Pokémon Go Fest Was a Disaster Attendees -- some of whom traveled far distances to get there -- were met with widespread network problems, which prevented many from being able to play the game.
By Angela Moscaritolo •
This story originally appeared on PCMag
Do you feel left out that you couldn't make it to Chicago on Saturday for the inaugural Pokémon Go Fest? You're probably better off, because the event was a disaster.
Attendees -- some of whom traveled far distances to get there -- were met with widespread network problems, which prevented many from being able to play the game. As you can see in the cringe-worthy video below, Niantic CEO John Hanke was booed on stage as one attendee screamed "fix the game."
"I know that some of you guys have had trouble getting logged on this morning," Hanke said on stage before asking fans to be patient and promising that the "whole Niantic team" was working to resolve the issues.
Others started chanting "we can't play!" over and over as presenters awkwardly tried to stay positive.
Chanting 'WE CAN'T PLAY!' #PoKemonGoFest pic.twitter.com/NBGjhINfc4
— Maria MsDBZbabe (@MsDBZbabe) July 22, 2017
Niantic on Saturday issued a formal apology about the disaster, promising to reimburse all registered attendees the $20 ticket cost (if you went to the event, watch out for an email with instructions on how to receive your refund). As a peace offering, the company is also offering ticketholders $100 in PokéCoins to use in the app. Plus, everyone who made it out will automatically receive the legendary Pokémon Lugia.
Niantic in its apology note said "a large number of players attending the event" experienced technical issues.
"From everyone at Niantic, we apologize to all of the Trainers who came out to Pokémon GO Fest," the company wrote. "Although we were able to solve many of the technical issues, we were not able to offer every attendee a great experience."
