Pokémon Go Japan launch delayed by McDonald's sponsorship leak

First commercial partnership for hit location-based game will see 3,000 fast-food restaurants become virtual Poki(C)mon gyms, paving the way for global rollout

The release of mobile-gaming sensation Poki(C)mon Go in its home country of Japan has been delayed due to leaked details of McDonald's sponsorship of the game.

It is understood the level of interest as the leak went viral caused the game's makers to fear demand would be too high. An email containing confidential discussions between developer Niantic, the Poki(C)mon Company and McDonald's was posted on Japanese internet forums. The fast-food chain is expected to be the first paying sponsor of the location-based augmented reality game. McDonald's 3,000 restaurants in Japan will be turned into Poki(C)mon gyms, virtual battle arenas where players can take on other people's Poki(C)mon for control of an in-game tower, rewarded with in-game currency.