Since 2017, Pokémon GO has brought people together through real-world events that combine outdoor exploration, community connection and exciting gameplay. These events have taken a variety of forms, from local Community Days to large-scale ticketed gatherings like Pokémon GO Fest and Pokémon GO Tour, each offering unique opportunities for Trainers to interact with other players and their surroundings. The newest addition to the live event lineup is Pokémon GO Wild Area, a multi-day event designed to further highlight the culture, charm, and local businesses of its host cities. Beyond offering unique gameplay experiences, these gatherings also generate meaningful benefits for the cities that host them, from increased tourism to positive impact on local businesses.
The inaugural Pokémon GO Wild Area event took place in Fukuoka, Japan on November 16–17, 2024, and welcomed more than 36,000 in-person attendees to Maizuru Park and other areas throughout the city. For two days, Maizuru Park and the streets of Fukuoka were alive with Trainers, families, and friends discovering the city together. The event generated an impressive ¥4.2B (US $28M) in local economic impact, thanks to the notable influx of visitors exploring Fukuoka’s shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks as they played.
Nearly 90 percent of Trainers traveled from outside Fukuoka, demonstrating Pokémon GO’s ability to draw Trainers to exciting new locations and strengthen communities while bolstering local economies. After experiencing Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka, almost a third of surveyed attendees noted plans to return to the city within the next year.
Here’s a snapshot of key statistics from the event:
- 36,000 Trainers attended the two-day festival in the park, with a total of 396,000 Trainers playing the game across Fukuoka city over the weekend.
- Total local economic impact: ¥4,207.2 million (US $28 million).
- The average visitor spent ¥67,336 (US$466).
- 89 percent of all Trainers traveled from outside Fukuoka.
- Fukuoka benefited as a tourism destination, as 31 percent of visitors stated that they will likely return to the city in the next 12 months, with "food" being the most common reason, followed by "sightseeing."
- The average Trainer walked 13km exploring the city and catching Pokémon.
- Trainers collectively caught 20 million Pokémon.
These results go far beyond gameplay. They highlight how play can fuel tourism, support local businesses, and inspire return visits. By bringing Trainers together for adventure, connection, and exploration, these Pokémon GO Wild Area events are more than events, they are economic and cultural catalysts. These gatherings both celebrate the host cities and demonstrate the passion and impact of Pokémon GO’s global community.
You can read the full Statista+ report of Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka here.
These events are a blueprint for how Pokémon GO can celebrate local culture, bring people together, and create lasting positive impact in communities around the world.
For more information on the recently announced Pokémon GO Wild Area: Nagasaki City, please see pokemongo.com/gowildarea