Pokemon Go Beta Test Begins in Japan

Pokemon Go, the ambitious-sounding game in which you catch Pokemon the real world, has launched in Japan through a field test. Sign-ups for the field test opened earlier this month.

Developer Niantic Labs said in a Google Plus update translated by IGN that players will be invited into the beta test using a lottery system. If you don't get in right away, hope is not lost, as Niantic said it plans to "gradually" expand the field test to more users.

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"We'll give you information about the lottery system and invitation based on your device and experience of real-world gaming you've had so far," the update said. "Those invited will be sent the details via email, however, for those who have not received an invitation please stay excited as we are gradually expanding the field test."

The Pokemon Go field test will come to other countries, potentially the United States and Europe, at a later date.

In other news about Pokemon Go, The Pokemon Company and Niantic recently explained how the game works and released the first official images following a leak at SXSW.

A free-to-play game supported by microtransactions, Pokemon Go is set to launch in full later this year. A bracelet-like Pokemon Go Plus device that buzzes when Pokemon are nearby will also be released. Check it out below:

Pokemon Go builds off Niantic's work on the similar, location-based real-world/video game hybrid Ingress. It's part of what Niantic is calling its "Real World" gaming platform, which aims to motivate players to go outdoors and explore the real world.