After many delays due to worries about Japan’s servers keeping up with demand, popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go will likely launch this week in the little monsters’ home country.
This is the first time the company has launched “sponsored locations”, whereby select partners can turn their retail store or locations into “gyms” — thereby attracting real foot traffic and possibly (or shall we say, hopefully) some conversions.
According to TechCrunch, McDonald’s is the first to tie-up with Pokémon Go, with 3,000 restaurants turning into gyms for Pokémon collectors.
If this model proves successful, “sponsored locations” could be a game-changer for both game makers and brands — provided Pokémon Go isn’t a one-hit wonder fad.
Japan is the first Asian country to get Pokémon Go (Australia and New Zealand aside), and the game is said to launch in Asia shortly after.
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(Source: TechCrunch)