Start getting ready to catch 'em all in augmented reality because we are one step closer to the official launch of Pokémon GO.
The software development company Niantic Labs announced on May 25 that it is expanding its beta testing program for the anticipated Pokémon mobile game to the U.S.
Niantic Labs previously launched its beta program for Pokémon GO in Japan, then expanded it to Australia and New Zealand, where lucky gamers have been given early access to the game for the past several months to help the developer identity any problems and provide feedback as they collect Pokémon in the real world and battle them against others in the game.
Then last week, the company revealed that gamers in the U.S. can now also sign up to join the "field test." This meant that it was only a matter of time before the beta program became available for loyal Pokémon fans and avid mobile gamers here in the States.
Now this time it is finally upon us. The launching of beta testing here in the U.S. could suggest that it is almost go time for the public release of Pokémon GO.
We could assume that releasing the beta for iOS and Android users in the U.S. means they are one step close to the official launch. The company went as far to title the blog post for this "Warner! Closer!," and if that doesn't hint at the fact that the official release is coming soon, we don't know what else will.
Then again, we do stress the fact that it is still almost GO time.
We know that expanding the field testing means that Niantic Labs is looking to get even more user feedback as it prepares for the big launch.
Even still, this beta launch comes at the perfect time because gamers will be able to test out the new features that have recently been added.
Niantic Labs revealed in the blog post that testers can now help their Pokémon evolve, which opens "a whole new area of gameplay." Instead of just finding and collection fully grown Pokémon, trainers will also be able to collect Eggs. In order to have the Pokémon Egg hatch, the user will have to do a decent about of walking before seeing it emerge. Trainers will also be able to use an incubator to help speed this process along.
Pokémon Go will also feature special Pokémon Gyms that are in real-world locations where trainers can test their characters in battles to win control over the location for one of three Pokémon Trainer teams.
According to Niantic Labs:
"Empty Gyms are claimed by a team when a Trainer places a Pokémon there to claim it. Friendly Gyms grow in prestige when their defending Pokémon are trained in battles. Higher level Gyms have room for more Trainers to deploy Pokémon to defend them. Rival Gyms can be challenged by Trainers who can use their Pokémon to attack the defending Pokémon. Groups of players can work together to challenge rival Gyms."
The U.S. beta program is still accepting new testers. To join the field testing, sign up here by filling out a form that asked for an email address and whether you have and iOS or Android device.
Pokémon GO is expected to be released sometime this year for iOS and Android.
Source: Niantic Labs
