Pokemon to make India debut tomorrow, partners Reliance Jio

The year's most sensational mobile video game 'Pokemon Go' will finally make its India debut tomorrow, in partnership with telecom operator Rel Jio.

The game will be available for download via Google Play and the App Store from tomorrow in India.

"With this partnership, thousands of Reliance Digital Stores and select partner premises in India will appear as 'PokeStops' or 'Gyms' in the Pokemon GO game beginning December 14," Reliance Jio said in a statement.

Also, Jio SIM customers will be able to download and play Pokemon GO without incurring data charges till March 31, 2017.

Launched in July this year, the augmented reality mobile game became a global rage, garnering millions of users within days. It has been downloaded over 500 million times since its launch.

The game disrupted lives of many, pushing them to step out and catch the virtual creatures.

Till now, Pokemon GO was not available officially in India. However, gaming enthusiasts in the country had force-installed the game and sightings of people running looking at phones in public places became a common thing in India too.

On Jio's social messaging app, JioChat, Pokemon players will have access to an exclusive Pokemon Go Channel. The Pokemon Go Channel will enable Pokemon Go players to collaborate and be part of a community of players with daily tips, contests, clues, and special events.

"With over 500 million downloads globally, we are excited to launch 'Pokemon GO' officially in India on the Reliance Jio network," Reliance Jio President Mathew Oommen said.Disclosure: RIL, which owns Reliance Jio, also owns Network18 and moneycontrol.com