but not everyone is happy about it |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 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cohan |first=Peter |title=T-Mobile Joins The 'Pokémon GO' Industrial Complex |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2016/07/15/t-mobile-joins-the-pokemon-go-industrial-complex/#71add3d63412 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |website=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and Yelp added a filter that only shows businesses that have a PokéStop nearby.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dellinger |first1=AJ |date=July 15, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |date=July 15, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |work=VentureBeat |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carlton |first=Jim |date=July 13, 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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref name="houstonchronicle">{{cite news |last=Ekstein |first=Nikki |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |df=mdy-all |agency=Bloomberg}}</ref> Charity organizations also sought engagement from players, with animal shelters offering dog walks to people who want to hatch eggs in-game.<ref>{{cite news |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=WILX |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Pokemon go stang alar.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|Players gathering around a "Gym" in a park in Brest, 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<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Grossman |first1=Lena |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Rio's Mayor Really Wants Brazil to Get Pokémon Go Before the Olympics |url=https://time.com/4405292/rio-mayor-pokemon-go-olympics/ |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |magazine=Time |df=mdy-all}}</ref> (and it was, on August 3).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mullen |first1=Jethro |date=August 4, 2016 |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 |url-status=dead |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 |access-date=July 26, 2017 |work=CNNMoney |df=mdy-all}}</ref> United States presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton mentioned the app during their 2016 election campaigns.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=White |first1=Daniel |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Want to Catch Voters With Pokémon Go |url=https://time.com/4407067/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-pokemon-go/ |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 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |magazine=Time |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=David |last2=Tatum |first2=Sophie |date=July 14, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |work=CNN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 to the preposterous hunt for the Pokémon.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 27, 2016 |title=Referendum, Mattarella: "Confronti su data e spacchettamenti surreali come caccia a Pokemon. Discutere nel merito" |url=http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2016/07/27/referendum-mattarella-confronti-su-data-e-spacchettamenti-surreali-come-caccia-pokemon-discutere-nel-merito/2936685/ |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 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |work=Il Fatto Quotidiano |language=it |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=James |date=July 17, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On July 25, Dwayne Johnson released a promo video featuring MatPat and Ali-A with himself as a tough, rare Pokémon.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dosh |first1=Kristi |date=July 25, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 26, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The game was credited for popularizing AR<ref name="Augmented reality mainstream">{{cite news |author=Wingfield, Nick |date=July 13, 2016 |title=Unity Technologies, Maker of Pokémon Go Engine, Swells in Value |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/technology/unity-technologies-maker-of-pokemon-go-engine-swells-in-value.html |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 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |publisher=NYT |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and was praised by gender-fluid groups for letting the players choose a "style" instead of "gender".<ref name="gender" /> The game also had a positive impact on individuals with autism.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Derbyshire |first1=Victoria |date=August 1, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go 'transformed teenager's life' – BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36939145 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803040941/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36939145 |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |work=BBC News |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Yam |first1=Kimberly |date=July 22, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |work=The Huffington Post |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Singal |first1=Jesse |date=July 20, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ayers |first1=Mike |date=July 12, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |website=Wall Street Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Meanwhile, streaming services such as Hulu experienced an increased viewership of the ''Pokémon'' series and films.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Jason |date=July 13, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Nintendo reported that sales of the 3DS Pokémon games increased because of the game's popularity.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |date=August 18, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=August 19, 2016 |work=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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 GPS location.<ref>{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Paul |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Twitch Plays Pokémon Go is of course a thing |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/12/12167120/twitch-plays-pokemon-go-stream |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 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |work=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Niantic later issued permanent bans to those who cheated the game by means such as GPS spoofing and bots.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |date=August 12, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=August 12, 2016 |website=The Verge |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Pokémon''-themed pornography increased in popularity after the release of the game. xHamster, an adult video streaming website, reported that within five days of the game's release, ''Pokémon-''related terms were the most searched-for videos.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DiDomizio |first1=Nicolas |date=July 11, 2016 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=October 7, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{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 |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 |access-date=August 19, 2016 |publisher=Complex |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Another adult video streaming website, Pornhub, reported that ''Pokémon-''related searches spiked 136 percent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |date=July 12, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |work=VentureBeat |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Koerber |first1=Brian |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Pokémon Pornhub searches increased 136 percent since 'Pokémon Go' launched |url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-porn-/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821192356/http://mashable.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-porn-/ |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |work=Mashable |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' was spoofed in the Maroon 5 music video, "Don't Wanna Know".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Leight |first1=Elias |date=October 14, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=October 15, 2016 |magazine=Rolling Stone |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In the 2016 ''Doctor Who'' Christmas special, "The Return of Doctor Mysterio", the Doctor creates a distraction by "flooding the downstairs with Pokémon", causing the people to run off with their cellphones.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=December 28, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go gets a quick off-screen cameo in Doctor Who |url=https://www.destructoid.com/pokemon-go-gets-a-quick-off-screen-cameo-in-doctor-who-408288.phtml |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 |access-date=December 29, 2016 |work=Destructoid |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Simpsons on FOX – "Looking for Mr. Goodbart" |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/20170405fox17/&date=04/30/2017 |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=The Futon Critic}}</ref>

