The "Pokémon GO!" beta program has been confirmed for Japanese players only. It will be available this March.
Polygon reported that a field test for the highly-anticipated "Pokémon" game will be launched in Japan later this month. Developer Niantic Labs has announced that local players can now register.
"The 'Pokémon GO!' field test program will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the 'Pokémon GO' experience," Niantic posted 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!'"
Instructions for the "Pokémon GO!" beta program have been released in the Japanese version of the game's website. Participants will need to have an iOS or Android device as well as a Google account to be able to register.
The "Pokémon GO!" beta program will not be able to accommodate all who register, though. Those who make the cut are required to keep the game's content confidential.
The publication also noted that the "Pokémon GO!" beta may be revealed for other countries in the coming months. There is still no official release date for the augmented reality game.
Niantic boss John Hanke's planned talk for the game at GDC 2016 was cancelled. According to Express, this was to make way for the plans for launch and 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 told 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.
