17 photos from around the world that show Pokmon Go is a global phenomenon

July 2024 · 3 minute read
2016-07-24T14:02:00Z

"Pokémon GO" is a global phenomenon.

The augmented reality game, which relies on your phone's GPS and camera to create the illusion that Pokémon are all around you, requires that its users venture out into the real world in search of imaginary creatures.

"Pokémon GO" is still in the process of rolling out across the globe, so it's still not available in South America, most of Asia, or Africa. But where it is available — it's everywhere.

On the streets of New York, it's hard to go anywhere without bumping into someone on the hunt for Pokémon.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

You can even get a tour through Central Park, where "Pokémon GO" experts will take you to spots filled with rare Pokémon.

Tech Insider

Our own Alex Heath went on one of these tours — check out the photos.

Even Justin Bieber joined in on the fun.

Chris Snyder / Tech Insider

In Australia, players regularly swarm the Sydney Opera House.

Brendon Thorne / Stringer / Getty

But here are some folks taking a breather from the chaos. But, yep, you guessed it — they're still playing "Pokémon GO."

Brendon Thorne / Stringer / Getty

In Melbourne, Flinders Street Station is a popular Pokéstop.

"Pokémon GO" player outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, Australia Robert Cianflone / Getty

When "Pokémon GO" was released in New Zealand, Elaine Chung and her son Samuel decided to play the game together.

Fiona Goodall / Stringer

Though "Pokémon GO" isn't officially available in South Korea, there's a town in the northeastern region of the country called Sokcho where the game somewhat miraculously works.

Jean Chung / Stringer / Getty

(H/T The Verge)

This has caused a flood of tourists to the area, since there is uncertainty as to whether the game will ever be officially released across the entire country.

Jean Chung / Stringer / Getty

Here, two people in Sokcho offer their "Pokémon GO"-related service, where customers can pay them to walk around and hatch their eggs.

Two people advertise a "Pokémon GO"-related service where they'll walk to hatch your eggs for you. Jean Chung / Stringer / Getty

Here, Leo, Adam, and Tom — students at Finchley Catholic School in London — play "Pokémon GO" in Trafalgar Square.

Leo, Adam and Tom from Finchley Catholic school playing "Pokémon GO" Olivia Harris / Stringer / Getty

Not too far off are Samantha and Jess, who are doing the same.

Samantha and Jess play "Pokémon GO" in Trafalgar Square, London, England Olivia Harris / Stringer / Getty

If you went to Hanover, Germany, you might see a massive crowd like this, all of whom are playing "Pokémon GO."

Alexander Koerner / Stringer / Getty

Thousands of people were out and about when the game was released in Germany, all searching for Pokémon.

Alexander Koerner / Stringer / Getty

In Tokyo, someone's trying to catch a Pikachu at the Sensoji temple in the Asakusa district.

in front of Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, at the Sensoji temple in Tokyo's Asakusa shopping and tourist district Eugene Hoshiko/AP

In Japan, every McDonald's is a sponsored Pokéstop, so players can regularly be seen near the golden arches.

Koji Sasahara/AP

Because after a long day of Pokémon hunting around the world, sometimes you just need a snack.

Tomohiro Ohsumi / Stringer / Getty Images

To check if "Pokémon GO" is available in your country, check here.

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