How Pokémon Go’s disastrous first fan gathering and months of goodwill

It was all going so well. After a shaky launch amid the genuine fever of last summer, Pokémon Go was riding high with a successful string of updates; a new generation of creatures, an effective rework of gyms that encouraged players back out into the open, and a regular stream of activities making more unusual creatures easier to find. With a generally smoother connection experience compared to launch, Pokémon Go began living up to its vast potential, and fans were generally happier with developer Niantic.

The game’s inaugural anniversary event, Pokémon Go Fest, should have been a celebration of this rollercoaster first year, the final sign that Niantic had set its house in order. Paying attendees (up to 20,000 were said to be allowed in Chicago’s Grant Park) would work together with players around the world on unique challenges, find special creatures, and finally unlock perhaps the game’s most requested feature to date: the ability to catch Legendary Pokémon – the perfect first birthday present for fans. Alas, it was not to be.

Event Day Expectations

The day started well. The thunderstorms and rain originally forecast were nowhere to be seen. Warm blue skies highlighted the Chicago skyline, showcasing all that Niantic had prepared. Upon arriving at the park enclosure that morning, attendees were greeted with neat surprises – a physical gym badge for fans to take home, the debut of an exciting event log-in mechanic involving spinning an in-game PokéStop checkpoint and scanning a QR code, and the welcome sight of Pokémon never caught before.

Within moments of arriving, early attendees swarmed around an Unown spawn, followed closely by a Heracross. Excitement rippled through the crowds as word spread about what had just been seen. It was already a good morning to be a Pokémon Go player.

Connection Issues Arise

After a quick lap of the park, dropping into colorful tents dedicated to the game’s three rival teams, my phone’s connection started to wobble. I attempted to buy a couple of incubators from the in-game shop, but repeated failed server attempts resulted in accidentally buying six. It’s fine, I thought – I’ll easily make use of them today anyway. However, within half an hour, as the crowds swelled before the opening ceremony, I struggled to log into the game. By the time the proceedings officially kicked off and were being streamed to fans around the world, I couldn’t even get a phone signal – and neither could anyone else.

Within 90 minutes from early doors to the opening ceremony, the mood had turned sour. Though Niantic quickly assured crowds they were looking into the connection issues, it wasn’t enough. CEO John Hanke was booed as he walked on stage, while heckles and chants of “fix our game” rang out as presenters tried their best to keep the show going. The atmosphere became uncomfortable, and later scenes were uglier still when a water bottle was thrown at one of the on-stage presenters – a result of a few disappointed attendees’ emotions boiling over. Such frustration was unexpected at a family-friendly gathering, especially with young children in attendance.

A Shift in Tone

Exploring the park during the first challenges – scheduled segments of high-intensity play to catch specific types of creatures – became a more somber affair. Attendees shuffled around the park in dismay, trying to find a signal. Some managed to log on, and eventually, I connected for a solid 25-minute window to check into some gyms and catch a solitary Magikarp. It was progress, but a far cry from the frenzy that was promised.

Niantic was slow to react; the developer repeatedly stated it was working on the issues but continued with the day’s activities regardless. What exactly was being done to fix things was unclear. Despite the connection problems, the in-game challenges were being completed. One image posted to Reddit appeared to show the event’s catch goals changing on the fly, suggesting that with the reveal of Legendaries on the line, Niantic would ensure they would pass.

Organizational Challenges

The event itself was reasonably well organized. There were some issues, particularly the queues to get in, which continued long after the event opened. The merchandise was underwhelming, and despite the visible numbers of staff, communication beyond the main stage was sparse. However, Grant Park was spacious enough to avoid overcrowding, and the play area had sufficient attractions to keep attendees busy, with refreshments and places of respite at hand. People were still trying to make the most of the day, entertaining themselves in various ways.

Some attendees played volleyball with a giant inflatable Pokéball, while others took naps in makeshift hammocks between trees. Young children even went analog, catching real-life Pokémon in the dirt under a hedge. Players were striking up conversations in shared misery and making new friends in the process. The passionate community of one of the world’s biggest games was an attraction in itself, despite the circumstances.

What Did I Catch?

Ultimately, Pokémon Go is about catching creatures. Here are the highlights of what I found:

• Lugia (x1, and another offered as compensation)
• Articuno (x4)
• Unown (x14, six forms)
• Heracross (x5)
• Taurus (x2)
• Chansey (x1)

Plus, a handful of unique 2k eggs, hatching among other things two Aerodactyls and several dozen Abras and Machops, ideal for powering up their evolutions Alakazam and Machamp. With the 100 percent catch rate of Legendary Raids, I could have easily managed double figures if it weren’t for the connection issues. Although I walked away with a decent haul of rare creatures, there’s a chance future events won’t offer a similar experience.

Aftermath and Resolution

By mid-afternoon, the continued outages were exhausting. When Niantic announced it would take action – refunds and compensation, along with Legendary Pokémon rolling out in the next 48 hours without a fight – the mood in the crowd shifted from disappointment to palpable relief. To make amends and ensure everyone could log in and receive their rewards, Niantic extended the event radius and its special Pokémon spawns to neighboring parts of the city for the rest of the weekend.

Encouraged by the news, attendees spilled out into adjacent parks in search of creatures and finally got what they came for. The atmosphere became lively as people sprinted down streets to make their catch, packing sidewalks to visit virtual gyms. Whether planned or hastily added, the spontaneous carnival atmosphere created a scene reminiscent of the game’s initial frenzy. Connection problems remained prevalent, but with persistence, players could enjoy the game.

Reflection on the Event

The unprecedented raid encounters continued into the next day, but so did the connection issues. Many players were frustrated, particularly as the app crashed when powerful creatures were just within reach. It was a desperate attempt to salvage the festival from disaster, but judging by the jubilation of those catching Legendaries and other rare creatures for the first time, it seemed to work to some extent.

However, a bigger picture emerged from the event. By focusing on an event attended only by a hardcore contingent of its player base, Niantic raised the stakes so high that everything had to go flawlessly. When it didn’t, the goodwill built up over the previous months was undone. It was devastating for fans who placed their trust in Niantic to plan a competent event, highlighting the dedication of those who did not let the circumstances ruin their day.

Despite the odds, many left with positive memories from the event. The highs of early morning and evening skirmishes demonstrated real potential for future gatherings. However, Niantic needs to seriously rethink how it approaches its events, and there may be hesitation about spending time or money on whatever comes next. Like the game’s launch, Pokémon Go’s first attempt at a fan gathering felt like a poorly thought-out beta, and its most dedicated fans paid the price.

This article is based on a press trip to Chicago, with travel and accommodation costs covered.