Pokémon Go Fest 2021 returns in July as global event
The annual Pokémon Go Fest returns once again this summer as a two-day global event scheduled from July 17 to 18, 2021.
This year’s event is particularly notable, as it marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Pokémon and the fifth anniversary of Pokémon GO.
The augmented reality (AR) mobile game developed and published by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android devices was first released in 2016. The game uses mobile devices with GPS to locate, capture, train, and battle virtual creatures, called Pokémon, which appear as if they are in the player's real-world location.
Pokémon Go, which was one of the most used and profitable mobile apps when it was first released, is credited with popularizing location-based and AR technology, as well as promoting physical activity. The game launched with around 150 species of Pokémon, which increased to around 600 by 2020.
Normally the Pokémon Go Fest takes place in select cities around the globe. However, last year’s event was held online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed trainers worldwide to participate and play wherever they were.
Based on the news release by developer Niantic, it sounds like this year’s fest will take place as an online-only “global event” once again.
According to Niantic, trainers worldwide will just have to wait and see what this event has in store for this year.
“Last year’s event featured the debut of a brand-new worldwide format that saw Trainers from around the globe working together to complete challenges, unlock rewards, and defeat Team GO Rocket. From the launch of the Global Challenge Arena to the thrilling research that led us to Victini, Pokémon GO Fest 2020 was truly an event to remember!
The Pokémon Go Fest last year was considered a huge success, with “a record number of millions of trainers” in 124 countries and regions catching nearly a billion pokémon in total, Niantic said after the event took place. Niantic also revealed that players walked nearly 15 kilometers each on average.
Time to mark your calendars, Trainers! ?️
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) April 27, 2021
? #PokemonGOFest2021 will be a two-day global event from July 17 to July 18! ? We can’t wait to show you what’s in store. https://t.co/L0fcETooMj pic.twitter.com/jljTUQBE1h
In line with the upcoming festival in July, the game developer warned players to be aware of their surroundings and to follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO.
(Images via Niantic)