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Gamers Flock to Taiwan for Global Pokémon GO Event
Thousands of Pokémon trainers from around the world gathered in Taiwan for one of Pokémon GO’s largest annual events, the Pokémon GO Tour. Hosted in a different city each year, this year’s event took place in New Taipei City, drawing fans who traveled across continents to participate.
Among them was Denise and her friends, dedicated players who traveled from the United Kingdom specifically for the event. “We try to go to all the events,” she said. “I love the Pokémon community. Just everything. Everyone's so friendly. It's a good family game. I always say a family of Pokémon together stay together. And it gets me out and about. Meeting new people, seeing new places.”
After an initial boom in popularity following its 2016 release, Pokémon GO continues to maintain a dedicated player base worldwide. Players say the game is more than a virtual pastime; it encourages real-world interaction, allowing players to meet each other, trade regionally exclusive Pokémon, and catch rare creatures.
Senior Vice President of Niantic, Ed Wu, emphasized Taiwan’s particular significance for the game. “I can't emphasize enough how important of a market Taiwan is for Niantic and for Pokémon GO,” he said. “But that comes from having a community, having a country that loves our game so much that they can come out and really show what it can be in its perfect form. And that's why Taiwan is the perfect place to do that.”
The event not only brought fans together but also a boost to the local economy. Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, frequently collaborates with local governments in Taiwan to integrate in-game features that promote tourism and exploration. New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih highlighted how the event's official routes showcased the city.
“The 10 official [in-game] routes introduce the history, culture, food and modernization of New Taipei to help people learn about the past, present, and future of this city,” he said.
Taiwan’s Pokémon GO community has long been a global talking point. In 2016, videos of enormous crowds rushing to catch rare Pokémon in Beitou went viral. The country is also home to the so-called “Pokémon Grandpa,” who gained worldwide attention for rigging his bicycle with dozens of smartphones to maximize his catches.
The game has also found an unlikely demographic in Taiwan’s older generation. A 72-year-old player from Taichung shared his enthusiasm. “I’ve played Pokémon GO for five years. The more I play, the more I like it,” he said.
He noted that seniors dominate the local player base. “The people coming out to play are all seniors.
Especially on the weekends, young people are all sleeping. I don’t see young people playing,” he said.
For dedicated fans, the appeal of the game remains strong nearly a decade after its launch. Many, like Denise and other international visitors, continue to travel worldwide, hoping to “catch ‘em all.”
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