Pokemon GO, the popular augmented reality game that lets players catch and battle virtual creatures in the real world, is planning to introduce a new feature that will use artificial intelligence to make the game more realistic and immersive. The feature, which is expected to launch next year, will allow Pokemon to be “situated in the environment and respond to things in the environment in a realistic way”, according to John Hanke, the CEO of Niantic, the company behind Pokemon GO.
Hanke revealed this information in an interview with the BBC, where he also discussed the future of augmented reality and Niantic’s vision for creating social and interactive experiences. He said that 2024 is going to be a “breakthrough year for AR” thanks to its integration with AI, and that Niantic is “leaning into” devices that can support this technology, such as the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta headsets.
Pokemon GO has been evolving since its launch in 2016
Pokemon GO was released in 2016 and quickly became a global phenomenon, attracting millions of players who explored their surroundings in search of Pokemon. The game has been constantly updated with new features, events, and content, such as raids, quests, seasons, and more. The game also introduced a buddy system, where players can choose a Pokemon to accompany them on their adventures, and a snapshot mode, where players can take photos of their Pokemon in different settings.
However, some players have criticized the game for being repetitive, boring, or lacking innovation. Some have also complained about the game’s pricing model, which requires players to spend real money on items such as incubators, raid passes, and storage upgrades. Additionally, some players have expressed dissatisfaction with the game’s events, which they claim are unimpressive or poorly executed.
Pokemon GO’s AI feature could be a game-changer for fans
The AI feature that Niantic is working on could potentially address some of these issues and revitalize the game for fans. By using artificial intelligence, the game could create more realistic and dynamic interactions between Pokemon and their environment, making them behave more like living creatures. For example, Pokemon could react to weather changes, time of day, nearby objects, or other Pokemon. They could also have different personalities, moods, or preferences that affect their behavior.
This could make the game more engaging and fun for players, who could discover new aspects of their Pokemon and form stronger bonds with them. It could also make the game more challenging and rewarding, as players would have to adapt to different situations and strategies. Moreover, it could make the game more social and collaborative, as players could share their experiences with other players or join forces to catch or battle Pokemon.
Niantic has not confirmed any details about the AI feature yet
While Hanke has teased the AI feature in his interview with the BBC, he has not given any specific details about how it will work or when it will be released. He also did not mention if the feature will be available for all devices or only for certain ones that support advanced AR technology. Furthermore, he did not address the recent layoffs at Niantic, which some have speculated could affect the development of the game.
Therefore, fans will have to wait for more information from Niantic before they can get excited about the AI feature. However, based on Hanke’s comments, it seems that Niantic is committed to improving Pokemon GO and making it a more immersive and realistic experience for players.
