Mumbai, October 17, 2024: Pokémon GO, one of the leading augmented reality mobile games by Niantic, is thrilled to announce Bollywood’s favourite couple, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, as the brand ambassadors for India. Known for their charm, warmth, and deep-rooted connection to Indian culture, the couple is set to bring their unique energy to Pokémon GO’s growing fan base in the country.
Genelia Deshmukh, an avid Pokémon GO player made a special appearance at the ‘Pokémon Festivities’ celebrations in Mumbai where Pikachu wearing a saree made its first appearance, to highlight the cultural collaboration and her connection to the game. Known for her family-centric values and advocacy for blending tradition with modernity, Genelia is excited about this unique partnership with Pokémon GO.
“As a mom and a proud Indian, the ‘Festival of Light’ event is a beautiful blend of tradition and technology. It’s incredible to see Pokémon GO celebrate Indian culture in such a fun and engaging way, with characters like Pikachu wearing a saree! Pokémon has always been special to me, and Pikachu is also both my kid’s favourite Pokémon. Seeing it in a saree is a wonderful experience and being able to share this joy with my family and the world through such an innovative approach is truly exciting,” says Genelia.
Riteish Deshmukh echoed her excitement, adding, “As someone who loves technology and gaming, being part of the Pokémon GO family feels like a natural fit. Playing this game for so long since it came to India in 2016 and now associating with the brand to promote it truly thrills me as it not only encourages fun but also keeps our cultural heritage alive in such an interactive way.”
Yuki Kawamura, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects, Niantic also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Riteish and Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh to the Pokémon GO family. Their deep connection with Indian culture and passion for gaming makes them the perfect ambassadors. We’re always striving to create experiences that resonate with our diverse player base, and with this unique celebration, we’re bringing a special piece of Indian heritage to our global platform.”
As part of their ambassadorship, fans can look forward to special videos featuring Riteish and Genelia sharing their experiences with Pokémon GO.
Additionally, Pokémon GO is hosting exciting Festival of Lights celebrations, including a special event in Bengaluru on November 3, 2024, at Phoenix Marketcity, where Pikachu will appear in a saree, alongside surprises and giveaways for Trainers.
A sweepstake on Instagram will also offer two lucky winners from India a chance to attend the Pokémon GO City Safari in São Paulo.
This partnership not only underscores the couple’s appeal but also highlights Pokémon GO’s commitment to cultural localization in India, making gaming experiences more meaningful for its diverse player base. In September 2023, Niantic also added Hindi language support to the game strengthening its commitment to promote inclusivity, encourage engagement, and enable more players to embark on their Pokémon GO adventures.
