Niantic confirms new Pokémon are coming

Niantic, the creator of the massively popular smartphone game, Pokémon Go, has confirmed that new Pokémon characters will be unveiled this Monday.

Keep an eye out on our social media channels on December 12th for details about the first addition of more Pokémon into Pokémon GO,” said the company statement.  

The augmented reality game, which allows people to catch Pokémon in the real world, was the most popular app on iTunes when it debuted in July. Since then, it has declined in popularity, as users were likely tired of stumbling upon Zubats and Rattatas. The new release will likely re-energize some of the app’s most loyal fans.

Sprint announced Wednesday that more than 10,500 of its locations will be turned into PokéStops and gyms, a way to encourage the game’s users to stop by storefronts. The telecom provider’s stock soared 7% on the news.

Starbucks has also been rumored to be working on a similar partnership with Pokémon. They may even be releasing a Pokémon-themed drink.

These are just the latest efforts for Niantic to keep people playing its hit game. The app had Halloween and Thanksgiving-themed promotions and they recently unveiled a new character, Ditto.

Pokémon Go has been named a finalist in TechCrunch’s annual Crunchies Awards.

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