Niantic Provides First Look at 'Pokemon GO'
Developer Niantic has released a few screenshots and details about its upcoming mobile game "Pokemon GO." This "first look" was released after a gameplay video was allegedly leaked recently.
One screenshot shows the game's map and another shows a Squirtle encounter scene. Niantic reveals that Pokemons will appear in their native environments, so players need to step outside and explore their environment to catch specific types. For example, Water-type Pokemons will only appear near lakes and oceans.
"Pokémon GO represents the next generation of Niantic's 'Real World Gaming' platform," Niantic said in a post on its official site. "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."
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The developer also introduces PokeStops where players can get eggs and other special items. These PokeStops will be located at historical markers, museums, monuments, public art installations, and other "interesting places."
Similar to PokeStops, Gyms will also be found at real world locations. Players can join one of three teams which will compete over these gyms.
Niantic was present during this year's SXSW Gaming event and reportedly showed off "Pokemon GO" during a presentation. An video allegedly taken from said presentation surfaced over the weekend and "leaked" the gameplay of this upcoming augmented reality mobile game. Viewers can hear a man speaking in the background which the uploader or leakster has identified as Niantic Chief Executive Officer John Hanke. Niantic has yet to confirm this gameplay footage, although the latest screenshots appear to resemble those in the video.
"Pokemon GO" is expected to launch globally to iOS and Android devices within the year. There will be a beta field test in Japan where a select number of players will get try out the free-to-play game.
