IT was a game that was 20 years in the making. When it finally rolled, it hit the entire world like no other game ever did. It was a runaway success, and it changed the landscape and completely elevated the benchmark of mobile and online gaming.
“I’m very excited to see all the enthusiasm for Pokémon Go, because we’ve had so much fun working on the game, inventing it, offering it to all of you, because we love to see our own families, going outside, walking in the park, and just enjoying close to where they live. And it’s been fantastic for the last few months, to see pictures, posts on social media from all around the world, and people going outside and just having fun with the game.”
These are the words of John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic Inc., the innovative developer and publisher of popular augmented reality games, like Ingress and Field Trip. Together with The Pokémon Company, they created what is now one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world: Pokémon Go.
Hanke was here last weekend, to engage with Filipino players of the game, as he graced the launch of a collaborative partnership that is sure to take the Pokémon Go experience further. This is the partnership among The Pokémon Company, Niantic Inc. and telecommunications giant Globe Telecom.
“We picked what we felt like the most innovative cellular company in the Philippines, which really understood gaming, and which really understand what people want to do with their mobile devices, and then work with us not just to bring the game to the Philippines but to make it better,” Hanke said during the launch. “It’s our first partnership to launch outside of North America and Japan. Globe is the first company we’re doing this with.”
The partnership launch last Halloween weekend kicked off Globe’s first-ever Pokémon Festival in the Philippines. The festival was free and was open to everyone, and guests had a wonderful time meeting Pikachu while enjoying the original Pokémon screening, as well as costume contests and many more surprises for the family. Pokémon Go enthusiasts were also treated to walks and tours around Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Also over the weekend, Pokémon Go trainers all over the country were happy to discover that hundreds of Globe retail locations and charging stations have become new Gyms and Pokéstops in the game. Presently, Globe is also working with its partners Ayala Malls, Puregold, Robinsons Malls and SM Supermalls to spread more Pokémon Go joy, and open more of these game markers so players will have more chances of catching Pokémons to complete their Pokedex.
“Pokémon Go fever has certainly taken over the majority of Filipinos’ digital lifestyle. From walks to ‘lure parties’, the take-up on the mobile game continues to grow. We want to give our customers more reasons to enjoy the game, and the launch of new Pokéstops and Gyms is just the start of our collaborative efforts,” Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan said.
“Today, across the country, there are more
than 200 Gyms and more than 300 new Pokéstops that have popped up. And as John Hanke mentioned, this is just the beginning. There will
be many thousands more of these Pokéstops and Gyms that will turn up across the country over the coming months ahead. This is just the very beginning,” Dan added.
Globe is going to make sure that, through its different mobile offers, customers who love the game will have better accessibility. On Globe Prepaid’s leading GoSURF50 mobile promo, customers will be able to access Pokémon Go as one of the free apps within the bundle.
Globe customers can also download the free Pokémon Go promo on the Globe Switch app. Included in the partnership are distribution rights to Pokémon merchandise, including digital connectors, cool gadgets and a selection of apparel that is perfect for the holiday season.
Hanke also hinted at something that they are putting together for players of the game. “We are working on something special before the end of the year. The team is working superhard on it before the end of December.”
Dan confirmed, adding, “Over the coming months heading into Christmas, it will be a Pokémon Christmas. Across the malls, across the event spaces in the Philippines, you will see Pokémon everywhere. Amazing amounts of merchandise and all of those cool and exclusive items will be available across the country, not just in Globe stores, but also in our partner-establishments.”
In closing, Globe Telecom Chief Commercial Officer Alberto de Larrazabal said, “We are looking forward to being able to deliver for you an even better Pokémon Go experience moving forward, and it should be a great set for the holidays having Pikachu by your side.”
Indeed, thanks to Globe and its partnership with The Pokémon Company and Niantic Inc., spending the most anticipated holidays of the year with beloved characters from our childhood is something to truly look forward to. n