More Pokemon Go Details and Images Officially Announced

As Pokemon GO prepares for its next round of beta testing, the Pokemon Company has officially released information about the upcoming mobile app's mechanics. First announced late last year, Pokemon GO is an "augmented reality" app that will allow players to catch and battle Pokemon in the real world. The game is developed by Niantic Labs, which also runs the augmented reality game Ingress, and early reports indicated the game would share some similarities.

Pokemon GO will randomly spawn Pokemon throughout the real world, which players can track and catch using the Pokemon GO app on their phone. Some Pokemon will only spawn in certain areas; for instance, water Pokemon will only appear near bodies of water. Players won't evolve their Pokemon via leveling up; instead catching a certain amount of the same Pokemon will trigger evolution. Players can collect PokeBalls and other items at PokeStops, which are conveniently located near real world landmarks. Other landmarks will be used as Pokemon gyms, which are controlled by one of three teams that players can join. Using their Pokemon, players will defend and battle for control of gyms all across the world. Interestingly, one of the new images shows multiple Pokemon battling at the same time, a feature that hasn't appeared in the beta tests. The Pokemon Company also confirmed that Pokemon GO will be free to play, although players can spend money on "PokeCoins" that act as the game's in game currency.

If you've been following the periodic leaks provided by current beta testers, most of the information probably isn't new, but it does confirm much of what fans have speculated about the game. Pokemon GO's North American beta test begins today, and those who signed up should receive notification if they were chosen for the new level of beta testing. Check out the photo gallery for scores of new screenshots from the game.

No official release date has been released for Pokemon GO, but it's anticipated the game will be released for all players later this summer.