''Go''{{'}}s release resulted in a resurgence in popularity for the ''Pokémon'' franchise.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffer |first1=Christian |date=26 November 2019 |title=Pokemon Go Gets Official Merchandise Just in Time for Christmas |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/11/26/pokemon-go-official-merchandise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165257/https://video.comicbook.com/embed/video/eyJwYXJlbnRVUkwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29taWNib29rLmNvbVwvZ2FtaW5nXC9uZXdzXC9wb2tlbW9uLWdvLW9mZmljaWFsLW1lcmNoYW5kaXNlXC8iLCJ2aWRlb0lkIjoiMzczNjE1NjQtOTJmMy00YmNhLWFkN2EtZjU3MGFiOWYzN2YxIiwicGxheWxpc3RJZCI6ImhvbWVwYWdlIn0=/?optanonConsent=2 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=WWG}}</ref> The ''Pokémon Sun'' and ''Moon'' games for the Nintendo 3DS, released later in 2016, were the best-selling video games for the 3DS, with over 16 million copies sold, and this was partly attributed to the new fans of the series brought in by ''Go''.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 November 2018 |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |date=19 October 2017 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013501/https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/19/16466536/pokemon-ultra-sun-moon-interview-nintendo |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=The Verge}}</ref> The first ''Pokémon'' games for the Nintendo Switch, ''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'' took significant inspiration from ''Go''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Segarra |first1=Lisa Marie |date=15 November 2018 |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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165130/https://fortune.com/2018/11/15/pokemon-lets-go-switch/ |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=Fortune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoggins |first1=Tom |date=13 November 2018 |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/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |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 |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A line of official ''Go'' merchandise was released in November 2019.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2019 |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 |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Pokemon go fest.jpg|thumb|right|Players during the ''Pokémon Go'' Fest in Chicago, 2017]] In addition to standard gameplay, the game has hosted several in-game and live events.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hern |first1=Alex |date=October 25, 2016 |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 |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 |work=The Guardian |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Etherington |first1=Darrell |date=November 21, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |work=TechCrunch |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |date=February 16, 2017 |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 |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 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |work=Polygon |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The first live event officially held by Niantic was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |date=May 4, 2017 |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 |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 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |work=Polygon |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In July 2017, a community event was held in Grant Park, Chicago, in honor of the first anniversary of the game's release.<ref>{{cite web |title=#PokemonGO Fest! Celebrating the First Anniversary of Pokémon GO |url=https://twitter.com/PokemonGoNews/status/872825197266481152 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |website=Twitter}}</ref> Although 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 half an hour.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tassi |first1=Paul |title=Pokémon GO Fest Chicago Tickets Go On Sale In 48 Hours And No One Knows What It Actually Is |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 |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 |access-date=June 20, 2017 |website=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thier |first1=Dave |title='Pokémon GO Fest' Tickets Already Sold Out |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2017/06/19/pokemon-go-fest-tickets-seem-to-already-be-sold-out/#695784f1eb7e |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 |access-date=June 20, 2017 |website=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> During the event itself, attendees suffered connectivity issues and crashes due to the heavy amount of localized cellular activity.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hester |first1=Blake |date=July 24, 2017 |title=Pokemon Go Fest Plagued with Connectivity Issues |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/pokemon-go-fest-plagued-with-connectivity-issues-w493887 |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 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Afterward, Niantic announced they would refund everybody who bought a ticket, as well as supply them with 100 dollars of in-game currency.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tassi |first1=Paul |date=July 24, 2017 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |work=Forbes |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Following the event, around two dozen attendees sued Niantic, seeking travel reimbursement.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |date=July 27, 2017 |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 |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 |access-date=July 29, 2017 |website=Polygon |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

