Recent "Pokémon GO!" news has revealed that the game's beta program has been confirmed for Japan this month.
According to Polygon, a field test for the highly-anticipated "Pokémon" game will be launched in Japan later this March. Niantic Labs has announced that registration is now open for local players.
"The 'Pokémon GO!' field test program will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the 'Pokémon GO' experience," Niantic wrote on their website.
"Please stay tuned for information about expansion of the field test to other markets. Thank you for your interest in 'Pokémon GO!'"
The "Pokémon GO!" beta program instructions have been posted in the Japanese version of the game's website. Those who want to participate will need to have an iOS or Android device as well as a Google account upon registration.
The beta program will not be able to include all who register, though. Moreover, those who make the cut have to keep the game's content confidential.
It was also noted that the "Pokémon GO!" beta may be unveiled for other countries in the next months. No official release date has been announced for the augmented reality game.
Recently, it was reported that Niantic boss John Hanke's planned talk at GDC 2016 was cancelled. According to Express, the decision was made to give way for the "Pokémon GO!" beta program.
"We have decided to forego our GDC talk on 'Pokémon GO!' in order to focus on getting the product ready for beta test and launch," Hanke said to Gamespot.
"As much as we hate to disappoint those in the industry attending GDC, we feel our time and energy right now are best spent on making sure every aspect of the product is where we want it to be."
"Pokémon GO!" will be accompanied by a wrist-device named "Pokémon GO!" Plus. This enables players to manage and access gameplay elements via Bluetooth.