'Pokémon Go' Is Evolving with the Addition of Quests, Storylines, and Mew!

Pokémon Go is certainly evolving. This week, Niantic revealed that they will shortly be adding new storylines, quests and even the inclusion of the most evasive of all Pokémon, the Mew.

To date, Pokémon Go has all been about the chase. Capture as many Pokémon as you can and then take them into battle. Which, don’t get me wrong, is not half bad. It grasps the basic concept of the franchise and makes it accessible to all. It is fun, addictive and gets you out and about but the series has so much more to offer and thankfully, Niantic are beginning to incorporate more into this thrilling AR game.

The game franchise began back in 1996, releasing as a pair of video games for the original Game Boy. Over the years the franchise grew in popularity and spread to trading cards, toys, movies, TV shows and more, a franchise that is now estimated to be worth a staggering $15 billion. In fact, Pokémon is the second biggest gaming franchise in the world behind Mario, of course. Both IP’s are owned by Nintendo and ship world-wide.

In the main Pokémon game series, the player (trainer) sets about gathering a team of Pokémon, with varying skills and strengths, and battles them against a series of NPC’s. Each game, typical, leads the player through a specific Pokémon world—within which lie various native trainers and creatures.

Pokémon Go on the other hand takes place in the real world. It is an augmented reality based game that takes advantage of the open space available in the real world. To date, it has all been about physical world exploration and the simple goal was to catch ‘em all.

But now, Niantic are delving deeper into the game and adding new dimensions which is a welcome addition for many, including me, who simply do not have the time (or the desire) to raid.

But how exactly will it work? Here’s Niantic’s take on the update.

"Trainers will begin receiving research tasks later this week, adding new activities and challenges that can be completed for in-game rewards. Some of these rewards will lead Trainers to access unique storylines that include discovering the mystery behind the Mythical Pokémon Mew."

"Pokémon GO’s new research feature will provide Trainers with unique activities called Field Research and Special Research. Field Research tasks can be collected by spinning nearby PokéStops, and they include a wide range of Pokémon-related activities. Special Research tasks are story-driven activities that may be requested by Professor Willow himself, and they will unfold as the Trainer completes more objectives."

To me that sounds great. The Poke-universe is vast and I am glad that we are now seeing more of it in Pokémon Go. As a player that has found myself spending less and less time on the game this is just the incentive I need to get back out there and incorporate the adventure into me working day.

Single player alternatives is something that has been lacking from Pokemon Go—the introduction of the above new modes and the promise of even more to come really starts to round off the offering and should give a major boost to activity as dormant players find new purpose within the game.

It would seem that by collecting stamps (seven to be precise) we will work toward the chances of encountering the more legendary of Pokémon—this is likely where the Mew will come into play.

Personally, I am thrilled that this is happening. I will certainly be back training hard. Will you be out chasing quests?