Pokemon Go Travel event LIVE worldwide Niantic confirms massive rewards

Pokemon Go players across the world have been challenged to catch three BILLION characters between them in exchange for a clutch of in-game rewards.

It's called the Global Catch Challenge and, if completed, will result in region-locked Pokemon like Farfetch'd and Kangaskhan being spawned outside of their catchment area.

The challenge is spearheaded by a group of trainers taking part in a new Pokemon Go Travel event - a video series from the game's creator Niantic Labs - which sees them traveling around the world catching the virtual creatures.

The event and accompanying challenge start on November 20 and will end in six days' time on November 26.

Trying to help the game's players on their way, a few milestones have been put in place with rewards of their own. Once the game's collective players grab 500 million Pokemon, they'll be treated to double XP and increased spawns.

Lures will also be expanded from 30 minutes to a whopping six hours.

If 1.5 billion critters are caught, players will get all the above as well as double Stardust.

“Ever since Pokémon GO launched, we've loved hearing stories of Trainers venturing abroad and playing together with new friends from different countries,” explained Niantic.

“That's what inspired us to create Pokémon GO Travel, a new video series to see the world through the eyes of a Pokémon Trainer.

“To kick things off, Pokémon GO Travel is taking a diverse group of Trainers from around the world to Japan to host our first-ever Global Catch Challenge.

“Stock up on Poké Balls, Trainers. The Global Catch Challenge starts now and concludes with a special celebration at the Pokémon GO Safari Zone event in Tottori, Japan, on November 26.

"We can’t wait to take you along on this amazing adventure and hear what you think about the Pokémon GO Travel tour."