Pokémon Go’s first in-game event celebrates Halloween

Developer Niantic has revealed the first holiday event for Pokémon Go, its hit mobile game.

Pokémon Go is one of the biggest hits in mobile history, making $600 million in revenues faster than any mobile game ever. However, interest in the location-based app has dropped with Niantic slow to release new content. This Halloween event could encourage players to return to the game.

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From October 26 to November 1, Ghost-type and other spooky Pokémon will show up in the location-based game with more frequency. Specifically, you’ll have an easier time catching Ghastly, Haunter, Gengar, Drowzee, Hypno, Zubat, and Golbat. While you probably already have more Zubats than you care for, this could help you finally net that elusive Gengar. Players can also earn double the normal amount of Pokémon candy, which you use to make the monsters stronger or evolve them to new forms, from catching the creatures or sending them to storage.

This event sounds bare-bones, as far as these Halloween celebrations usually go in gaming. Typically, developers add new content. You can look at what Overwatch is doing as an example of that. This Pokémon Go Halloween celebration is just increasing the frequency and rewards for things that already exist in the game.

“It’s been incredible watching people explore their neighborhoods and catch wild Pokémon all summer,” said Tatsuo Nomura, senior product manager at Niantic, Inc, in a press release sent to GamesBeat. “We would like to trick-or-treat in our own special way by giving Trainers the chance to catch more Pokémon and earn extra Candy this Halloween.”

You can watch a video detailing the Halloween event below.