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Pokémon Go: Game Guide, Developer and Facts

Pokémon Go — video game guide with key facts, developer and background.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team3 min read✓ Fact-checked
Pokémon Go
Mimzy via Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Pokémon Go (stylized as Pokémon GO) is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game developed and published by Niantic, in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, for iOS and Android devices. The game uses GPS to locate, capture, train, and battle Pokémon. It is free-to-play, featuring a freemium model that includes local advertising and offers in-app purchases for additional in-game items. Pokémon Go launched with approximately 150 Pokémon species, with new species regularly introduced. Upon its release, Pokémon Go received "mixed" or "average" reviews; critics found the experience enjoyable, but noted several technical issues. Despite this, it became one of the most popular and profitable mobile apps of 2016, amassing over 500 million downloads worldwide. The game is credited with popularizing location-based and AR technology, encouraging physical activity and social interaction. However, it has also faced criticism for causing accidents and public disturbances. Some governments raised security concerns and imposed regulations on its use. As of May 2018, Pokémon Go had over 147 million monthly active users and had been downloaded more than 1 billion times worldwide by early 2019. By 2020, the game had generated over 6 billion dollars in revenue. It is considered among the best mobile games of all time. In 2025, Scopely acquired the game as part of a 3.5 billion dollar purchase of Niantic's gaming division.

Quick facts about Pokémon Go

  • Title: Pokémon Go
  • Developer: Niantic Games Team
  • Released: 2016
  • Type: Video game
  • Wikidata ID: Q20966579

Compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go (stylized as Pokémon GO) is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game developed and published by Niantic, in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, for iOS and Android devices.

Who made Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go is by Niantic Games Team.

When was Pokémon Go released?

Pokémon Go was released in 2016.

Sources

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