‘Pokemon Go’ Release Date, News: Japan Release Delayed, McDonald’s To Sponsor Gym

Even though “Pokemon” originated from Japan, the release of the app phenomenon “Pokemon Go” in the country was scheduled after it was already available in other countries. To make things worse for Japanese fans of the cute critters, the release was delayed even further because of an email leak. The delay would likely only push the release of the app for a day or two, however, and it seems the matter of sponsored gyms will allow users the chance to earn some cash from companies like McDonald’s.

According to sources of Tech Crunch, the delay of the game’s release in Japan was caused by an email leak that was meant for internal communication. The email was discussing details regarding McDonald’s Japan sponsoring a gym, which then circulated online in the country.

The prospect of getting to play “Pokemon Go” would have been enough to overload the servers, as it happened in the U.S. and Canada, but a sponsorship from one of the biggest fastfood chains in the world would have absolutely wrecked the opening day’s user numbers. As such, the companies involved in releasing the app in Japan decided that it would be more prudent to delay the launch so that they can prepare for the inevitable deluge of enthusiastic fans.

No details have been released as to when exactly the app would be launched, but Tech Crunch cited newswire Nikkei’s report that it could be tomorrow. The delay has generated loud outcries from users who were looking forward to playing the game today, but “Niantic Labs” as well as Nintendo are saying that the users would benefit most when they release the app at the right time.

By doing so, their servers can supposedly handle the load and users won’t have to deal with down times and login issues. With regards to McDonald’s in Japan, Engadget reports that Happy Meals with Pokemon themes saw a significant rise in sales as the release date of the app came close.