Celebrity Couple Genelia & Riteish Deshmukh Unveiled As Pokémon GO Brand Ambassadors In India

Niantic, the developer of the hit augmented reality game Pokémon GO, has announced Bollywood actors Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh as the official brand ambassadors for the game in India.

The announcement aligns with the launch of

The celebrity couple, known for their family-centric values and chemistry, was reportedly chosen to embody the spirit of togetherness and joy that Pokémon GO aims to promote among its players.

According to Niantic, they bring both personal passion and cultural relevance to their new roles, aiming to promote community engagement and outdoor exploration through Pokémon GO.

With the new partnership, Niantic hopes to connect more deeply with the Indian audience and enhance participation in the game’s festive activities.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Riteish and Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh to the Pokémon GO family. Their deep connection with Indian culture and passion for gaming makes them the perfect ambassadors. We’re always striving to create experiences that resonate with our diverse player base, and with this unique celebration, we’re bringing a special piece of Indian heritage to our global platform

,” said Yuki Kawamura, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects at Niantic.

Making an appearance at the grand unveiling event in Mumbai, Genelia Deshmukh shared her excitement about the collaboration.

“As a mom and a proud Indian, the ‘Festival of Light’ event is a beautiful blend of tradition and technology. It’s incredible to see Pokémon GO celebrate Indian culture in such a fun and engaging way, with characters like Pikachu wearing a saree! Pokémon has always been special to me, and Pikachu is also both my kid’s favourite Pokémon. Seeing it in a saree is a wonderful experience, and being able to share this joy with my family and the world through such an innovative approach is truly exciting

,” she said.

Riteish Deshmukh also shared the same enthusiasm as Genelia, expressing his long-standing connection with the game.

“As someone who loves technology and gaming, being part of the Pokémon GO family feels like a natural fit. Playing this game for so long since it came to India in 2016 and now associating with the brand to promote it truly thrills me as it not only encourages fun but also keeps our cultural heritage alive in such an interactive way.

”

As part of their new roles, fans can look forward to exclusive content, including special videos featuring the couple sharing their personal experiences with Pokémon GO.

Niantic had launched Hindi language support for Pokémon GO in 2023, following which the game had experienced tremendous growth in the country.

This ambassadorship aligns with Pokémon GO’s ongoing efforts to integrate cultural festivities into gameplay, with Niantic’s festive campaign featuring a traditional Pikachu available in the game from November 1 to 4, 2024. The campaign aims to enhance player engagement while blending technology and culture through interactive events and rewards.