Yuki Kawamura Discusses Pokémon GO and the Rapid Growth of Social-Interactive Gaming in India [Exclusive]

The popularity of Pokémon GO in India has seen a remarkable rise over the years since its initial release just over five years ago. I had the pleasure of experiencing this phenomenon firsthand during the GO Fest 2024 meetup in Kolkata, which sparked my eagerness to engage in discussions with Niantic about their perspective on the game’s expansion and its future in the Indian market.

This opportunity to converse finally materialized during the Pokémon Festivities event held in Mumbai on October 16, 2024. I was fortunate to meet Yuki Kawamura, Niantic’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects.

During our conversation, we explored various facets of Pokémon GO’s social-interactive gaming landscape in India, focusing on community engagement and much more.

Insights from Yuki Kawamura about India’s Pokémon GO Community and Future Directions

New festive Pikachu designs (Image via Angshuman Dutta/Sportskeeda)

Q: How is Pokémon GO promoting social-interactive gaming in India?

Yuki Kawamura: A central goal of Pokémon GO is to foster community connections through this geolocation-based experience. We organize numerous local events.

For example, every month, we facilitate Community Days in nearly 30 cities across India, where over 50 communities come together. Participants engage in cooperative gameplay, forging bonds and enhancing their social interactions.

In comparison to other regions, India demonstrates a unique and rapid growth in this community aspect.

Q: What is the significance of the Indian gaming audience and local tech talent for Niantic’s augmented reality ambitions?

Yuki Kawamura: Augmented reality remains a pivotal focus for our technology endeavors. We are witnessing a growing adoption of AR features within Pokémon GO, particularly in India. Our intention is to sustain our investment in this domain and illustrate the possibilities that this technology holds.

Q: How does the Indian Pokémon GO community stand out compared to those in other countries with sizable player bases?

Yuki Kawamura: While I can’t make direct comparisons with other markets, it’s clear that the enthusiasm within the Pokémon GO community in India is remarkable. During Community Days, the excitement is palpable; players engage in collaborative gameplay, exploring together. This vibrant atmosphere is one of India’s strong points.

Upcoming Pikachu in saree for Pokémon GO (Image via Niantic)

At the Pokémon Festivities event in Mumbai, The Pokémon Company unveiled Pikachu dressed in traditional attire, including a kurta and a saree, which is set to debut in Pokémon GO during the upcoming Festival of Lights next month.

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