GPS enabled Pokémon GO app announced
Catch 'em all in the real world.
The Pokémon Company, Nintendo and Niantic Labs are collaborating on a new mobile game that will allow players to find and catch Pokémon in the real world, using location tracking data.
Pokémon GO will be a free app for both iOS and Android devices, launching in 2016. "Players will be able to catch, trade, and battle in the real world by utilizing location information," reads the announcment. "Pokémon GO's gameplay experience goes beyond what appears on screen as players explore their neighbourhoods, communities and the world they live in to discover Pokémon alongside friends and other players."
Dedicated trainers will also be able to buy the Pokémon GO Plus, a small physical device that can be worn on the wrist, and will connect with the app using Bluetooth. It will vibrate and light up if a Pokémon is nearby, and will also allow players to perform basic interactions without opening the app itself.
There's no word on whether IAP will be involved, or what will be offered if they are. Junichi Masuda, director of the Pokémon series at GAME FREAK, will be consulting on the project. Co-development partner Niantic Labs recently broke away from parent company Google, and specialises in location-based games.
Here's a trailer showing how it works.
