10 years of Pokémon Go and the millions still trying to catch ’em all

10 years of Pokémon Go and the millions still trying to catch 'em all

10 years of Pokémon Go - Since its debut in 1996 on Nintendo's Game Boy, Pokémon has captivated fans for over three decades, with the pursuit of collecting all creatures often taking place beyond the confines of home. The mobile adaptation of this iconic franchise, Pokémon Go, launched in 2016, transformed the experience by integrating GPS and augmented reality technology. Players now interact with digital monsters in real-world environments, creating a unique blend of virtual and physical engagement.

Now entering its tenth year, the game has amassed over a billion downloads on iOS and Android platforms. Despite its age, Pokémon Go continues to attract millions of daily users, fostering a sense of shared adventure. Michael Steranka, vice president of product at Scopely, the game's publisher, emphasizes that the core of Pokémon Go has always been its community-driven nature. "The experience is built around bringing people together," he explains. "We often receive wedding invitations from players who met through the game, highlighting its role in shaping relationships."

A Global Phenomenon and Its Real-World Impact

On Thursday, thousands of players gathered in New York’s Times Square to commemorate the game’s anniversary. The event featured a dramatic encounter with a giant Mewtwo, a nod to the original trailer released a decade prior. This gathering underscores how Pokémon Go has evolved beyond a mere app, becoming a cultural touchstone for its community. The game’s popularity has also led to large-scale live events in over 60 countries, averaging more than 400,000 attendees annually since the first Go Fest in 2017.

“By allowing you to take your mobile phone out into the world to discover virtual creatures, Pokémon Go helped realise the millennial dream of becoming a Pokémon Trainer,” said Matthew Reynolds, editor of One More Catch.

Content creator J0beats, who runs one of Twitch’s most popular Pokémon Go channels, highlights the social aspect of the game. "People always think it's crazy that you travel all over just to catch some pixels," she laughs. "But it's not just about the game—it's about the people and the energy you share with them. It's like a music festival: you could stay home and listen to the music, or you could go out and experience it live with others."

For J0beats, a cherished memory comes from a local event in South Yorkshire. In 2025, the Wild Area—a major in-game event—was hosted in Doncaster, close to her home. "Collaborating with community ambassadors there was incredibly rewarding," she recalls. "It was a moment to connect with others and celebrate the game in a real-world setting." Her favorite Pokémon is Eevee, a creature known for its adaptability and charm.

A Healing Experience for Some Players

For others, Pokémon Go has served as more than entertainment—it’s been a lifeline. Austin, a resident of Maine, describes how the game reignited his enthusiasm for life. "Before playing Pokémon Go, I found it nearly impossible to motivate myself," he shares. "I was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression. But when I attended my first raid meetup, it felt like a warm blanket. As I walked to the group of strangers in the park, I noticed them looking at me, and for the first time, I wasn’t nervous—I was excited and happy."

“From that day on, that little voice telling me to stay in bed was put on mute,” Austin adds.

While the game has brought joy to many, it has also faced challenges. Early on, police and safety organizations warned about players becoming too absorbed in their quests, leading to incidents of getting lost or putting themselves at risk. Server issues were another hurdle, with Reynolds noting that "connectivity problems were rife for some time" due to the game’s massive global following. Yet, these obstacles have not diminished its appeal, proving that Pokémon Go remains a powerful and enduring phenomenon.