Pokémon Go preps for multiplayer update with two big birthday parties

Pokémon Go is approaching its first birthday, and Niantic has big plans for celebrating. The developer announced that in honor of the milestone, it is launching both the game's first official live event and a summer-themed campaign for players.

First up is the Solstice event, which will kick off on June 13 at 1 p.m. PT. Players will be able to catch more fire- and ice-type monsters during this campaign. They'll also receive increased experience points for throwing Poké Balls well and discounts on the Lucky Egg item.

Niantic teased on its blog that this event, which ends June 20 at 1 p.m. PT, will anticipate the launch of a huge new update for the game. The developer hinted that cooperative multiplayer features will be available sometime after the Solstice event closes.

"Soon thereafter, you can look forward to a new update focused on collaborative group gameplay features that will get you playing Pokémon GO in fun new ways," the post reads. "In preparation for these exciting features, we’ll be temporarily disabling Gyms for a short period of time."

There's no further word on when those features will appear, or what exactly they'll be.

To help pass the time, fans can ship out to Chicago for the live Pokémon Go Fest. Niantic is holding this ticketed event on July 22, with passes on sale starting June 19 at 10 a.m. PT. Details are light for now, but there will be plenty of opportunities to meet and play with other trainers during the outdoor celebration.

Similar, if smaller, events will be held in Europe and Japan throughout the summer as well. We're eager to see how those new co-op features figure into these plans.