'Pokémon GO' Legendary Monsters Update, News Details: Niantic CEO Confirms Major Updates Coming Later This Year
After its major Gen 2 update which added more than 80 new Pokémon monsters to catch in the "Pokémon GO" mobile game last February, Niantic promises more major updates to come for the game.
The updates are said to roll out within the later part of this year. The announcement was made by Niantic CEO John Hanke during the SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas on Thursday, March 9.
One of these major updates will include Legendary Pokémon like Articuno - which was made accidentally available to some players last year but was later removed by the game developer.
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"To preserve the game's integrity and as a measure of fairness, we have rectified the situation and revoked the legendary Pokémon from the Trainers' accounts," Niantic previously said about the incident, according to GameSpot.
"Pokémon GO" currently has a roster of characters from Generations 1 and 2 that includes the likes of MewTwo, Totodile, Lugia and more.
The addition of more catchable and trainable Pokémon monsters revived interest for the game, which experienced a slump months after it was released on September 2016.
Niantic is still hard at work with "Pokémon GO" players' major requests which includes a player-to-player Pokémon trading feature and Player vs. Player Pokémon battles without necessarily going to a local gym.
These features, aside from the addition of Legendary Pokémon, are also expected to come with the game updates that will be rolled out later this year.
During the SXSW Conference, Hanke also revealed the developers' vision of fostering cultural and historical awareness, while encouraging a healthier lifestyle by walking.
This means that Niantic might be designating PokéStops to certain historical landmarks and the like. It also struck a partnership deal with Sprint, which will turn the latter's stores and outlets into gyms and PokéStops.
"Pokémon GO" received three nominations for this year's British Academy Game Awards, including Best Mobile Game and Game Innovation. The ceremony is scheduled for April 6.
