Niantic Labs has announced that it is beginning sign-ups for a field test for the upcoming mobile game "Pokémon Go" that will begin later in March. The catch? Registration is only available to players in Japan.
The field test is similar to a beta for the game, which should imply that development is coming along smoothly. As with a beta test, the program will be used to gather feedback and user data in order to improve the game or address bugs before it launches.
The instructions for the beta program are only visible in the Japanese version of the game's website, which indicates that "Pokémon Go" will require either an iOS or Android device and goes on to reveal potential participants must have a Google account to register.
Forget about trying to sneak your way into the field test if you live outside Japan. If you try to access the site from anywhere else in the world, you'll come to a relatively empty page that will tell you that the contents are unavailable in your country and to check back later for future details.
Niantic was sure to note that even if you're fortunate enough to live in Japan, you may be unable to participate in the test since it can only accommodate a limited amount of players. Of course, those who make the cut will be required to keep the content of the test confidential.
Announced last fall for worldwide release, "Pokémon Go" remains unscheduled, and few details are known about the mobile game beyond the promised ability to "catch, train and battle monsters in the real world." This lingering state of ambiguity was expected to change at this year's Game Developers Conference where Niantic would offer more information about the game during a panel and demonstration. However, an update earlier this week revealed that the session had been cancelled, leaving anxious fans worried about the fate of the game until now.
"Pokémon Go" is scheduled to drop later this year for both iOS and Android, representing a collaboration between Niantic, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company. The game promises to allow players to use their smart devices outside to discover, battle and capture Pokémon in real world settings. Players can also opt to use a device called Pokémon Go Plus, which among other things, will vibrate when a wild Pokémon is nearby.
In October, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo invested $20 million in Niantic, which spun off from Google that same year, as it sought money from investors. Just last week, Niantic raised another $5 million.
