A field test of "Pokemon GO" in Japan is scheduled to take place later this month. Developer Niantic and The Pokemon Company allegedly want to test the waters first before setting a release date for the game.
As mentioned, only players from Japan will get to participate. They will be asked to submit feedback and comments and report the issues they encounter during the field test. This is for Niantic to know what to focus on and eventually polish and ready the game for its launch.
In order to register, "Pokemon GO" fans should own an Android handset or an iOS smartphone as well as a Google account. There will be limited slots for users of the latter, however, for "technical reasons." Head to the Niantic's Pokemon GO website to register and learn more. Those unable to access the site can check here.
The lucky gamers that will get to participate in the "Pokemon GO" field test should get an email from The Pokemon GO Development Team. At the moment, there's no definite date for the field test but Niantic promises to provide further details soon.
Meanwhile, Niantic and The Pokemon Company are reportedly working on a beta program for players outside the country as well. The collaborators have yet to confirm this but Niantic hinted on its blog that there are future plans for field test in other areas as well.
"Please stay tuned for information about expansion of the field test to other markets," the developer wrote as it announced the field test. It looks like gamers outside of Japan will be treated to some "Pokemon GO" goodies as well. When that will happen remains to be seen.
"Pokemon GO" is an augmented reality game being developed by Niantic. With it, "Pokemon" fans and Ash Ketchum wannabes can catch, battle, train and trade Pokemon in the real word. This means that a Pokemon could be sitting in a player's backyard, in the park or inside the mall.
The game comes with a small Bluetooth-enabled device called Pokemon GO Plus (pictured above) that players can use when they are not able to check for Pokemon on their smartphones.
"Pokemon GO" will be released later this year.
