What was the name of the 2014 Google April Fools’ project that inspired Pokémon Go?

The 2014 Google April Fools’ project that inspired Pokémon Go was called the Google Maps Pokémon Challenge.

The prank invited users to search Google Maps for Pokémon hidden around the world. Players could find virtual creatures at landmarks and attempt to complete a Pokédex. The idea presented Pokémon as something that could be discovered in real locations rather than only inside a conventional game world.

The concept was created by Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara and Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, with Google. Niantic later developed the idea into Pokémon Go, using location data and augmented-reality features.

Pokémon Go launched in 2016 for iOS and Android. Although its gameplay expanded far beyond the original prank, the location-based collecting concept remained central. The connection is why the 2014 video is considered a direct precursor rather than merely a similar promotion.