News Articles
Mar 24 2016
A first look at Pokémon GO
Niantic has posted the first official screenshots and further details for the upcoming mobile game Pokémon GO on their blog. Below is the press release from that blog post.
Pokémon GO represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World Gaming” platform. This platform combines mobile location technology and augmented reality to create a unique game experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.
Players will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon. Certain wild Pokémon only appear in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans.
Zoomed out view of the Pokémon GO Game Map / Zoomed in view of player with a Squirtle that just appeared / Squirtle encounter screen
Players will walk to hatch previously-acquired eggs that might reveal new Pokémon. Eggs and other special items such as Poké Balls can be acquired at PokéStops - located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers, museums and monuments.
Yes, there will be battles. Players will be encouraged to join one of three teams in order to compete over the ownership and prestige of Gyms. They will do this by placing their captured Pokémon in a friendly Gym or by battling with an opponent’s Pokémon in another team’s Gym. Gyms - just like PokéStops - are also found at real world locations.
As previously shared with you here, an early user field test will soon begin in Japan while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design and overall appearance are not final.
We’re excited to reveal more in the days to come.
— The Pokémon GO Development Team
Source: http://nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-look/
The Pokémon Company and Niantic Inc. today revealed new features for their upcoming mobile release, Pokémon GO. The much-anticipated mobile game launching later this year on the App Store and Google Play will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. An early user test limited to Japan only is planned for Pokémon GO while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design, and overall appearance are not finalized.
In Pokémon GO, players around the globe will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon hiding in our midst. Some wild Pokémon appear only in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans. As players explore the world around them, their phones will vibrate to let them know a Pokémon is nearby. Once they have encountered a Pokémon, it can be caught by using the phone’s touch screen to throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls and other special items can be found at PokéStops located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments.
As players progress through Pokémon GO, their Trainer level will increase, enabling them to capture more-powerful Pokémon and gain access to more items. Some Pokémon can be evolved if the same species is caught on multiple occasions. Pokémon Eggs, which can be found at PokéStops, will hatch after players walk a certain distance. Players will be able to impress their friends by unlocking achievement medals that are earned by completing a variety of challenges.
During gameplay, Pokémon GO players will be encouraged to join one of three teams and engage in Gym battles with other teams. Once they have joined a team, players will have the ability to assign their Pokémon to empty Gyms. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world, and because only one Pokémon per player can be placed at a given Gym, team members will need to work together to build a strong defense. A Gym claimed by one team can be challenged by the other two teams.
With real-life surroundings providing a backdrop for encounters with wild Pokémon, this unique Pokémon game represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World” gaming platform, which combines mobile location technology and Augmented Reality to create a gaming experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.
A first look at Pokémon GO
We’re thrilled to provide a peek into Pokémon GO.Pokémon GO represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World Gaming” platform. This platform combines mobile location technology and augmented reality to create a unique game experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.
Players will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon. Certain wild Pokémon only appear in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans.
Zoomed out view of the Pokémon GO Game Map / Zoomed in view of player with a Squirtle that just appeared / Squirtle encounter screen
Players will walk to hatch previously-acquired eggs that might reveal new Pokémon. Eggs and other special items such as Poké Balls can be acquired at PokéStops - located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers, museums and monuments.
Yes, there will be battles. Players will be encouraged to join one of three teams in order to compete over the ownership and prestige of Gyms. They will do this by placing their captured Pokémon in a friendly Gym or by battling with an opponent’s Pokémon in another team’s Gym. Gyms - just like PokéStops - are also found at real world locations.
As previously shared with you here, an early user field test will soon begin in Japan while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design and overall appearance are not final.
We’re excited to reveal more in the days to come.
— The Pokémon GO Development Team
Source: http://nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-look/
Press Release - NEW POKÉMON GO FEATURES ANNOUNCED
Gameplay Details Unveiled for Highly Anticipated Mobile TitleThe Pokémon Company and Niantic Inc. today revealed new features for their upcoming mobile release, Pokémon GO. The much-anticipated mobile game launching later this year on the App Store and Google Play will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. An early user test limited to Japan only is planned for Pokémon GO while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design, and overall appearance are not finalized.