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

In January 2018, Niantic announced a monthly community event called 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 to obtain the shiny form of that Pokémon, and bonuses such as extra Stardust or XP.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffer |first1=Christian |date=20 January 2018 |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}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite web |author= |title=Pokémon GO Community Day |url=https://pokemongolive.com/events/community-day/ |access-date=October 27, 2018 |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic}}</ref>

''Pokémon Go in Syria'' is a photography series published in 2016 by Syrian artist Khaled Akil.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 July 2016 |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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Akil places Pokémon characters in destroyed Syrian streets as a reminder of a world lost behind the screen.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2016 |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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=24 July 2016 |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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 23, 2016 |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}}</ref> While ''Pokémon Go'' was trending worldwide,<ref>{{cite web |date=November 11, 2018 |title=The exhibition in the US showcasing the Arab world through an alternate lens |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art/the-exhibition-in-the-us-showcasing-the-arab-world-through-an-alternate-lens-1.790578 |website=thenational.ae}}</ref> Akil couldn't help but notice how the media forgot about the war in Syria and visualized his idea as digital collages.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 23, 2016 |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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=26 July 2016 |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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2016 |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/ |url-status=dead |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/ |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=barnebys.com}}</ref> Khaled's Pokémon series quickly went viral across the globe after he posted it online.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 July 2016 |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}}</ref> This photography series was exhibited in various locations, including the American University Museum.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2018 |title=Contemproray Photography From The Arab world |url=https://selectionsarts.com/art/contemporary-photography-from-the-arab-world/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403004331/https://selectionsarts.com/art/contemporary-photography-from-the-arab-world/ |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=selectionsarts.com}}</ref>

=== Criticism and incidents === [[File:Hsi Lai Temple no Pokemon go allowed.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A sign outside Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California, admonishing visitors to not play ''Pokémon Go'' inside the temple grounds.]]

