Pokémon GO developer Niantic announced that the Pokémon GO Tour: Unova event in Los Angeles will continue despite the recent wildfire but will offer refunds for those unable to attend. Read on for the latest update on this event!
Pokemon GO Tour: Unova Pushing Through in Los Angeles Despite the Recent Wildfire
Niantic Offers Refunds for Those Who Cannot Attend
On February 4, 2025, Niantic announced that the Pokemon GO Tour: Unova - Los Angeles event will continue as planned but offered refunds for trainers who cannot attend.
"Our team has been watching the situation in Los Angeles, prioritizing the safety and well-being of Pasadena, the greater Los Angeles area, and our Pokémon GO community," Niantic shared. "In partnership with the Rose Bowl Operating Company and local authorities, we have made the decision to continue holding the in-person Pokémon GO Tour: Unova – Los Angeles experience at Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Course, including citywide gameplay in Los Angeles and Orange County."
Though Niantic and local authorities assured safety during the event, the Pokemon GO team acknowledged that not all participants could attend due to the recent wildfire. "We understand that not all Trainers who purchased a ticket may be able to attend Pokémon GO Tour: Unova – Los Angeles as a result of this situation. Trainers can request refunds via in-app support up until February 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST to receive a full refund of their ticket purchase."
Furthermore, Niantic also mentioned that the Pokemon GO team will share more details about how they will support the local community in LA at a later date.
Niantic Revealed the Economic Impact of Pokemon GO Events
According to Niantic’s news article, Pokemon GO Fest brought a $200 million boost to host cities in 2024. Three cities around the world hosted this event: New York City, Madrid, and Sendai.
According to Niantic’s report, each host city accrued millions of dollars as economic impact and tax revenue. The biggest is New York City, gaining $126 million in economic impact and generating tax revenues of $26 million. Over 68,000 Pokemon Go players attended the venue, which tremendously impacted the city’s economy during the course of Pokemon GO Fest 2024.
In addition, Niantic also mentioned that the event attracted tourists, especially trainers from other countries. According to the dev, "Nearly 40% of visitors expressed strong interest in returning to Madrid," which might positively boost tourism in the city.
Though Pokemon GO Tour is smaller in scale than Pokemon GO Fest, pushing through the event could help Los Angeles generate the revenues needed for its reconstruction. Participants might even directly support relief efforts upon visiting the city.
Activision, Square Enix, and Other Game Companies Announced Relief Efforts
On February 4, 2025, Activision announced that it raised $2.6 million for charity organizations Lost Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation and Direct Relief via the DLC sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone.
After Activision announced its $1 million direct donation to the said charity organizations, the company launched a DLC called LA Fire Relief Pack to allow players to get more involved in helping wildfire victims on January 19, 2025. Less than 2 weeks after the DLC’s release, Activision raised an additional $1.6 million. The combined amount will directly go to LAFD Foundation and Direct Relief.
Meanwhile, Square Enix also announced its support for those affected by the wildfire by donating to the American Red Cross with an undisclosed amount on January 17, 2025. Furthermore, the company is also "organizing a companywide fundraiser with a matching gift program to benefit a variety of local relief organizations in the region."
On January 24, 2025, Square Enix also announced that part of proceeds from its Little Akihabara POP-UP SHOP in Los Angeles will go to the company’s chosen charity. Square Enix fans can buy action figures, plushies, and more from their favorite game franchises while also contributing to the California relief effort.
Other game developers have also announced their support. Riot Games launched an in-game fundraising event in VALORANT and League of Legends, with all proceeds going to the Riot Games Social Impact Fund. Meanwhile, Necrosoft Games curated a bundle of 422 indie games, including Tunic and Octodad: Dadliest Catch, on Itch.io, with all revenue directly going to the California Fire Foundation.
Considering the support and financial donations generated by the gaming community and developers, it shows that players and studios alike can make a difference in the face of a natural disaster.
Sources:
Pokemon GO Tour - Unova Los Angeles Update
Pokemon GO Fest Economic Impact
Activision Thanked Players for Raising $1.6 Million
Square Enix Pledged Support to California Wildfire Emergency
Square Enix POP-UP SHOP Relief Effort
Riot Games In-Game Fundraising Event Details
Necrosoft Games California Fire Relief Bundle
