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This May be Pokemon Go’s First Step Into Asia as Hints of Japan Launch Before July’s End


Amid the flurry of Pokemon Go activities—crashing servers and soaring stocks alike—there's an entire continent that's been missing out on the official action of the game.

But that may change on July 20, if a new report turns out to be true. TechCrunch reportedly got in touch with some sources that teased the launch of Pokemon Go earlier than expected in Japan.

Instead of the expected July 31 release date, it's being pushed more than a week early. Of course, these are one of those reports that you need to take with a huge handful of salt—especially if you are heavily invested in Pokemon Go.

Niantic Labs hasn't even confirmed or denied anything in light of the report. Considering the expected boom in traffic that a Japan launch will bring to Pokemon Go, it's hard to really imagine in what state an earlier launch will find the servers in.

In any case, Pokemon Go has already been launched in 30 countries, with more areas in Europe receiving their dose of the official launch. Maybe the developer has deemed the servers ready for a bigger Asian launch following the intense stress test that it has been receiving so far?

Still, apart from the possible Japan launch, the source also hinted that the launch may even come with the first partner—read: sponsored—tie-in. After Niantic Labs CEO John Hanke hinted that there may be sponsored locations later on, it's not impossible to find giant names like McDonalds on the possible list of takers for that offer.

I'm one of those who are eager for this reported release, as it marks Pokemon Go's entry into Asian territory. But I'd prefer the studio to launch the game in good condition with servers at the ready. It's more frustrating to have the app in my phone and not be able to play it, than know that it's following a specific timeline with tried and tested server powers.

Read:A Pokemon Go unofficial HoloLens demo is here.

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