The app faced criticism for designating inappropriate locations like cemeteries and memorials as Pokémon capture sites,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Velloso |first1=Eduardo |last2=Carter |first2=Marcus |date=July 12, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |website=The Conversation |df=mdy-all}}</ref> including the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,<ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Holocaust museum pleads: stop playing Pokémon Go here |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-12-holocaust-museum-pleads-stop-playing-pokemon-go-here |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 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |work=Eurogamer |df=mdy-all}}</ref> the National September 11 Memorial & Museum,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Chan |first1=Melissa |date=July 12, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 26, 2016 |magazine=Time |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Arlington National Cemetery,<ref>{{cite web |title=People are now playing Pokémon Go at Arlington Cemetery |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/07/12/arlington-national-cemetery-wants-people-to-stop-catching-pikachu-on-its-hallowed-ground/ |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 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |work=washingtonpost.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> the ANZAC War Memorial, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.<ref>{{cite news |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 |access-date=August 2, 2016 |publisher=BBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Niantic responded by removing content from sensitive areas like the Hiroshima Memorial and Holocaust Museum.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Anastasio |first=Cecilia |date=August 9, 2016 |title=You Can No Longer Catch Pokémon At Hiroshima's Memorial Or The Holocaust Museum |url=http://kotaku.com/you-can-no-longer-catch-pokemon-at-hiroshima-1784985508 |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 |access-date=August 9, 2016 |work=kotaku.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Dutch company ProRail raised concerns about players trespassing on railway tracks,<ref>{{cite web |last=Middleton |first=Rachel |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go: Dutch rail operator tells Nintendo to change game after players wander onto tracks |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pokemon-go-dutch-rail-operator-tells-nintendo-change-game-after-players-wonder-onto-tracks-1570308 |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 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |work=International Business Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and fire stations urged players not to obstruct their operations by gathering outside.<ref>{{cite news |last=Revesz |first=Rachel |date=July 12, 2016 |title=Pokémon Go: Gamers warned to pay attention to the law when searching for 'PokéStops' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pokemon-go-pokestops-washington-oregon-police-fire-sheriff-warning-jail-a7132751.html |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 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |work=The Independent |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Ingress & Pokémon Demographics">{{cite web |author=Huffaker, Christopher |date=July 14, 2016 |title=There are fewer Pokemon Go locations in black neighborhoods, but why? |url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/national/article89562297.html |access-date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=The Idaho Statesman}}</ref> Players in rural areas also complained about the lack of Pokémon spawns, PokéStops, and Gyms in their area.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoffer |first=Christian |date=July 9, 2016 |title=Pokemon GO Isn't Great in Rural Areas |url=https://comicbook.com/2016/07/09/pokemon-go-isnt-great-in-rural-areas/ |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 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |website=ComicBook.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Chris |date=July 21, 2016 |title=Why 'Pokemon Go' Sucks in the Suburbs |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/why-pokemon-go-sucks-in-the-suburbs-w430342 |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 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |website=RollingStone.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hargarten |first=Jeff |date=August 3, 2016 |title=Why some places in Minnesota are better for playing Pokémon GO than others |url=http://www.startribune.com/urban-vs-rural-why-playing-pokmon-go-in-the-suburbs-could-be-hurting-your-game/388985262/ |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 |access-date=August 4, 2016 |website=StarTribune |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Pokémon Go'' was criticized for game accessibility issues by players with physical disabilities.<ref name="disabled 3">{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Julia |date=July 18, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="disabled">{{cite news |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |date=July 14, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=Kotaku |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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".<ref name="disabled 2">{{cite news |last1=Larson |first1=Selena |date=July 12, 2016 |title=How Pokémon Go is creating a barrier for gamers with disabilities |url=http://www.dailydot.com/debug/pokemon-go-disabilities-problematic/ |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=Daily Dot |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Pokémon Go sign on Ontario Highway 401 in Windsor, ON.jpg|thumb |right|A variable-message sign in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, warning drivers to avoid playing ''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.]] 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.<ref name="Police Department Warnings">{{cite web |author=Irby, Kate |date=July 11, 2016 |title=Police: Pokemon Go leading to increase in local crime |url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/national/article88935332.html |access-date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=The Idaho Statesman}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Diana |last2=Cameron |first2=Peter |date=July 14, 2016 |title=OPP warn Pokémon Go players of 'potential risk and harm' while searching for monsters |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/opp-warn-pokemon-players-1.3679057 |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 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |website=CBC Beta |publisher=CBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In the state of New York, sex offenders are banned from using the application while on parole.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vasquez |first1=Justina |date=August 2, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Bosnian players were cautioned to avoid entering minefields from the Bosnian War.<ref name="Bosnian Minefields">{{cite web |date=July 19, 2016 |title=Pokemon Go: Bosnia players warned of minefields |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36841828?ocid=socialflow_twitter |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=BBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 3, 2016 |title=Russian man faces 5 years in prison for playing Pokémon Go in a church |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2016/09/03/russian-man-faces-5-years-in-prison-for-playing-pokemon-go-in-a-church |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 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |publisher=Meduza.io |df=mdy-all}}</ref> He eventually received a suspended sentence of three and a half years in prison for charges of blasphemy.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hjelmgaard |first=Kim |date=May 11, 2017 |title=Russian 'Pokemon Go' blogger convicted for playing in church |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/11/russian-blogger-ruslan-sokolovsky-convicted-playing-pokemon-go-church/101541958/ |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 |access-date=May 11, 2017 |work=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