In Pokémon GO, players around the globe will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon hiding in our midst. Some wild Pokémon appear only in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans. As players explore the world around them, their phones will vibrate to let them know a Pokémon is nearby. Once they have encountered a Pokémon, it can be caught by using the phone’s touch screen to throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls and other special items can be found at PokéStops located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments.
As players progress through Pokémon GO, their Trainer level will increase, enabling them to capture more-powerful Pokémon and gain access to more items. Some Pokémon can be evolved if the same species is caught on multiple occasions. Pokémon Eggs, which can be found at PokéStops, will hatch after players walk a certain distance. Players will be able to impress their friends by unlocking achievement medals that are earned by completing a variety of challenges.
During gameplay, Pokémon GO players will be encouraged to join one of three teams and engage in Gym battles with other teams. Once they have joined a team, players will have the ability to assign their Pokémon to empty Gyms. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world, and because only one Pokémon per player can be placed at a given Gym, team members will need to work together to build a strong defense. A Gym claimed by one team can be challenged by the other two teams.
With real-life surroundings providing a backdrop for encounters with wild Pokémon, this unique Pokémon game represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World” gaming platform, which combines mobile location technology and Augmented Reality to create a gaming experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.
Mar 04 2016
Pokémon GO Field Testing Will Begin in Japan
Niantic has updated their site to announced that field testing for Pokémon GO will begin in late March 2016 in Japan only for now. The app is still in development but Android Version 4.3 or higher or an iPhone 5 or higher will be required. Testers that wish to apply will need a Google Account and/or Gmail address and applicants will be chosen via a lottery. The number of testers on iOS though will be greatly limited.
Sources: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/ and http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/
Pokémon GO Field Testing Will Begin in Japan
The Pokémon Company and Niantic will be inviting users to field test Pokémon GO in Japan later this month. The Pokémon GO field test program will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the Pokémon GO experience. Please stay tuned for information about expansion of the field test to other markets.Sources: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/ and http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/
The official Game Developers Conference website has announced that John Hanke, CEO, Niantic, Inc. will be hosting a panel where he will specifically be talking about the upcoming game Pokémon GO. A finalized date and time have yet to be revealed.
Catch 'Em All: Pokemon GO and Real World Gaming
Over the last three years, Niantic, Inc. has been defining the genre of Real World gaming, using smartphones and tablets to connect the digital world to the physical world. Niantic's newest game, Pokemon GO, ups the challenge of real world gaming design, taking a beloved franchise and setting its hundreds of brightly-colored monsters loose across the globe, adding a new Bluetooth wearable device created by Nintendo to the mix. Join Niantic founder and CEO John Hanke as he discusses how the company has developed a unique vision for delivering a mobile Pokemon experience that gets would-be trainers into the outdoors. TakeawayAttendees will get a first-hand, in-depth look at how players are interacting and exploring the world with one another through Pokemon GO, the collaborative approach to design and development for the game and the next evolution of augmented reality and real-world mobile gameplay experiences.
Source: http://schedule.gdconf.com/session/catch-em-all-pokemon-go-and-real-world-gaming
Update: March 3rd, 2016
The Catch 'Em All: 'Pokemon GO' and Real World Gaming previously scheduled for Monday, March 14th, 2016 at 3:00pm - 3:30pm was canceled and did not take place.Source: http://schedule.gdconf.com/session/cancelled-catch-em-all-pokemon-go-and-real-world-gaming
Niantic announced on October 15th, 2015 that they received a $20 Million dollars in a round of Series A funding with investments from The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo.
The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo are investing up to $30 million in Niantic, Inc., which includes an initial $20 million upfront and an additional $10 million in financing conditioned upon the company achieving certain milestones. We will be using this capital to continue the development of Pokémon GO, to evolve and grow Ingress and its thriving global community, and to build out our real-world gaming platform.
It was quite an honor to be on stage in Tokyo last month with legendary games and entertainment heroes Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo, Tsunekazu Ishihara of The Pokémon Company, and Junichi Masuda of GAME FREAK to tell the world about Pokémon GO. We are all incredibly excited about the opportunity to create a product true to the spirit of the original Pokémon games while extending gameplay out into the real world. Because it is a mobile game, players all around the world will be able to immerse themselves in the Pokémon universe on devices they already have in their hands.
