Niantic is gearing up for its biggest event of the year with Pokémon Go Fest 2024 kicking off on May 30 in Japan. This year, the event will start earlier than usual, with Japan hosting first, followed by Spain in June and the US in July.
The annual Pokémon Go Fest has become a global phenomenon, spanning three continents to accommodate its massive player base and financial success. Starting on May 30 in Sendai and concluding with a worldwide digital expansion on July 14, Niantic is taking a more strategic approach to the event this time around, compared to the previous year’s event which was confined to August.
More than just a game
Despite the higher ticket prices for Go Fest, which are more expensive than a standard microtransaction, the event continues to attract tens of thousands of attendees. In Madrid, players can expect to pay €32 for a ticket, with early buyers receiving a discount at €27. The popularity of Pokémon Go as one of the top-grossing mobile games in history allows Niantic to set such high prices for in-person events, creating an exclusive and community-driven experience.
The Madrid event is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 16.
Speaking about hosting the event, Marta Rivera, Madrid City Council’s third deputy mayor and councillor delegate for culture, tourism, and sport, expressed excitement at bringing together people from all walks of life through technology and gaming.
Following Spain, Pokémon Go Fest will head to New York City for an event from July 5 to July 7, coinciding with the game’s eighth anniversary. A two-day digital event, Go Fest Global, will follow one week later for players who couldn’t attend in person, opening up ticket sales to a global audience.
A history of celebration
Last year’s Go Fest featured exclusive Pokémon like Mega Diancie and Mega Rayquaza, enticing players to purchase tickets for a chance to catch these rare creatures. The trend is likely to continue for the 2024 event, with the promise of releasing popular and powerful Pokémon for the first time.
Past Go Fests have been held in Europe, Asia, and North America since 2019, with last year’s events in England, Japan, and the US paving the way for the global expansion in 2024. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, Niantic has successfully transformed its in-person events into global celebrations, attracting players from around the world.
Another recent Go Fest event took place in Los Angeles, offering players new gameplay experiences and opportunities to interact with other trainers.
