Pokémon, Google Maps April Fools' Day Prank Offers 'Pokémon Master' Opportunity [Video]
The goal to be a Pokémon Master could come to fruition with the help of Google Maps.
"It's always been important to us to have the most qualified employees at Google," said Google Maps Vice President Brian McClendon. "Now, using the technology created by the Google Maps team. We've prepared the most rigorous test known to man to find the world's best Pokémon Master."
On April 1, a Google Maps app update will be available to install. Upon installation, participants should press start to begin locating the wild Pokémon hidden throughout the map. Potential Pokémon masters can participate with either Google Android or Apple iOS devices.
With the Google Maps app, "strong willed" applicants have to find each and "every one" of the wild Pokémon. More than one "winner" will be selected to participated in the "Final Round," which will take place at the Googleplex. Upon the announcement of the final winner, he or she will start at Google as "Pokémon Master" on Sept. 1.
It is unknown how many wild Pokémon will be available for capture as there are over 710 Pokémon in the franchise following the launch of the sixth-generation Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games. According to Google's Asia Pacific Blog, "dozens" of Pokémon are featured.
The blog acknowledged the tools of social media may help participants with hints and tips notably through Google+, Facebook, and Twitter.
"Time is of the essence -- in the words of Professor Oak, 'The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the Pokémon,'" wrote Advanced Pokémon Trainer Tatsuo Nomura on the Google blog.
The April Fools treat by Google ends on April 2 at 5 a.m. EST.
But of course, the start date of April 1 coincides with April Fools' Day, and the special disclaimer at the conclusion of a Google Maps video should spoil the authenticity of the Pokémon Master title.
The disclaimer stated, "Side effects of the Pokémon Challenge may include extreme excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Do not operate the Pokémon Challenge in Google Maps while driving or operating heavy machinery. Our hiring committee must first battle to determine who can best judge the Pokémon Master. The battle date has yet to be set, so the role of Pokémon Master is not yet available."
The video (see below) does direct viewers to Google's careers webpage, where people can legitimately apply to real jobs or internships at Google.
It isn't the first time Google participated in April Fools activities as evident in 2013 when the company used its maps into a treasure map. The treasure map was alleged to be from "infamous pirate" William "Captain" Kidd, which was found during an expedition in the Indian Ocean.
Google Maps 2013 April Fools' Day Prank:
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