In light of the state of the world still working around Coronavirus this year, Niantic has understood that they won't be able to have a concentration Pokemon GO Fest as they have in previous years in major cities like Chigaco. In an attempt to still give their player base the Pokemon GO Fest experience instead it will no longer be leashed to a single physical location.
Available June 15th at 9 am ETS (that's right now) you can log into Pokemon Go and you should be able to purchase a GO Fest ticket for $14.99. As it's a completely digital event it will be taking place over the course of two days, July 25th and 26th, instead of the single day that it normally is. For all players, regardless of whether they own the GO Fest Pass a few weeks before there will be a new series of weekly challenges and secret tasks if a certain number of these secret tasks are completed then a highly sought after pokemon will become available to catch at the Pokemon GO Fest. No specifics were given on what the Pokemon will be other than it is a mythical pokemon. During Pokemon GO Fest on Saturday there will be rotating habitats in-game; fire, water, grass, battle, and friendship. Each of these will change on the hour and with that change, the pokemon that you'll be able to catch will also change.
If you have the Pokemon GO Fest pass you'll also have access to the Global Challenge Arena. Competing in these battles will allow you to unlock rewards and in-game stickers. If you're interested in the physical swag that's normally associated with Pokemon GO Niantic will be releasing a print-at-home kit. In this, you'll find a set of printable accessories and papercraft. Starting today via the US Pokemon Center website there will also be a GO Fest 2020 t-shirt for sale.
To keep players connected through this experience a separate app has been created to serve the purpose of a virtual team lounge. This will give players a way to communicate and interact in other ways with one another. This will also be where Niantic serves live updated and will hold giveaways. Throughout Pokemon GO Fest weekend different trainers will also be spotlighted from around the world.
What do you think of Niantic taking a completely digital approach to GO Fest? Do you think this is how it should always have been? Is there a local business in your area that could gain from this program?
