While millions of fans have already tried the new AR game "Pokémon GO," the game has yet to completely launch globally. Nintendo continues its staggered roll-out as the game goes online in 15 additional countries.
In an official announcement, it is revealed that "Pokémon GO" is now playable for fans across countries in Asia and Oceania, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan in Asia, as well as in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau in Micronesia.
Originally, the release was slated for a global launch across all regions early last month. However, due to some server difficulties, developer Niantic proceeded to release "Pokémon GO" on a staggered roll-out.
Meanwhile, since the game's first roll-out, updates have already made it to the official version (some off-server countries made do with an unofficial APK), the latest bringing back the tracking feature for the game. Now, "Pokémon GO" players can use the new Sightings tracker feature to check out some Pokémon in a given area. Meanwhile, there is also a new Nearby feature where the app lists all available Pokémon in the vicinity.
Previously, the tracking feature has been deactivated by Niantic, to crack down on third-party, unofficial tracking apps which players use in-game. Niantic says that aside from breaching the server terms and service conditions, some of the apps may contain malware that may unknowingly be harmful to player devices.
The game has been an instant hit both with hardcore fans of the "Pokémon" franchise and casual players, although "Pokémon GO" also raised some issues. Reports have mentioned some regions banning the game altogether, while others are controlling access to the game due to felonious concerns. In New York City, for example, Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued a statement on restricting sex offenders on parole from playing "Pokémon GO."
