Niantic's latest Pokémon Go Fest is community building at its finest
As a resident of Lower Queen Anne, it’s hard to overstate how much Seattle Center is a part of the neighborhood, whether you’re a tourist or a resident. Prior to the pandemic, the spot wasn’t just a place to go for a sunny weekend jog or take the dogs for a walk--it was a festival space, where events like Festal, Seattle International Beer Festival, Folk Life, and Bite of Seattle would line the streets with food trucks and throngs of people every weekend. Not all of these events survived the pandemic. Some have returned. But generally, Seattle Center is a lot emptier than it used to be.
Nonetheless, Seattle Center is one of the best places to play Pokémon Go in the world. Since the game’s debut, it’s been the go-to spot for the city’s most serious players. These real-life Pokémon trainers thrive on the dozens of Pokéstops and Raid Gyms along the park’s low-impact walking path. From monthly Community Days to nightly groups that meet during Raid Hour after work, it’s a strategic spot to collect in-game resources, catch rare Pokemon, and meet other players.
This community feeling hit a peak at Pokémon Go Fest Seattle last weekend, one of three in-person versions of Niantic's annual event. This is the first of its kind to be held since 2019, and the first to be hosted in Seattle. It marked an opportunity for Niantic not only to reinforce the game’s focus on interactive exploration but also to connect with the community while building goodwill with the local residents. It was also a great example of how game companies can collaborate with cities and bring benefit both to their players and the community.
When I entered Seattle Center on Sunday morning, the bustle of the crowds felt comfortingly familiar. Players filled the
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