Pokemon Go clone is China's most downloaded app
A Chinese app created by Xiaoyu Sun, called City Spirit Go, is now the most downloaded app in China, where Pokemon Go is not available. Based on Pokemon Go, the app uses an in-game map rather than an augmented reality environment. The game is downloaded for free with in-game resources such as virtual diamonds, which cost up to $97, making up much of its revenue.

(Photo : Reuters) A woman uses a portable battery pack to charge her phone while playing the augmented reality mobile game 'Pokemon Go' by Nintendo in New York City.

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Following the successful release of Pokémon Go, the game has crept to other regions of the world - even to some areas where it has not been yet officially released. Riding the popularity of the game, a Chinese app developer released a clone of the popular mobile video game and is now raking in massive revenue as a result.



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The game is called City Spirit Go and its official app icon appears to be a mash-up of a raccoon and Pikachu, a popular Pokémon character. Although the game does not support augmented reality, much of its mechanics appear to have been inspired by Pokémon Go.



City Spirit Go, just like Pokémon Go, requires players to move around their neighborhood to discover new creatures. Instead of the augmented reality environment, the game has an in-game map, according to Tech In Asia.



City Spirit Go can be downloaded for free and much of its revenue comes from in-app purchases. A package of virtual diamonds, one of the game's resources, costs $97.



Based on its entry on the App Store, City Spirit Go was developed by Xiaoyu Sun. This is the developer's first and only game on the store. As of this writing, the game has garnered thousands of reviews, most of which are favorable.



City Spirit Go was launched on March 24, just a few weeks after Nintendo launched an exclusive beta of Pokémon Go in Japan. The game is currently sitting on the number one spot on the App Store for the most downloaded free app, according to Quartz.



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TagsPokemon, Pokemon Go, pokemon go release date, Pokemon Go China, China Tech, City Spirit Go, City Spirit Go app