A speculated augmented reality (AR) app based on the "Harry Potter" books appears unlikely in the near future.
Rumors began last week that Pokémon Go developer Niantic would release a Harry Potter-based AR app after a source that appeared to represent Niantic claimed to have acquired rights to the title. So called "Harry Potter Go" would enable mobile gamers to cast spells, pick up wizard items and explore the Harry Potter universe.
WHAT IS THIS I HEAR ABOUT A POKEMON GO APP BUT FOR THE HARRY POTTER UNIVERSE? pic.twitter.com/StZHkdvovX
— Cecilia Pérez-Homar (@RoseTintedLook) August 1, 2016
As a result, many Pokémon Go and Harry Potter fans immediately began to dream about the potential of sorcery, wizardry and all that the Harry Potter universe could offer as part of an AR experience.
If there was a Pokemon Go for Harry Potter, my family would never see me again.
— AwesomenessTV (@awesomenesstv) August 4, 2016
However, Gizmodo quickly put those rumors to rest, reporting that the original source was a hoax and that the company had no apparent plans to release a Harry Potter title.
No, Niantic isn't making a Harry Potter version of Pokemon Go https://t.co/So6RVd99wl pic.twitter.com/njHW6ncZ5O
— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) July 31, 2016
Although the rumors were squashed, many mobile gamers continue to demand an AR title that brings the Harry Potter universe to life.
#HarryPotter fans might just get an app like #PokemonGO 👨👩👧👦👾 https://t.co/hwCZSqASJM 👾👨👩👧👦 #augmentedreality #tech
— Dogma 360 (@Dogma360) August 2, 2016