60,000 chase fantasy creatures at Pokémon Fest in Copenhagen

Copenhagen's Fælledparken is buzzing with excitement as it hosts the Pokémon Go Fest, drawing an estimated 60,000 fans from across Denmark and beyond. The event offers a unique opportunity for players to capture special and rare virtual creatures not typically found in Denmark, including one exclusive to Hawaii.

A ticket to the festival grants access to the park for either a morning or afternoon session. It also provides a full day of special in-game features usable throughout Copenhagen, where various related events are taking place. The Pokémon Go game, a global phenomenon since its 2016 launch, is part of the beloved Japanese Pokémon franchise that began in 1996.

Lars Konzack, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen specializing in computer games and digital culture, highlights the game's unique appeal. "The game blends fiction and reality in a way few other major games do," he explained. "Instead of sitting and playing in your room, you are out in public spaces." This blend of the virtual and real encourages players to explore their surroundings.

The game attracts a diverse audience, from those with nostalgic ties to the original Pokémon series to newcomers experiencing it for the first time. Konzack also noted that many parents appreciate the game for encouraging their children to be more active outdoors. Copenhagen is one of three host cities for this year's Pokémon Go Fest, with previous events held in Tokyo and Chicago.