Here are some words from our esteemed investors:
Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO, The Pokémon Company:
“Pokémon’s strategic investment in Niantic paves the way for a social mobile experience the world has never seen before,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company. “The Pokémon Company is committed to partnering with companies like Niantic that share the same spirit of community and innovation.”
Don Harrison, VP of Corporate Development, Google:
“Niantic has shown the great potential of mixing geolocation technology, dynamic storytelling, and innovative game design, and we’re excited to continue supporting the team on their journey.”
It’s exciting to finally be able to share some of our big updates. We are hard at work in our new San Francisco and satellite offices preparing for a series of massive, global Ingress events this Fall, readying Pokémon GO for launch next year, and extending our platform to support a variety of experiences that support our core values of exercise, discovery, and fun.
Sincerely,
John Hanke
Founder & CEO, Niantic, Inc.
Source: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/
Niantic Inc. Raises $20 Million in Financing from The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo
Back in August, we announced Niantic would spin out from Google to become an independent company. Today, we are thrilled to disclose that our mission will be backed by global giants in the game, entertainment and technology sectors.The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo are investing up to $30 million in Niantic, Inc., which includes an initial $20 million upfront and an additional $10 million in financing conditioned upon the company achieving certain milestones. We will be using this capital to continue the development of Pokémon GO, to evolve and grow Ingress and its thriving global community, and to build out our real-world gaming platform.
It was quite an honor to be on stage in Tokyo last month with legendary games and entertainment heroes Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo, Tsunekazu Ishihara of The Pokémon Company, and Junichi Masuda of GAME FREAK to tell the world about Pokémon GO. We are all incredibly excited about the opportunity to create a product true to the spirit of the original Pokémon games while extending gameplay out into the real world. Because it is a mobile game, players all around the world will be able to immerse themselves in the Pokémon universe on devices they already have in their hands.
Here are some words from our esteemed investors:
Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO, The Pokémon Company:
“Pokémon’s strategic investment in Niantic paves the way for a social mobile experience the world has never seen before,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company. “The Pokémon Company is committed to partnering with companies like Niantic that share the same spirit of community and innovation.”
Don Harrison, VP of Corporate Development, Google:
“Niantic has shown the great potential of mixing geolocation technology, dynamic storytelling, and innovative game design, and we’re excited to continue supporting the team on their journey.”
It’s exciting to finally be able to share some of our big updates. We are hard at work in our new San Francisco and satellite offices preparing for a series of massive, global Ingress events this Fall, readying Pokémon GO for launch next year, and extending our platform to support a variety of experiences that support our core values of exercise, discovery, and fun.
Sincerely,
John Hanke
Founder & CEO, Niantic, Inc.
Source: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/
Sunain
2
Sep 10 2015 00:14:30
Tags: Nintendo Android YouTube Apple iOS Junichi Masuda NicoNico The Pokémon Company International Pokémon GO Niantic
2
Sep 10 2015 00:14:30
Tags: Nintendo Android YouTube Apple iOS Junichi Masuda NicoNico The Pokémon Company International Pokémon GO Niantic
The Pokémon Company held a New Business Strategy Presentation (株式会社ポケモン新事業戦略 発表会) on September 10th, 2015 at 15:00 JST. The Pokémon Company President Tsunekazu Ishihara hosted the event which was also streamed live on NicoNico. Images from the stream have been added to our Imageboard thread.
Original YouTube Link (No Longer Allows Embedding): http://www.youtube.com/embed/2sj2iQyBTQs
The Pokémon video game series has used real-world locations such as the Hokkaido and Kanto regions of Japan, New York, and Paris as inspiration for the fantasy settings in which its games take place. Now the real world will be the setting!
The Pokémon video game series has always valued open and social experiences, such as connecting with other players to enjoy trading and battling Pokémon. Pokémon GO’s gameplay experience goes beyond what appears on screen, as players explore their neighborhoods, communities, and the world they live in to discover Pokémon alongside friends and other players.
You can watch the video at the top of the page to better understand the Pokémon GO experience.
