Pokemon GO is Getting a Game Chat

gamerant.com:

Pokemon GO's draw of interacting with Pokemon and items in the real world is its main attraction. When players go to some places like parks, popular tourist locations, and events, there's always a chance to meet new players. They may chat in person and do a few activities, but then that's it. Unless there is a pre-established relationship or a coordinated effort to keep in contact, it can be a one-and-done interaction and blocks some Pokemon GO players from some gameplay features that require larger groups and coordination. Niantic looks to connect more players by introducing new social features to Pokemon GO.

Niantic announced in a blog post that a chat feature will be coming to Pokemon GO. The chat function is currently available in a closed beta test for another Niantic app, Ingress, and will be coming to Pokemon GO at a later date. More details will become available «in the coming months» as to when the feature will be ready for testing and use in Pokemon GO.

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A chat function in Pokemon GO has its supporters and its detractors. On one side, the improved connectivity with Pokemon GO players in a particular community to coordinate raids, friendship levels, and trades. The downside is the glaring issue of interacting with strangers on the internet. It will take time and any news from the Ingress test as to how the feature works and what security measures are taken.

A game chat feature is part of Niantic's push to bolster in-person play in communities after the pandemic altered the way Pokemon GO players played the game and splintered communities. With activities like the newly reworked Mega Evolutions needing more people and teamwork