Pokémon Go just teased Team Rocket's introduction to the game with a real-life hot air balloon Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Pokémon Go just teased Team Rocket's introduction to the game with a real-life hot air balloon Blast off. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 4 Jul 2019 5 comments The sun has now set on the first day of Europe's first ever Pokémon Go Fest, here in Dortmund, Germany - but not without a surprise for fans. As the game's Go Fest spawns ended here at 6pm local time, players were encouraged to gather for the customary event photo. And it was there, as crowds looked on, a hot air balloon appeared on the horizon. Team Rocket, Pokémon's villainous criminal gang, have used hot air balloons in the past - most notably in the anime, where Jesse and James often ride in a Meowth-shaped balloon en route to their latest evil plan. The one which appeared in the skies over Dortmund today was a more plain version, black in colour, but emblazoned with Team Rocket's unmistakable red R logo. Credit for this photo, right, and the zoomed in shot goes to reddit user J0hnd0euf. This is now the third tease from Pokémon Go and its maker Niantic related to the impending invasion of Team Rocket - which, recently-leaked files suggest, will be the basis for the game's next major feature release. Last month, after doors closed at Pokémon Go Fest in Chicago, pictures taken using the game's AR photo mode suddenly began showing Team Rocket gang members leaning into frame. (The same effect can be seen here in Dortmund this week.) And just last week, Pokémon Go's official third anniversary artwork included two shadowy Team Rocket figures just about visible hiding in the shadows to one side. Peering into Pokémon Go's files, one currently-hidden achievement points to new battle encounters with Team Rocket grunts who have invaded your game. Another suggests you will be tasked with "purifying" the mysterious Shadow Pokémon - the result of an artificial way to control Pokémon introduced in spin-off games Colosseum and Gale of Darkness. Nearly two dozen Pokémon have been given Shadow versions in Pokémon Go's files - including Mudkips, the focus of this month's Community Day. Could we get another Team Rocket tease then? "We have cool things coming up..." Niantic head of marketing Anne Beuttenmüller told me today when I asked about what might be coming next to the game. While last year Pokémon Go offered a more regular set of big new features (friends and gifting, trading and PVP), this year so far has seen smaller updates. And, while some fans are happy to chase the latest Shiny Pokémon released in the game, others are hungry for new types of content. "I know what you mean," Beuttenmüller replied. "I think you will be happier with the things that are coming..." This article is based on attendance at Go Fest in Dortmund. Niantic covered travel and accommodation. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 5 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store