Niantic, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company announced Pokémon GO, a location-based augmented reality game.
Pokémon GO was officially released in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, starting the global launch of the game.
Pokémon GO was released in most remaining countries worldwide after the initial launch period.
Niantic hosted the first major live Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago, an in-person event with special in-game activities.
Niantic added Raid Battles to the game, which allowed players to team up to defeat powerful Pokémon in Gyms.
The Buddy System was introduced, allowing players to select a Pokémon to walk with and earn candies.
The update added the ability for players to trade Pokémon with friends and develop friendships with various bonuses.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic held Pokémon GO Fest 2020 as a virtual event, allowing players worldwide to participate from home.
In response to pandemic restrictions, Remote Raid Passes allowed players to join raids from anywhere without physical proximity.
The game celebrated five years since launch with special events and bonuses for players.
Pokémon GO is launched worldwide, allowing Trainers to explore the world to catch Pokémon using augmented reality technology.
Team Leaders Spark, Candela, and Blanche are introduced, along with the Trainer Battles feature which allows for player versus player combat.
The first Community Day event is held featuring Pikachu, providing players with exclusive moves and bonuses for a limited time.
Mega Evolutions are introduced in Pokémon GO, allowing certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve into more powerful forms during raids and battles.
Team GO Rocket invades PokéStops, introducing Shadow Pokémon which players can purify for additional benefits.
The first large-scale Pokémon GO Fest event is held, bringing together Trainers in multiple cities worldwide for exclusive challenges and rewards.
Special and Field Research tasks are added to gameplay, providing storyline quests and rewards for completing specific challenges.
The Ultra Unlock series kicks off, advancing the storyline involving Ultra Beasts and the Ultra Recon Squad.
Remote Raid Passes are introduced, enabling Trainers to join raids from anywhere without being physically near a gym.
The Buddy Adventure feature is launched, allowing Trainers to interact more deeply with their Buddy Pokémon through activities like feeding, playing, and exploring together.
