Pokémon Go combines wearable tech and monster battling. The Pokémon Company, Niantic and Nintendo are collaborating on the new game for iOS and Android that will release in 2016.
Previous Pokémon games have used real world locations as inspiration for its worlds, but this is the first game where you can battle and capture Pokemon in the world around you.
The augmented reality side of the project is being headed up by Niantic. Founded by Google Earth co-creator John Hanke, it has made a name for itself in global augmented reality experiences such as Ingress. “Pokémon GO is a wonderful combination of Niantic’s real world gaming platform and one of the most beloved franchises in popular culture,” said Hanke.
The game-play mechanics break down into four areas. You can detect and collect Pokémon in the world about you, trade collected Pokemon with friends directly on their smartphones, battle other Pokémon and finally attend timed public battles in specific locations.