Pokémon Go
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pokémon Go across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Pokémon GO scan controversy resurfaces after Niantic Spatial defense partnership
Concerns have resurfaced regarding Niantic's use of player-scanned data from Pokémon GO, following a partnership between its geospatial division, Niantic Spatial, and defense technology company Vantor. While no direct evidence links Pokémon GO scan data to military systems, Niantic Spatial's Visual Positioning System, trained on billions of player scans, is being integrated into navigation technology for GPS-denied environments, raising ethical questions about the repurposing of consumer-generated data for potential defense applications.
Pokémon Go data was used to help train AI systems being developed for military drones
Data collected from the mobile game Pokémon Go is being used to train AI systems for military drones. Niantic Spatial, a division formed after Savvy Games Group acquired Niantic's gaming business, partnered with Vantor to develop a positioning solution for GPS-denied environments, utilizing ground scans from Pokémon Go as part of the AI training data. This development raises ethical concerns about the indirect contribution of players to military applications.
Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour Return & Schedule (June 2026)
Scopely has announced the return of Pokémon Go's popular Spotlight Hour event, along with a schedule for June and July 2026. While previously held on Tuesdays, these one-hour events featuring special bonuses and rare Pokémon will now take place on Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, coinciding with GO Battle Thursdays.
Dutch journalists show Pokemon Go player data are being used for military drone software
Dutch journalists have reported that data collected from Pokemon Go players, amounting to approximately 30 billion area scans since 2021, is allegedly being used by Niantic Spatial and Vantor to develop software for military drones. Vantor's software suite, Vantor Raptor, utilizes visual positioning systems to enable drone operation during electronic countermeasures, with a partnership announced in December 2025 to ensure functionality during GPS unavailability. Niantic, which sold Pokemon Go and its Niantic Spatial studio to Scopely in 2025, has a history of privacy controversies.
Data from Pokemon GO players is now used to train US military drones
Data collected from Pokemon GO players, including scans of streets, parks, and buildings, is now being utilized by the US military to train its drones. Niantic Spatial owns this real-world spatial data gathered through the game.
Your happy Pokémon Go memories were probably used to train military drones
A recent article suggests that player data from Pokémon Go may have been used to train military drones. This raises concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of information gathered from popular mobile games for purposes beyond entertainment.
Report: Pokemon Go video scans may have been used for AI drone training
A report indicates that scans made by Pokémon Go players may have been sold to a military drone technology company, Vantor, through Niantic Spatial. These video scans are reportedly used to train a 3D navigation system for drones and robots, though Vantor denies using Pokémon Go data directly. Niantic stated that player data has not been sold and that their products are used responsibly.
Reports suggest Meta was working on another facial recognition feature that was quietly pushed out to millions of users…
Meta quietly embedded facial recognition technology, internally codenamed 'NameTag,' into its smart glasses app, which was then pushed to millions of users. Although the code has since been removed, the incident raises concerns about data privacy and how big tech companies handle user information, drawing parallels to Meta's past issues with facial recognition on Facebook.
Pokémon Go Adds Virtual Item That Helps Play the Game For You
Pokémon Go is testing a new virtual item designed to automate gameplay. This item will automatically throw Pokéballs to catch creatures and spin PokéStops, assisting players in their in-game activities.
Pokemon NAIC 2026 Twitch Drops Details & How to Redeem
Viewers watching the 2026 Pokémon North America International Championships can earn exclusive in-game rewards for Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon UNITE, and Pokémon GO by tuning into Twitch broadcasts. Specific rewards include Blastoise in a Cherish Ball, a Seaking with Icy Wind, a Platinum Blastoise Boost Emblem, and various digital booster packs and items for Pokémon TCG Live. Rewards must be claimed by June 26, 2026, with some having later redemption deadlines.
All Active Pokemon Champions Codes & How to Redeem
Pokémon Champions is set to launch on June 17, 2026, and has released several mystery gift codes for trainers to get a head start. These codes, including ones for Charizard and Machamp, offer in-game rewards and expire on various dates. The article also details how to redeem these codes and transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Champions via Pokémon Home.
Massively on the Go: Pokemon Go gets worse as it hurtles towards 10th anniversary Go Fest
This article discusses the perceived decline in quality and player engagement for Pokemon Go, particularly as it approaches its 10th anniversary. The author highlights changes to the Mega Evolution system, the removal of Spotlight Hour, and other feature alterations by developers Niantic and Scopely, suggesting these decisions have alienated the player base and led to decreased participation in community events.
Pokémon Champions Reveals Its Release Date for Android
The Pokémon Company International has announced that Pokémon Champions will launch on Android on June 17th, 2026, with cross-platform support and save data carryover from the Nintendo Switch version. Players who pre-register can receive a special giveaway featuring Raichu and new Mega Evolution options, Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y, which offer distinct battle strategies.
New cheaper Lego Pokémon sets let you battle and train with digital smart bricks
Lego has released 12 new, more affordable Pokémon sets that utilize new smart brick technology for interactive sounds and movements. These sets are designed for younger audiences, featuring simpler designs inspired by the Super Mario line, and allow for simulated battles and training mechanics mirroring the video games. Some sets include smart bricks, while others require them to be purchased separately or from existing Lego lines.
Pokemon Go June 2026 Events: Raid Bosses, Community Day, And More
Pokemon Go's "Forever Forward" season begins June 2nd, featuring various in-game events throughout the month. Key highlights include the return of legendary Pokemon Reshiram and Zekrom to five-star raids, followed by Necrozma, Kartana, and Celesteela. June's Community Day will focus on the elusive Frigibax, with special bonuses and the exclusive Charged Attack Glaive Rush for its evolved form, Baxcalibur.
Pokemon GO: Forever Forward season debuts Mega Raichu X & Y
The Pokemon GO: Forever Forward season has launched, introducing Mega Raichu's two Mega Evolutions to Niantic's mobile game. This update precedes the upcoming Pokemon GO Fest event.
Mega Falinks Pokemon Go Raids: Weaknesses, Best Counters, And Best Moveset
Pokemon Go is introducing Mega Falinks in Super Mega Raids starting May 23rd. This guide details Mega Falinks' weaknesses to flying, psychic, and fairy-type attacks, recommends counters like Zapdos and Mega Alakazam, and suggests the best moveset for Mega Falinks itself. Shiny Falinks will also have increased encounter rates during the event.
Don't Expect A Pokémon GO Sequel Any Time Soon
Niantic's popular mobile game Pokémon GO is unlikely to receive a sequel in the near future, according to Scopely's president of games, Ed Wu. Wu stated that a sequel would divide the game's large community and that any future endeavors would need to approach the concept from a different angle. Pokémon GO has achieved significant success, with over 500 million downloads and billions in revenue.
Main Types of Online Games and Why They Are Popular | Invision Game Community
This article analyzes the popularity of various online game types, including MMORPGs, mobile games, online casino games, competitive titles, and browser-based games. It highlights factors like social commitment, convenience, accessibility, and competitive environments that contribute to their widespread appeal and sustained player engagement.
Niantic comments on why Pokemon Go 2 won’t be happening anytime soon
Niantic has commented on the possibility of a Pokemon Go sequel, with Ed Wu, former senior vice president at Niantic and current president of games at Scopely, stating that a direct sequel is unlikely. He explained that the focus is on maintaining the existing community and inspiring exploration, suggesting any future new titles would approach the concept from a different angle. Pokemon Go continues to be a major success, approaching its tenth anniversary with over 500 million downloads and significant revenue.
