Pokémon Go, the augmented reality game that took the world by storm in 2016, relies heavily on its vast network of PokeStops to provide players with essential items, experience points, and a sense of community. But have you ever wondered how these PokeStops get approved in the first place? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of PokeStop approval, exploring the process, requirements, and best practices for getting your location approved as a PokeStop.
Understanding PokeStops and Their Importance
Before we dive into the approval process, it’s essential to understand what PokeStops are and why they’re crucial to the Pokémon Go experience. PokeStops are locations in the game where players can collect items, such as Poké Balls, potions, and eggs, which are essential for catching Pokémon and progressing through the game. These locations are usually tied to real-world points of interest, such as public art, monuments, and landmarks.
PokeStops serve several purposes:
- They provide players with essential items and resources.
- They encourage players to explore their surroundings and engage with their community.
- They offer a sense of discovery and excitement, as players stumble upon new PokeStops and locations.
The PokeStop Approval Process: An Overview
The PokeStop approval process is managed by Niantic, the game’s developer, in partnership with the Pokémon Company. While the exact process is not publicly disclosed, we can break it down into several key stages:
- Submission: Players, businesses, and organizations can submit locations for consideration as PokeStops through the Pokémon Go website or mobile app.
- Review: Niantic’s team reviews submissions to ensure they meet the game’s guidelines and criteria.
- Verification: If a submission is approved, Niantic verifies the location to ensure it’s accurate and safe.
- Activation: Once verified, the PokeStop is activated, and players can start visiting it to collect items.
Submission Guidelines and Criteria
To increase the chances of getting your location approved as a PokeStop, it’s essential to understand the submission guidelines and criteria. Here are some key points to consider:
- Location: PokeStops should be located in publicly accessible areas, such as parks, plazas, or outside public buildings.
- Points of Interest: Locations should be tied to a point of interest, such as a monument, public art, or a landmark.
- Safety: Locations should be safe and accessible for players of all ages.
- Uniqueness: Locations should be unique and not duplicates of existing PokeStops.
Best Practices for Submitting a PokeStop
While there’s no guaranteed formula for getting your location approved as a PokeStop, following these best practices can increase your chances:
- Choose a unique location: Select a location that’s not already a PokeStop and offers something unique to players.
- Provide accurate information: Ensure that your submission includes accurate information, such as the location’s name, address, and coordinates.
- Include supporting evidence: Provide supporting evidence, such as photos or descriptions, to help Niantic’s team understand the location’s significance.
- Be patient: The approval process can take time, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if your submission is not approved immediately.
Common Reasons for Rejection
While Niantic doesn’t publicly disclose the reasons for rejecting PokeStop submissions, we can identify some common reasons based on player feedback and community discussions:
- Location is not publicly accessible: Locations that are not publicly accessible, such as private property or restricted areas, are unlikely to be approved.
- Location is not unique: Duplicate submissions or locations that are too similar to existing PokeStops may be rejected.
- Location is not safe: Locations that pose a safety risk to players, such as areas with high crime rates or hazardous conditions, may be rejected.
Appealing a Rejected Submission
If your PokeStop submission is rejected, don’t worry! You can appeal the decision by resubmitting your location with additional information or supporting evidence. Here are some tips for appealing a rejected submission:
- Review the guidelines: Ensure that your submission meets the guidelines and criteria outlined by Niantic.
- Provide additional information: Include additional information or supporting evidence to help Niantic’s team understand the location’s significance.
- Be respectful: Be respectful and polite in your appeal, and avoid arguing or disputing the decision.
Conclusion
Getting your location approved as a PokeStop requires a combination of understanding the approval process, following submission guidelines, and providing accurate information. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of getting your location approved and becoming a part of the Pokémon Go community.
