Pokémon Go With AI, Brings The World To Life

 

Catching the Future, How Pokémon GO Uses AI to Bring the World to Life

By Kenton Patterson – Future Tech Wise

Few games have changed the way we interact with the world quite like Pokémon GO. Launched in 2016, it sparked a global movement that blended nostalgia, adventure, and cutting-edge technology in the palm of your hand. But what many don’t realize is that behind the fun of catching Pikachu on your neighborhood street is a sophisticated layer of artificial intelligence a technology that’s not only transforming games but also reshaping how we experience the real world.

So, how does Pokémon GO use AI? Let’s explore this magical blend of play and progress.

A Game That Walks with You

For those unfamiliar:

• What is Pokémon GO? It’s a mobile augmented reality (AR) game where players explore the real world to find and catch virtual Pokémon.

• What is the purpose of Pokémon GO? It’s designed to encourage physical activity, social connection, and real-world exploration through digital gameplay.

• How do you play Pokémon GO? You walk around your environment, guided by your phone’s GPS, to discover Pokémon, visit landmarks known as PokéStops, and battle in Gyms.

• Does Pokémon GO cost money? It’s free to play, with optional in-game purchases.

• What devices can play it? It’s available on most Android and iOS smartphones.

• Does Pokémon GO need WiFi? Not necessarily a mobile data connection works just fine.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk tech.

Behind the Pokéball: AI in Action

Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, uses something called a Large Geospatial Model. This advanced AI system is trained using real-world data including images and location scans submitted by players themselves.

This AI doesn’t just see the world; it understands it. It can distinguish between the ground, trees, buildings, and even the sky. Think about that for a moment: when you throw a Pokéball, the game knows where it lands in the 3D environment around you. That’s AI working quietly behind the scenes, making your AR experience feel smooth and magical.

What’s more inspiring is how this AI isn’t just about games. The same technology that powers AR encounters in Pokémon GO could one day help robots navigate cities or assist blind people in understanding their surroundings. It’s a prime example of how play can power progress.

A Game with Purpose

You might wonder: What is the main reason people are still playing Pokémon GO? The answer goes deeper than just collecting Pokémon.

It brings joy. It sparks community. It gets people outdoors. During the pandemic, it was a lifeline for many a safe way to stay connected and active. And now, it’s inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and dreamers.

Even here in New Zealand, I’ve met teens who started with Pokémon GO and are now diving into coding, game design, or AI research. They want to create their own worlds, their own adventures. And that, to me, is the most exciting part of all.

A Final Thought Form, Future Tech Wise, The Future Is Playful

In Pokémon GO, technology meets wonder. Artificial intelligence, when used thoughtfully, can do more than automate it can elevate. It can help us see the world with new eyes.

So the next time you’re out catching a Charmander, remember: you’re part of something bigger. You’re not just playing a game you’re helping to train an AI that could shape the future of robotics, augmented reality, and even our understanding of the planet.

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