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Niantic has announced the next collaboration event for “Pokémon GO,” and it is not with any other popular video game franchise. The developer of the AR game has partnered with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran that will bring fans a special in-app performance and the return of some beloved Pokémon in the wild.
The highlight of the “Pokémon GO” collaboration is a special performance from Sheeran as Niantic confirmed he will serenade trainers through the app on Monday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. PST. It does not seem to be a live performance, though. In a blog post, the developer said the in-app mini-concert would be available through Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. PST.
It should still be a welcome treat for “Pokémon GO” trainers, who also happen to love Sheeran’s music. Niantic also confirmed that Sheeran’s in-app performance will feature songs from his latest album “=” (pronounced equals), including “Shivers,” “First Times,” “Bad Habits,” and “Overpass Graffiti.” Players will also be serenaded with a couple of older chart-topping singles from Sheeran, such as “Perfect” and “Thinking Out Loud.”
Video game developers collaborating with music stars are not new, as evidenced by several in-game concerts Epic Games has hosted in “Fortnite” during the pandemic. But Sheeran’s collaboration with “Pokémon GO” also makes sense since the singer is known to love “Pokémon.” Back in 2013, Sheeran shared a photo of his cat and a Pokémon card on Instagram. Last May, Sheeran also posed beside a life-size Snorlax stuffed toy.
In the same blog post, Niantic says Sheeran chooses a Water-type Pokémon when starting a Pokémon RPG, and the developer has incorporated that in the special event. “In celebration of this collaboration, look forward to an event featuring all of the Water-type first-partner Pokémon currently available in ‘Pokémon GO,’” Niantic wrote.
During the event, “Pokémon GO” players will have more chances to encounter the Totodile, Mudkip, Piplup, and Oshawott. They might also get the chance to encounter a Squirtle wearing sunglasses (also coming in Shiny form) and the Froakie. Players are more likely to encounter the special Squirtle when they participate in Field Research tasks.
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