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

Al-Azhar University in Cairo described the game as "harmful mania."<ref>{{cite news |last=Stanglin |first=Doug |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 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref name="National Security Concerns Worldwide">{{cite news |last=Zraick |first=Karen |date=July 20, 2016 |title=Nations of the World Confront the Pokémon Menace |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/world/asia/pokemon-go-saudi-arabia-russia-egypt.html |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 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |work=New York Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In Saudi Arabia, the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars declared, considering a 2001 fatwa banning the ''Pokémon'' card game as a form of gambling, that the electronic app required a new ruling.<ref name="Updated Fatwa Required">{{cite web |date=July 21, 2016 |title=Saudi clerics: App version of Pokemon requires new ruling |url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/article91101887.html |access-date=July 21, 2016 |publisher=Idaho Statesman}}</ref> This was also followed by both Indian and Malaysian Islamic leaders telling Indian and Malaysian Muslims to avoid the game.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Fatwa against Pokemon Go in India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/fatwa-against-pokemon-go-in-india/articleshow/53563918.cms |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 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |publisher=Times of India |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Malaysian Islamic leaders say no to 'Pokemon Go' |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/ |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 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |publisher=The Japan Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

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

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

In India, the Gujarat High Court issued a notice to Niantic on the grounds of "posing danger to public safety". The notice was issued in response to 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Khan |first=Sami |date=September 15, 2016 |title='Pokemon Go' release date in India: AR-game likely to be banned over safety concerns |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/pokemon-go-release-date-india-ar-game-likely-be-banned-over-safety-concerns-693814 |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 |website=International Business Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

''Pokémon Go''<nowiki/>'s targeted local advertising has been described by Shoshana Zuboff in ''The Age of Surveillance Capitalism'' as an experiment that originated from Google to move targeted advertising from the digital domain (cost per click) into the physical domain (cost per visit). This is done using 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."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zuboff |first=Shoshana |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 |page=301 |oclc=1045067848}}</ref>

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

=== Third-party tools === Multiple unofficial, third-party applications corresponded 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bell |first1=Karissa |date=July 18, 2016 |title=Pokémon-tracking apps rise to the top of App Store |url=http://mashable.com/2016/07/18/pokemon-go-helper-apps |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 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |work=Mashable |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kovach |first1=Steve |date=July 18, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> At its peak of popularity, "Poké Radar" hit #2 on the Apple App Store, behind ''Pokémon Go'' itself.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kovach |first1=Steve |date=July 18, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dennis |first1=Catrina |date=July 18, 2016 |title=New PokeRadar App Will Show You Exactly Where Pokemon Are |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/18461-pokeradar-app-helps-you-find-pokemon |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Allan |first1=Patrick |date=July 18, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

{{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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Newton |first=Casey |date=July 11, 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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, the app's developer, Jonathan Zarra, left the app non-monetized and had financial trouble keeping the application'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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duindam |first=Erik |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 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rodionova |first=Zlata |date=July 12, 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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=The Independent |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cockburn |first=Harry |date=July 17, 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 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=The Independent |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

{{anchor|Pokévision|Pokevision}} Launched on July 22, 2016, "Pokévision" enabled players to find exactly where Pokémon spawned and how much time remained before they despawned; the site used data hacked directly from the game.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Chris |date=July 22, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |work=BGR |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In the five days following the website's launch, 27 million unique visitors used the site.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mac |first1=Ryan |date=July 27, 2016 |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 |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 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On July 31, multiple search apps and sites, including Pokévision, were disabled as they violated Niantic's terms of service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mac |first1=Ryan |date=July 31, 2016 |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/ |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 |access-date=July 31, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Sale to Scopely === In March 2025, Niantic announced it would sell its video game division, including ''Pokémon Go'', to mobile publisher Scopely for 3.5 billion dollars.<ref name="Reuters">{{Cite news |date=2025-03-12 |title='Pokemon Go' maker Niantic to sell game division to Saudi-owned Scopely for $3.5 billion |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-sell-game-division-saudi-owned-scopely-35-billion-2025-03-12/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> The deal, confirmed on March 12, 2025, encompassed Niantic's flagship titles (''Pokémon Go'', ''Pikmin Bloom'', and ''Monster Hunter Now'') and companion apps Campfire and Wayfarer, while augmented reality games Ingress and Peridot were retained by the spun-off entity Niantic Spatial.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Ivan |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pokémon GO maker Niantic is selling its games division to Scopely for $3.5B |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/12/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-is-selling-its-games-division-to-scopely-for-3-5b/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> As part of the transaction, Niantic distributed 350 million dollars to its equity holders and funded Niantic Spatial with 250 million—200 million dollars from its balance sheet and 50 million dollars from Scopely—under the continued leadership of CEO John Hanke.<ref name="Reuters" /> The acquisition was finished on May 29, 2025, following regulatory approval, and led to the layoff of 68 employees at Niantic's Ferry Building headquarters in San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Council |first=Stephen |title=SF tech company Niantic lays off staff from Ferry Building after $3.85B megadeal |url=https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/niantic-spatial-layoffs-ferry-building-20240572.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250426232109/https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/niantic-spatial-layoffs-ferry-building-20240572.php |archive-date=April 26, 2025 |access-date=2025-06-13 |work=SFGATE |language=en}}</ref>

