Pokemon Go developer Niantic has launched a new fellowship programme in conjunction with community improvement organisation the Knight Foundation to aid positive change in the US.
Called the Niantic/Knights Fellows Program, the six-month initiative will allow local leaders to use Niantic's technology to create various walking-based activities that explore each cities cultural heritage.
Currently, there are five fellows on the programme: Ming-Chun Lee from Charlotte North Carolina, Roger Riddle from Akron Ohio, Joey Allen from Macon Georgia, Christopher Foreman from Philadelphia and Collin Fraum from Palm Beach Florida.
Eventful
Riddle’s back-to-back community outings in Akron Ohio, which utilised Pokemon Go, have already passed and included a music and art festival along with a walking event. Each saw teams install temporary in-game locations with lures - items used to attract pokemon to the area.
According to Niantic, the events drew in 1,000 players and in-turn encouraged them to explore Akron’s neighbourhoods.
Upcoming excursions include an Open Streets event in Macon Georgia on October 7th that’ll encourage members of the public to walk, skate and bike together.
Another will be held in Charlotte North Carolina on September 30th which will target a similar sense of community bonding.
Hanke very much
Niantic initially formed its partnership with the foundation in May of last year with the stated goal of advancing civic engagements in local communities around the US through augmented reality experiences.
It aims to do this by leveraging Niantic experiences and technologies, which include featuring games Ingress and Pokemon GO at select community events supported by The Knight Foundation.
