Pokémon Go's $3.5B Sale Sparks Mixed Reactions at Italy Meetup

Fans of Pokémon Go gathered in Milan for a significant City Safari meetup, coinciding with the game's recent $3.5 billion sale to Scopely. Players expressed mixed feelings about the sale while enjoying the event, which allowed them to explore the city while catching rare Pokémon. Despite concerns about increased monetization and potential advertising under new ownership, many players left the event satisfied with their Pokémon catches, including rare spawns and a new donkey Pokémon, Mudbray. The meetup celebrated Pokémon Go’s community, underscoring its role as a way of life for players who travel to connect with friends and fellow trainers. The event demonstrated the vibrancy of the game's community, with fans traveling from multiple countries to participate.

Pokémon Go was sold as part of a $3.5 billion deal to Scopely, which has raised various opinions among the community regarding its future.

Pokémon Go is a location-based augmented reality game that became a global phenomenon since its release in 2016. Originally developed by Niantic, the game encourages players to explore their surroundings to catch virtual Pokémon, completing tasks and engaging with fellow players at real-world locations. The game has had a considerable impact on social gaming, fostering community gatherings and events like the City Safari in Milan, emphasizing its role in players' social lives and fitness routines.