Pokemon GO Exceeds 500M Downloads; Coming to Apple Watch

Published: September 8, 2016 12:16 AM /

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The Pokémon Company and Niantic announced today that Pokemon GO, the mobile game sensation that took the world by storm, has gotten more than 500 million downloads worldwide ever since its debut in July. The game currently holds the App Store record for the most downloads in its first week of launch.

Image courtesy of The Verge
Image courtesy of The Verge

The Pokemon brand is still one of the biggest and most recognizable games in both gaming and media ever since its launch 20 years ago in Japan.

“The phenomenal success of Pokémon GO during the brand’s 20-year celebration is an incredible reminder of how many people around the world love Pokémon. The team at Niantic developed a unique experience that merges their expertise in cutting-edge location-based technologies with the beloved characters and classic gameplay of Pokémon. This ideal match of the right brand and the right technology has resonated with hundreds of millions of existing and new fans around the world.”    --- Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company

At today's Apple reveal event in San Francisco, Niantic announced some early details about an Apple Watch version of Pokemon GO to come later this year. According to The Verge's article on the matter, the Apple Watch version of the game will show the steps needed to hatch an egg, the required experience points to reach the next level, as well as some additional info about the player's fitness. The key idea of it is to allow players to see nearby Pokemon and Pokestops without the need of their smartphone.

As can be assumed from the info, players will not be able to catch Pokemon from their watch, which instead simply acts as more of a guide of what is around the player at the given time.

Image courtesy of The Verge
Image courtesy of The Verge

John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, Inc stated that they are encouraged by the fans' love for the game and that the Apple Watch version of the game "will be another way people can incorporate the game into their daily lives, even more seamlessly."

What do you think of Pokemon Go? Are your surprised at its ongoing popularity? Are you interested in the Apple Watch version? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


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More Info About This Game
Learn more about Pokemon Go
Game Page Pokemon Go
Developer
Niantic
Publisher
Niantic
Platforms
Android, IOS
Release Date
July 6, 2016 (Calendar)
Purchase (Some links may be affiliated)