A small device called a Pokémon GO Plus will enable Pokémon GO players to enjoy the game even when they’re not looking at their smartphone. The device connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth and notifies the player about events in the game—such as the appearance of a Pokémon nearby—using an LED and vibration. In addition, players can catch Pokémon or perform other simple actions by pressing the button on the device. Pokémon GO Plus is being developed and manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Pokémon GO is being developed by Niantic, Inc. Originally founded by Google Earth co-creator John Hanke as a start-up within Google, Niantic is known for creating Ingress, the augmented reality mobile game that utilizes GPS technology to fuel a sci-fi story encompassing the entire world. Ingress currently has 12 million downloads worldwide.
Niantic, Inc., The Pokémon Company, and Nintendo Co., Ltd., will all contribute to the Pokémon GO project.
Furthermore, Junichi Masuda of Game Freak Inc., the game director of the Pokémon video game series, is also contributing to the project. He is hard at work ensuring that the fun of Pokémon makes its way into this new project, and is also looking to come up with new kinds of gameplay while thinking of ways to connect this project with the main series of Pokémon video games.
Pokémon GO will be available for download at no charge on the App Store and Google Play. In-app purchases will be available.
Look forward to much more information about Pokémon GO leading up to its launch in 2016!
Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-go/, http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv234440920 and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/news/
Pokémon GO
Announcements:
- Pokémon GO: Smartphone game for Apple iOS and Google Android which will be released in 2016. Get ready for an all-new Pokémon experience! Pokémon GO opens a universe of Pokémon to find, catch, trade, and battle on your iPhone or Android device! With Pokémon GO, you'll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own! Pokémon GO will use real location information to allow players to experience catching, trading, and battling Pokémon.
- Developer Partnerships: NIANTIC, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company
- Pokémon GO is based off of the game Ingress which was also made by NIANTIC, a developer that off at Google but became independent company.
- Pokémon will inhabit the real world in locations worldwide.
- GAME FREAK Director Junichi Masuda is helping with the development of the game including the music.
- Masuda is developing ways for Pokémon GO to interact with the upcoming main series Pokémon games.
- Pokémon Go Plus is a separate device that wireless pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth and flashes when the player is near a Pokémon.
Pokémon GO Trailer
Original YouTube Link (No Longer Allows Embedding): http://www.youtube.com/embed/2sj2iQyBTQs
Press Release
Travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon with Pokémon GO for iPhone and Android devices! With Pokémon GO, you'll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own! Pokémon GO will use real location information to encourage players to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon.The Pokémon video game series has used real-world locations such as the Hokkaido and Kanto regions of Japan, New York, and Paris as inspiration for the fantasy settings in which its games take place. Now the real world will be the setting!
The Pokémon video game series has always valued open and social experiences, such as connecting with other players to enjoy trading and battling Pokémon. Pokémon GO’s gameplay experience goes beyond what appears on screen, as players explore their neighborhoods, communities, and the world they live in to discover Pokémon alongside friends and other players.
You can watch the video at the top of the page to better understand the Pokémon GO experience.
A small device called a Pokémon GO Plus will enable Pokémon GO players to enjoy the game even when they’re not looking at their smartphone. The device connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth and notifies the player about events in the game—such as the appearance of a Pokémon nearby—using an LED and vibration. In addition, players can catch Pokémon or perform other simple actions by pressing the button on the device. Pokémon GO Plus is being developed and manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Pokémon GO is being developed by Niantic, Inc. Originally founded by Google Earth co-creator John Hanke as a start-up within Google, Niantic is known for creating Ingress, the augmented reality mobile game that utilizes GPS technology to fuel a sci-fi story encompassing the entire world. Ingress currently has 12 million downloads worldwide.
Niantic, Inc., The Pokémon Company, and Nintendo Co., Ltd., will all contribute to the Pokémon GO project.
Furthermore, Junichi Masuda of Game Freak Inc., the game director of the Pokémon video game series, is also contributing to the project. He is hard at work ensuring that the fun of Pokémon makes its way into this new project, and is also looking to come up with new kinds of gameplay while thinking of ways to connect this project with the main series of Pokémon video games.
Pokémon GO will be available for download at no charge on the App Store and Google Play. In-app purchases will be available.
Look forward to much more information about Pokémon GO leading up to its launch in 2016!
Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-go/, http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv234440920 and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/news/
