Pokemon isn’t simply about overfishing and virtual cockfighting — gosh, has anyone done those hot takes yet? — it’s also, ostensibly, about understanding and bonding with creatures different from you. The long-running anime and single-player games have long focused on companionship between humans and Pokemon, so it’s no surprise that worldwide smash hit mobile app Pokemon Go will be exploring the idea as well, with a new ‘Buddy Pokemon’ system.
Long rumored but finally confirmed today by developer Niantic, your ‘Buddy Pokemon’ appears alongside you in your character profile and effectively ‘walks’ with you, gaining in-game bonuses based on the distance traveled together. Here’s the full blurb from Niantic:
The next addition to Pokemon Go will be Buddy Pokemon. You will be able to pick your favorite Pokemon from your collection to become your buddy, opening up unique in-game rewards and experiences. Buddy Pokemon will appear alongside your Trainer avatar on your profile screen, adding helpful bonuses such as awarding Candy for walking together. You’ll also have the ability to change your Buddy Pokemon at any time.
And here’s a few mocked up ‘action shots’ of what the buddy system will look like. It’s dangerous to go alone, etc.
WHOA. …Big buddy. (Images via Niantic.)
Again, there’s no scheduled release date for this feature, but it seems to be the next item on Niantic’s agenda, so expect to see it in-game pretty soon!
Top image via Understood.org.
