Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, celebrated the game's 10th anniversary with a surprise event in Times Square, where over 2,000 players gathered to battle the legendary Mega Mewtwo Y.

The event, which included a live EDM concert by Loud Luxury, marked a significant milestone for the mobile game, which has attracted over 800 million players globally.

The anniversary coincided with the game's 2016 launch, which initially promised features like in-game trading and battles that were later realized.Scopely, which acquired Niantic for $3.5 billion, emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that the event was invitation-only to prevent overcrowding.

The game's success is underscored by its revenue generation, with over $6 billion in lifetime player spending, and its role in fostering real-world social interactions.Players like Howie Ragunton, who met his wife through the game, highlighted its impact on their lives.

The event also showcased Niantic's commitment to evolving the game, with plans to continue investing in community-driven experiences and exploring new technologies to enhance the player experience.The anniversary celebration included a virtual event for global players, ensuring the game's legacy continues to grow.