Pokémon Go caused a global Pokémon craze after its release in 2016.
The mobile game uses augmented reality, GPS, and a player’s real-world location. Players search for Pokémon, visit PokéStops, battle at Gyms, and catch creatures by throwing virtual Poké Balls. Its design encouraged people to walk through real neighborhoods and public places while playing.
Pokémon Go was developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. It launched in July 2016 in selected markets before expanding worldwide. The game became one of the most widely discussed mobile releases of the decade and brought Pokémon to many people who had not played the handheld games.
Pokémon Go is different from the main role-playing series: it uses location-based play and simplified catching mechanics. Its success also helped renew broad public interest in Pokémon during the franchise’s 20th anniversary year.