Stories

Mon, 13 Jul 2026

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10 years of Pokémon Go and the millions still trying to catch 'em all

Michael Steranka, vice president at the mobile game's owner Scopely, says it has always been about bringing people together.
Pokémon Go, the popular mobile game, has been a cultural phenomenon since its release in 2016, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a real-world event in New York's Times Square. The game allows players to catch virtual monsters using their smartphones' GPS and augmented reality features, sparking a global craze where people flocked to public places to play. According to its publisher Scopely, the game has been downloaded over a billion times, with millions of active users every day. The game's success can be attributed to its ability to bring people together, said Michael Steranka, Vice President of Product at Scopely. He shared stories of players meeting through the game and even getting married. The game has hosted major live events in over 60 countries, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. Players like UK content creator j0beats, who runs one of Twitch's biggest channels dedicated to Pokémon Go, have fond memories of the game's community-driven events. She has traveled to meet fellow players and has seen the positive impact the game can have on people's lives. Austin, a player from Maine, shared how playing the game helped him overcome anxiety and depression. However, the game has also faced challenges, including connectivity issues and concerns about safety. The pandemic initially impacted the game, but it later bounced back as restrictions eased. Some fans questioned the future of the game when Scopely acquired developer Niantic for $3.5bn in 2025. Despite these challenges, Steranka said the focus for the game remains on community, memories, and creating experiences that families can share. He believes the game has a positive impact on people's lives and meets them where they are, at any phase of life.