In Pokémon GO, there could be a new feature called “Playgrounds” in the future. The first players in the world can already test it.
What kind of feature is this? Niantic refers to “Playgrounds” as a new AR feature that expands the snapshot function of Pokémon GO.
The idea behind it is that various PokéStops and gyms act as so-called Playgrounds. If you visit these places, you can drop off a Pokémon and take snapshots of it. It should then interact with the world around it.
The special thing: Your Pokémon currently stays stationed at this PokéStop for 48 hours, similar to Showcases or the current Dyna battles. Other trainers visiting these stops can also drop off their Pokémon, which will then remain at that location for two days.
If multiple trainers have left their monsters there, you can also take photos with them. This leads to images of entire Pokémon groups playing together with foreign Pokémon.
Currently, this feature seems to be in a testing phase.
Where is Playground being tested in Pokémon GO?
Currently, players in the subreddit for Pokémon GO, TheSilphRoad reported receiving a message that Playgrounds is now being tested in San Francisco.
There, the first PokéStops are being transformed into Playgrounds where trainers can drop off their Pokémon.
In fact, this is not the first test of its kind. Players in Seattle and Bellevue also reported similar messages and tests about a month ago (via reddit).
When will the feature come to us? This is still open, and it is also unclear when the feature will be “officially” released.
What do you think of the feature? The AR features of Pokémon GO are received differently by the player community. While some enjoy transporting their Pokémon into the real world via camera and taking photos of them, others prefer not to use the AR feature at all. Additionally, the AR features have come under criticism for sometimes being problematic due to filming.
We want to know: Would this feature be something for you? Would you like to drop off your monsters at stops to take group photos with the Pokémon of other trainers? Or is that not really for you? Let us know in the comments!
