Pokemon Games Are Turning Fans Into NPCs For The First Time Ever
From the first moment we first saw Ash Ketchum spin a Pokeball to catch a Caterpie outside Pallet Town, who didn't want to be the very best (like no one ever was)? Over the years, we've seen everyone from Red to Professor Elm make a name for themselves, but for as long as we can remember, we've never been able to get inside the wide world of Pokemon monsters ourselves. Now, the Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto event is giving eight lucky players the chance to be immortalised in the popular mobile game.
Although you sadly won't be trawling around the Galar region in the inevitable Sword and Shield sequel, it's still a great badge of honour to have for Poke-fans who are still loyal to Pokemon GO. Since its release in July 2016, Pokemon GO has gone from strength to strength and still has a massive monthly playerbase. To kick-off 2021, the Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto event is going back to the very start to celebrate 25 years of the OG Pokemon and five years of Pokemon GO.
How do you become a Pokemon NPC?
If you want to be one of the lucky few, you're encouraged to put on your best virtual outfit, then post a picture of your trainer profile and a list of three non-Legendary Kanto Pokemon (apart from Ditto) on Twitter alongside the hashtag #PokemonGOTourContest. Niantic has said winners will be judged on the creativity of their avatar's outfit, the general theme, and the composition of your pokemon team. All entries must be submitted by January 11 at 11:59 PM PST/January 12 at 07:59 AM GMT.
The winners will have their avatars displayed around the globe as rival players will be able to battle them. It's just like heading back to the handheld games where you could take on Bug Catcher Paul, Crush Girl Alison, or Fisher Michael. We've already been battling the likes of Team Rocket out there on the Pokemon GO map, but now, Niantic could be adding you to the map. Added to this, the fact we're getting new NPCs gives hopes that Ash himself could one day appear in Pokemon GO.
The Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto event challenges players with capturing all 150 of the original Pokemon. As a reward, Niantic will let you catch pokemon with exclusive moves and maybe even the chance to nab a shiny version of the original 150. The event will be ticket only, however, those who part with their cash can take part in a Special Research encounter that culminates in finding an ultra-rare Shiny Mew. Importantly, this is the first time the Pokemon has ever appeared outside Japan.
The final bonus is the fact the Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto event will let you battle all the NPC trainers Niantic chose. In the run-up to the Kanto event on February 20, Niantic is rolling out a series of spotlight events from different regions - starting with the Unova region and the first-ever Collection Challenge. Will you be one of the privileged players to have your name and face become an icon of the Kanto region?
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Images via Niantic | The Pokemon Company
