Ever since Niantic Labs and The Pokemon Company revealed "Pokemon Go" to the public, very little details have emerged. Niantic Labs co-founder John Hanke finally revealed a few details regarding the game's history, design process and mechanics in an interview with Venture Beat.
When asked about how locations will come into play, Hanke revealed that the design philosophy for "Pokemon Go" was to make it playable even in places in the world with low populations, a game design they picked up while making their first mobile game, "Ingress."
"If we're going to build a game that works with location, it has to be fun for people anywhere to play, in small towns as well as San Francisco," Hanke explained. "If we designed something that only worked in San Francisco, it wouldn't be a real success. We wanted it to work globally."
He also explained that different parts of the world will have different kinds of Pokemon. However, every player will be able to encounter Pokemon no matter where they live and it won't take long to meet a few right outside a person's doorsteps. Gyms, on the other hand, are said to be more difficult to reach.
Rare Pokemon are said to be in only select locations. However, trading will be an option for people surrounded by water Pokemon to gain other types. Event Pokemon will also be introduced for the game.
Hanke then explained that the motivation for the optional accessory, the Pokemon Go Plus wristband, was designed so that players can continue playing the game outdoors without having to spend time staring at their phones or tablets.
The second reason for the device is to give parents something they can hand over to their children to play the game without the need of giving a phone or tablet. Kids can use the Pokemon Go Plus to catch Pokemon outdoors and can later view their catch on a phone when they are with their parents at home.
"Pokemon Go" is expected to release sometime this year.
