For hardcore fans of the "Pokémon" franchise, one of the most awaited games that will reportedly launch this year is the first-ever augmented reality title for the series, "Pokémon GO." While Nintendo and developer Niantic are silent on how the development is progressing, it seems that the game will make the expected 2016 release as gameplay footage appears online.
According to EuroGamer, a fan and participant at this year's SXSW Gaming Festival managed to capture a purported gameplay video of "Pokémon GO." Reportedly, the footage was showcased during a presentation by John Hanke, CEO of developer Niantic. Hanke was at the event as guest speaker on the topic of augmented reality games, and Niantic is already an established expert on the subject due to their previous game "Ingress."
The footage was taken off-screen and is not an official gameplay trailer for the upcoming "Pokémon" franchise installment. However, most observers are saying that with the way the video presented how to capture a Pokémon in the wild using a smartphone, it seems that "Pokémon GO" is already in the finishing stages.
In the video, a speaker (apparently Hanke) describes how players can go and capture Pokémon in the real world using their mobile devices. The presentation then segued to the video, and much like how the games, anime, and other adaptations describe it, players must use Pokéballs to capture Pokémon. Success depends on how effective the player's aim is and if the Pokéball used can handle the level of the Pokémon.
"Pokémon GO" combines the augmented reality design of Niantic's "Ingress" with the gameplay of the "Pokémon" franchise. Developed together by Nintendo and Niantic, the AR game is expected to arrive sometime this year. It will be released for iOS and Android devices, and there will also be a game accessory called Pokémon GO Plus, which players can use to enhance their gaming experience.