=== COVID-19 pandemic === During the COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic responded by implementing changes and new features in the game, allowing players to play remotely more easily.<ref name="helpshift">[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/20211129162437/https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/pokemon-go/?s=top-articles&f=covid-19-event-feature-updates-1630340286&l=en&p=web |date=November 29, 2021 }}. ''Niantic "Support"''.</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Temporary changes to Pokémon GO: Gym interaction distance has been doubled |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/gyminteractionupdate-20200331/ |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Your guide to playing Pokémon GO at home is coming soon |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/playathome-menu/ |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en}}</ref> However, starting on August 1, 2021, Niantic began rolling back these changes as part of its Exploration Bonus Updates. Players in New Zealand and the United States were the first to receive the post-lockdown changes, and gradually, they were rolled out to the rest of the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploration Bonus Updates Coming to Pokémon GO |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/hello-world-pokemon-go/ |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en}}</ref> The company has since received heavy criticism from the player base for concerns around health and personal safety regulations as well as negatively impacting players with disabilities. A main complaint was that Niantic reverted safety measures implemented during the lockdown, in which the interaction distances for Gyms and PokéStops were increased from 40 to 80 meters.<ref name=":5" /> Despite increasing rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in various U.S. states, Niantic is firm on not keeping the pandemic bonuses. Players began boycotting ''Pokémon Go'' since the first week of August 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=2021-08-03 |title=Pokémon no go? Players revolt as Niantic sends them back outside |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/aug/03/pokemon-no-go-players-revolt-as-niantic-sends-them-back-outside |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen |date=2021-08-06 |title=Pokémon Go's biggest players call on Niantic to restore pandemic bonuses |url=https://www.polygon.com/22611737/pokemon-go-hearusniantic-pokestop-spin-distance-pandemic-rollback-niantic-boycott |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Kate |date=2021-08-05 |title=Pokémon GO Players Are Boycotting The Game After Niantic Removes COVID Changes |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/pokemon_go_players_are_boycotting_the_game_after_niantic_removes_covid_changes |website=NintendoLife}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=2021-08-02 |title=Fans Dismayed Niantic Removed Pokémon Go Safety Measures Despite Delta |url=https://kotaku.com/fans-dismayed-niantic-removed-pokemon-go-safety-measure-1847408137}}</ref>

On Twitter, the #HearUsNiantic started trending worldwide as fans and players voiced their censure towards Niantic's decision to remove the pandemic bonuses.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kwon |first=Daniel "Quest" |date=2021-08-05 |title=The #HearUsNiantic starts trending on Twitter as the recent changes to Pokémon GO has left everyone furious |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}}</ref><ref>[https://gamingonphone.com/news/niantic-responds-to-hearusniantic-that-threatens-to-boycott-pokemon-go/ Niantic responds to #HearUsNiantic that threatens to boycott Pokemon Go]</ref> Niantic responded on August 5, 2021 in a blog post where they stood with their decisions to rollback "bonuses" from the previous year. It stated that its "mission" is to "encourage outdoor exploration" and "to connect people to real places in the real world and to visit places that are worth exploration". This post also announces the creation of "an internal cross-functional team" to address community concerns regarding interaction distance.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-08-05 |title=A Response To Our Pokémon GO Community |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/pgo-exploration-bonus-response/?hl=en |publisher=Niantic}}</ref> The following month, on September 1, 2021, Niantic posts a news update for ''Pokémon Go'' users stating that the 80 meter interaction radius will be returned, and increased communication will be opened with the community with the start of monthly "Developer Diary" announcements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What we heard -- an update from our task force |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/sep-taskforce-update/ |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, several gameplay adjustments introduced in early 2020 remain permanent changes. The doubled interaction distance for PokéStops and Gyms was reinstated as the baseline radius on August 26, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silberling |first=Amanda |date=2021-08-26 |title=After community backlash, Pokémon GO reinstates a COVID safety and accessibility feature |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/26/after-community-backlash-pokemon-go-reinstates-a-covid-safety-and-accessibility-feature/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> Remote Raid Battles have since been fully integrated: as of May 13, 2025, trainers may use up to 10 Remote Raid Passes per day to join Shadow Raids and Max Battles from anywhere, and bundles of passes are now available in the ''Pokémon Go'' Web Store.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Key |first=Brandon |date=2025-05-07 |title=Pokémon Go Is Making A Major Change For Those Playing The Game From Home |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-remote-raid-pass-increase/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> Incense retains its pandemic-era duration and spawn rates—lasting 60 minutes and generating one Pokémon per minute while moving (or one every five minutes when stationary)—and Adventure Sync continues to record walking distance in the background to hatch Eggs and earn Buddy Candy even when the app is closed. Gift interactions also remain flexible, with a daily cap of 30 opened gifts instituted in March 2020 still in effect.

