Not too long ago, it was discovered inPokemon GO’s game files that Niantic may be about to introduce a weeklyfitness goals featureto the wildly popular mobile augmented reality game, which would include player rewards as incentives. While this type of feature ought to go over well with fans of the ARG, it could also work like gangbusters if it becomes implemented before Niantic’s partnership with the National Parks Foundation.
Today, Niantic has announced it is teaming up with the National Park Foundation to celebrate of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails and National Wild & Scenic Rivers acts, andPokemon GOandIngressplayers are being invited to meet up, complete tasks, and explore the United States’ rivers and trails. Interestingly enough, those who participate are privy to a special patch and handwritten note from Niantic should they send a postcard or publish an Instagram post of the trail or river they’re exploring.
In an additional bid to motivatePokemon GOandIngressplayers to pitch in, Niantic has declared that it will donate $5 to the National Park Foundation for every digital or physical postcard received through December 31. This will likely be the first step in Niantic and the National Parks Foundation’s new mission together to explore “innovative ways to inspire people to connect with the national parks community through technology”.
All things considered, this partnership between Niantic and the National Parks Foundation will likely be lauded by many as a great stimulant to get physically inactivePokemon GOfans outdoors more to connect with nature. And with Niantic CEO John Hanke having stated thathe wantsPoGOto be a “lifetime experience”, fans should expect to see even more partnerships such as this well into the future if this venture succeeds.
Pokemon GOis available now for iOS and Android devices.
