Pokemon Go Community Events Announced For The US

Pokemon Go developer Niantic has announced a partnership with the Knight Foundation to foster engagement with community events in the US.

The purpose of the partnership is to "promote civic engagement within public spaces" around the country through the use of Niantic's augmented reality titles. The first such event is being held in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 7 as part of Open Streets 704, a community festival in which streets are closed off to automobile traffic for recreational use by cyclists, runners, and the general public. Pokemon Go players will be able to interact with 16 PokeStops and two Gyms selected by the city of Charlotte, which will be designated with physical markers. The event runs from 1 PM to 5 PM Eastern Time.

John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, had the following to say regarding the collaboration:

"We founded Niantic to give people the chance to connect with the world around them using technology and games in innovative ways. The partnership with The Knight Foundation is a great forum to explore how technology can drive civic engagement."

The Pokemon Company has also announced a limited-time event for all players this weekend. From May 5 to May 8, Pokemon Go players will encounter more Grass-type Pokemon while using the app.

Since its release in July 2016, Pokemon Go has been downloaded over 650 million times and retains roughly 65 million monthly active users. The game was updated this past February with over 80 new monsters from the series' second generation titles, Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal. Details on other community events being held by Niantic and the Knight Foundation will be announced at a later date.