In its most important change in gameplay right now, Pokmon Go will soon allow you to take part in battles with your friends at home.
This change is one of the newest developments in Niantic in the face of a global crisis, highlighted today in a lengthy blog from the company's founder John Hanke.
This was also posted at the annual Go Go Fest event, where tens of thousands of players gather in cities every summer.
Niantic will be "re-imagining" this to bring "directly to your home" through the "new way to enjoy Pokmon Go Fest". More details will be announced soon.
No word on when or how long remote operation will work – we'll update as more announcements are announced.
In another development, Adventure Sync, a game-tracking system while not playing, will be designed to work "best with homework and tasks".
Another thing in the sky, meanwhile, will be how to "almost visit and share memories" from previously visited places.
"We created Niantic with a mission to help people get out, exercise and explore the world, with the ultimate goal of helping people connect with others," wrote Hanke. "Today we support the community of billions of people who are watching our games regularly for fun and the opportunity to hang out and interact with friends.
"We have always believed that our games could include indoor gaming equipment related to the exterior, exercise and DVD screening of what we are building. Now is the time to prioritize this project, the biggest challenge of making gaming inside is as exciting and innovative as our outdoor gameplay.
"We're adding it to our road map so that we can create more ways to play indoors and around the home in the coming days and weeks, when the world needs it the most.
"In areas where local authorities allow it, outdoor travel, which is done for the purpose of finding the right environment, will continue to be a great way to contribute to health and well-being and you will still be able to play our games while doing that.
"We look forward to the day when we can return to our dream destination and play it again with family and friends. When the world is ready, we will be ready."
Last week, while playing Pokmon Go from my sofa I wrote about how Pokmon Go faced a "unique and ever-present" challenge that its creators never thought about. Even with all the available game modifications available, the game community feels vulnerable without other forms of gaming. Moving away from people, in particular, will be of great help.
