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[Update] Pokémon Go's International Release On Hold Due To Server Issues
Update: According to Business Insider, Pokémon Go's international rollout to regions such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom has been paused because of the recent server problems. Niantic CEO John Hanke told the publication that the developer is "hard at work" at fixing the issue, and that international release is "paused until we're comfortable." Pokémon Go officially launched in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand a few days ago.
Original Story (July 8, 4:50 p.m.):
Pokémon Go has been having numerous server issues since its release this week, enough that Pokemon Go's official Twitter account acknowledged it today stating they have been "working to fix the server issues." The augmented-reality app for iOS and Android devices allows players to catch Pokémon wherever they are located in the real-world, choosing between colored teams they can travel to gyms and try and overthrow its leaders for themselves.
Server issues that have been plaguing the game including frozen screens, Pokémon getting stuck at low health, or the app crashing altogether. A number of people can't even access the app itself as it struggles to handle the traffic from launch.
Thank you for your patience. We have been working to fix the server issues. We will continue rolling out #PokemonGO to new countries soon.
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) July 8, 2016
The tweet also mentions that Pokémon Go should be making its way to other countries soon, but no specific dates are mentioned. If you are one of the few who have uninterrupted access to the game, check out some Pro Tacktics on how to become a better Pokémon Go trainer, or this video on a secret way to get Pikachu as your starter as opposed to the classic Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle choices.
[Source: Pokémon Go via Twitter]
Our Take
Since I have a Canadian-registered phone I have not been able to play Pokémon Go yet, but it's clear from those around me that this app's launch isn't going as smoothly as players had hoped. The amount of traffic it's accumulating is simply too much for it to handle at the moment. I bet things at Niantic are a little hectic right now, and its nice that they recognized the issues and are undoubtedly scrambling to get things back in line. Hopefully these server issues are fixed quickly, as that will only speed up its release to other countries.
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