Remember, the PokeStop approval process is subject to change, and Niantic may update its guidelines and criteria at any time. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from Niantic and the Pokémon Go community to ensure you have the best chance of getting your location approved.
| Submission Guidelines | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Location should be publicly accessible | Choose a unique location |
| Location should be tied to a point of interest | Provide accurate information |
| Location should be safe and accessible | Include supporting evidence |
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can increase your chances of getting your location approved as a PokeStop and becoming a part of the Pokémon Go community.
What is a PokeStop and why is it important in the Pokémon Go game?
A PokeStop is a location in the Pokémon Go game where players can collect items, such as Poké Balls, potions, and eggs. It is usually tied to a real-world location, such as a landmark, public art, or a point of interest. PokeStops are important in the game because they provide players with essential items that help them progress in the game.
PokeStops are also important because they encourage players to move around and explore their surroundings. By visiting PokeStops, players can discover new locations and learn about their local history and culture. Additionally, PokeStops can be used as a meeting point for players to socialize and trade Pokémon.
How do I submit a PokeStop nomination, and what are the requirements?
To submit a PokeStop nomination, you need to open the Pokémon Go game and tap on the “Main Menu” button. Then, select “Settings” and tap on “Submit a PokeStop Nomination.” You will be asked to provide the location of the nomination and a photo of the location. You will also need to provide a description of the location and explain why it would make a good PokeStop.
The requirements for a PokeStop nomination include the location being a safe and accessible place for players to visit. The location should also be a point of interest, such as a landmark, public art, or a historical site. Additionally, the location should not be on private property or in a location that is not open to the public.
What are the criteria used to evaluate PokeStop nominations?
The criteria used to evaluate PokeStop nominations include the location’s safety and accessibility, its proximity to other PokeStops, and its relevance to the surrounding area. The location should also be a point of interest, such as a landmark, public art, or a historical site. Additionally, the location should not be on private property or in a location that is not open to the public.
The evaluation process also takes into account the location’s popularity and its potential to attract players. The location should be well-known and easily recognizable, and it should have a clear and visible entrance. The location should also be well-maintained and free of hazards.
How long does it take for a PokeStop nomination to be approved or rejected?
The time it takes for a PokeStop nomination to be approved or rejected can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the nomination and the workload of the review team. On average, it can take several weeks to several months for a nomination to be reviewed and approved or rejected.
Once a nomination is submitted, it will be reviewed by a team of reviewers who will evaluate the location based on the criteria mentioned earlier. If the nomination is approved, the location will be added to the game as a PokeStop. If the nomination is rejected, the submitter will receive an email explaining the reason for the rejection.
Can I appeal a rejected PokeStop nomination, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can appeal a rejected PokeStop nomination. If your nomination is rejected, you will receive an email explaining the reason for the rejection. You can appeal the decision by responding to the email and providing additional information or clarification about the location.
To appeal a rejected nomination, you should provide new information or evidence that addresses the reason for the rejection. For example, if the nomination was rejected because the location is not a point of interest, you can provide additional information about the location’s historical or cultural significance. You should also make sure to follow the submission guidelines and provide a clear and concise explanation of why the location should be a PokeStop.
How can I increase the chances of my PokeStop nomination being approved?
To increase the chances of your PokeStop nomination being approved, you should make sure to follow the submission guidelines and provide a clear and concise explanation of why the location should be a PokeStop. You should also provide high-quality photos of the location and make sure that the location meets the criteria mentioned earlier.
Additionally, you can increase the chances of your nomination being approved by providing additional information or evidence about the location. For example, you can provide information about the location’s historical or cultural significance, or you can provide testimonials from local residents or visitors who support the nomination.
Are there any restrictions on the types of locations that can be submitted as PokeStop nominations?
Yes, there are restrictions on the types of locations that can be submitted as PokeStop nominations. For example, locations that are on private property or in a location that is not open to the public are not eligible to be PokeStops. Additionally, locations that are not safe or accessible for players are also not eligible.
Other restrictions include locations that are too close to other PokeStops, locations that are not points of interest, and locations that are not well-maintained or have hazards. You should make sure to review the submission guidelines and criteria before submitting a nomination to ensure that the location meets the requirements.