Pokémon Go is a location-based augmented
reality mobile game developed by Niantic.
It was initially released this month i-e in
July 2016 for iOS and Android devices, starting
with the US and Australasia, with Asian and
European releases to follow.
The game allows players to capture, battle,
and train virtual Pokémon who appear throughout
the real world.
It makes use of GPS and the camera of compatible
devices.
Although the game is free-to-play, it supports
in-app purchases, such as additional Poké
Balls.
An optional companion Bluetooth wearable device,
the Pokémon Go Plus, is planned for future
release and will alert users when a Pokémon
is nearby.
The game has generally received a positive
reception and has been the most downloaded
smartphone app in the US in its first three
days.
Its success has helped to increase publisher
Nintendo's stock value more than 60%.
After logging into the app for the first time,
the player creates their avatar.
The player can choose the avatar's style,hair,
skin, and eye color, and can choose from a
limited number of outfits.
After creating their avatar, it will be displayed
at the player's current location along with
a map of the player's immediate surroundings.
Features on the map may include a number of
PokéStops and Pokémon gyms.
These are typically located at popular meeting
places, such as memorials, places of worship,
parks, and tourist attractions
Players have to walk around in the real world
to move their avatar in the game.
Different Pokémon live in different areas
of the world; for example, water-type Pokémon
are found near water.
When a player encounters a Pokémon, they
may view it in either augmented reality mode
or with a pre-rendered background.
AR mode uses the camera and gyroscope on the
player's mobile device to display an image
of a Pokémon as though it were in the real
world.
Players can also take pictures, using an in-game
camera, of the Pokémon that they encounter
both with and without the AR mode activated.
Unlike other installments in the Pokémon
series, players in Pokémon Go do not battle
wild Pokémon to capture them.
Rather, the game relies on a unique capture
system where the player must throw a Poké
Ball with the right force and at the right
time to make a successful catch.