== Awards == {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Award !! Category !! Result !! Ref |- |BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards 2016 | Best Game | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016, BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards - 🏆 And the winners at BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards 2016 are... - BBC Radio 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4XfpSV4tNDmShJ1FDb6y8Mv/and-the-winners-at-bbc-radio-1s-teen-awards-2016-are |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321082250/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4XfpSV4tNDmShJ1FDb6y8Mv/and-the-winners-at-bbc-radio-1s-teen-awards-2016-are |archive-date=March 21, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |website=BBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |The Game Awards 2016 |Best Mobile/Handheld Game | {{won}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Winners – The Game Awards 2016 |url=http://thegameawards.com/winners/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220034553/http://thegameawards.com/winners/ |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |work=The Game Awards 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Best Family Game | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2" |Golden Joystick Awards 2016 |Innovation of the Year | {{won}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Overwatch scoops five awards, Firewatch wins Best Indie Game: Here are all the Golden Joystick 2016 winners |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326055857/http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |work=GamesRadar+ |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Handheld/Mobile Game of the Year | {{won}} |- |2016 TechRaptor Awards |Best Mobile/Handheld Game | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2017 |title=2016 TechRaptor Awards – Best Mobile/Handheld Game – TechRaptor |url=https://techraptor.net/content/2016-techraptor-awards-best-mobilehandheld-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301181136/https://techraptor.net/content/2016-techraptor-awards-best-mobilehandheld-game |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |work=TechRaptor |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards |Game of the Year | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |author=AIAS |title=20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Results |url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/20th_annual_dice_awards_results.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228130602/http://www.interactive.org/awards/20th_annual_dice_awards_results.asp |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |website=interactive.org |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Mobile Game of the Year | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2" |New York Game Critic Awards |A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game | {{won}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Winners! NY Game Awards '17 |url=https://nygamecritics.com/2017/01/20/winners-new-york-game-awards-17/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302025455/https://nygamecritics.com/2017/01/20/winners-new-york-game-awards-17/ |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Central Park Zoo Award for Best Kids Game | {{won}} |- | rowspan="3" |17th Game Developers Choice Awards |Best Mobile/Handheld Game | {{won}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Overwatch Wins Game Of The Year; Full List Of GDCA And IGFA Winners Here [UPDATE] |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-wins-game-of-the-year-full-list-of-gdca-/1100-6448326/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302061459/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-wins-game-of-the-year-full-list-of-gdca-/1100-6448326/ |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |work=GameSpot |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Innovation Award | {{nom}} |- |Best VR/AR Game | {{nom}} |- | British Academy Children's Awards 2017 | Game | {{won}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Amidi |first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |date=27 November 2017 |title='Revolting Rhymes,' 'Little Prince,' 'Hey Duggee' Win BAFTA Children's Awards |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/revolting-rhymes-little-prince-hey-duggee-win-bafta-childrens-awards-155008.html |accessdate=22 February 2023 |website=Cartoon Brew}}</ref> |- |International Mobile Gaming Awards 2017 |Grand Prix | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=2017-03-01 |title=IMGA names Pokémon Go as the mobile game of the year |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/01/imga-names-pokemon-go-as-the-mobile-game-of-the-year/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182517/https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/01/imga-names-pokemon-go-as-the-mobile-game-of-the-year/ |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-07-01 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2017 SXSW Gaming Awards |Mobile Game of the Year | {{won}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Gaming Awards |url=https://www.sxsw.com/awards/gaming-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301184331/https://www.sxsw.com/awards/gaming-awards/ |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |website=SXSW Conference & Festivals |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=SXSW Announces 2017 Gaming Awards Winners |url=http://www.gonintendo.com/stories/276343-sxsw-announces-2017-gaming-awards-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320054217/http://www.gonintendo.com/stories/276343-sxsw-announces-2017-gaming-awards-winners |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |access-date=March 19, 2017 |work=GoNintendo |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Excellence in Technical Achievements | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="3" |13th British Academy Games Awards |Family | {{nom}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Pokemon GO picks up three nominations at the BAFTA Games Awards |url=http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/65252/pokemon-go-bafta-nominations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407055653/http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/65252/pokemon-go-bafta-nominations/ |archive-date=April 7, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2017 |work=Pocket Gamer |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Game Innovation | {{nom}} |- |Mobile | {{won}} |- |Golden Joystick Awards 2018 |Still Playing Award | {{nom}} |<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Golden Joysticks 2018 nominees announced, voting open now |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |access-date=January 4, 2019 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- |Gamers' Choice Awards 2018 |Fan Favorite Mobile Game | {{won}} |<ref>{{cite web |date=December 9, 2018 |title=2018 Gamers' Choice Awards |url=http://www.gamerschoice.tv/index.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210647/http://www.gamerschoice.tv/index.aspx |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2019 |work=Gamers' Choice Awards}}</ref> |- |2019 SXSW Gaming Awards |Most Evolved Game | {{nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Trent |first=Logan |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Here Are Your 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists! |url=https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2019/2019-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215051341/https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2019/2019-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=February 15, 2019 |work=South by Southwest}}</ref> |- |15th British Academy Games Awards |EE Mobile Game of the Year | {{nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=March 14, 2019 |title='God of War,' 'Red Dead 2' Lead BAFTA Game Awards Nominations |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-2019-nominees-1203163369/ |access-date=March 15, 2019 |work=Variety}}</ref> |- |''Pocket Gamer'' Mobile Games Awards |Best Live Ops | {{nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |title=The winners of 2020 |url=https://www.mobilegamesawards.com/winners-2020/ |access-date=January 30, 2020 |work=Pocket Gamer}}</ref> |- |16th British Academy Games Awards |EE Mobile Game of the Year | {{nom}} |<ref>{{cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=March 3, 2020 |title=Death Stranding and Control dominate Bafta games awards nominations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/mar/03/death-stranding-and-control-dominate-bafta-games-awards-nominations |access-date=March 6, 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> |- |2021 Kids' Choice Awards |Favorite Video Game | {{nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Calvario |first1=Liz |date=March 13, 2021 |title=2021 Kids' Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List |url=https://www.etonline.com/2021-kids-choice-awards-the-complete-winners-list-161949 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314025743/https://www.etonline.com/2021-kids-choice-awards-the-complete-winners-list-161949 |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |website=Entertainment Tonight}}</ref> |- | Golden Joystick Awards | Still Playing Award - Mobile | {{won}} | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=2025-11-20 |title=All Of The Winners At The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/golden-joystick-awards-2025-all-winners/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> |}

== See also == {{Portal|Video games}} * List of Pokémon, the list of all of the original Pokémon by order * Pikmin Bloom, a similar game also developed by Niantic and Nintendo

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == {{Commons category-inline}} * {{Official website|https://pokemongolive.com/en/}}

{{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:Video games involved in controversies Category:Creatures (company) games Category:Free-to-play video games Category:Golden Joystick Award winners Category:IOS games Category:Location-based games Category:Niantic, Inc. games Category:Pervasive games Category:Pokémon spinoff games Category:The Game Awards winners 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 Category:Unity games

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