Pokémon Go turns 10: Billions of downloads and the power of community
The mobile game Pokémon Go celebrates its 10th anniversary with over a billion downloads and millions of daily players still hunting virtual creatures in real-world locations.
A decade of catching virtual creatures
Pokémon Go, one of the biggest mobile game launches in history when it debuted in 2016, is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. The game uses GPS and augmented reality to let players find and catch virtual Pokémon in real-world locations. It has been downloaded over a billion times on iOS and Android, with millions still logging in daily.
Community at the core
Michael Steranka, vice president of product at publisher Scopely, emphasises that Pokémon Go has always been about bringing people together. "Pokémon Go will always start with community – we think we're only scratching the surface here," he says. The game has led to real-life connections so strong that the publisher regularly receives wedding invitations from players who met through the game.
Global events and billions of kilometres
Since the first Go Fest in 2017, the game has hosted major live events in over 60 countries, averaging more than 400,000 attendees per year. Scopely estimates players have collectively travelled over 100 billion kilometres while playing – roughly 334 round trips between Earth and the Sun. These events are likened to music festivals, where people gather not just to play but for the collective energy.
Unexpected mental health benefits
The game has also had a positive impact on players' mental health. One player from Maine, USA, says that before Pokémon Go it was "nearly impossible" to motivate himself due to anxiety and depression. Attending his first raid meetup felt like "a warm blanket," and from that day on, the inner voice telling him to stay in bed was silenced.
Pandemic and server challenges
The game's immense popularity sometimes led to safety warnings from police and server strain. During the pandemic, strict lockdowns hit Pokémon Go harder than most games because it relies on outdoor activity. However, as restrictions eased, the game rebounded.
Future under new ownership
In 2025, Scopely – owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund – acquired the game's developer Niantic for $3.5 billion. Some fans have concerns, but Steranka promises the focus remains on community, memories, and family experiences. "My hope is that we prove to players over time that this is definitively a good thing for the game and the community," he says.
