Makers of Pokemon Go to create augmented reality Harry Potter game
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will bring the magic of JK Rowling's renowned novels into a player's real-world surroundings.
Thursday 9 November 2017 13:56, UK
The developers of Pokemon Go have announced plans to recreate the magical world of Harry Potter in a new augmented reality game.
Fans of the wizarding saga will be able to cast spells and encounter fantastic beasts when Harry Potter: Wizards Unite hits app stores.
The collaboration between Niantic Inc and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment will use real locations like Pokemon Go, where players are able to "catch" animated characters in real-world surroundings.
Further details about the game will emerge next year - but since Wednesday, an official page on Facebook has already attracted more than 18,000 likes.
In its announcement, Niantic said: "With Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, players that have been dreaming of becoming real-life wizards will finally get the chance to experience JK Rowling's Wizarding World.
"Players will learn spells, explore their real-world neighbourhoods and cities to discover and fight legendary beasts and team up with others to take down powerful enemies."
Pokemon Go soared to the top of the download charts when it was released in 2016, but it led to a spate of phone thefts as players went exploring in the summer sunshine.
David Haddad, president of Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, said: "With this game, we are allowing the passionate, worldwide fan base to explore JK Rowling's deeply powerful and imaginative universe in a new, truly immersive way."
He described augmented reality as "remarkable", and spoke of his excitement at the worlds of wizards and Muggles finally being fused together.