Either despite, or perhaps because of, the ongoing catching a desired Pokémon.
Like console games, however, moving onto new augmented reality projects. Pokémon GO, however, continues to attract new and veteran fans by offering outdoor activities while playing a video game set in one of the most popular anime franchises to date. In response to Pokémon GO’s massive following, other mobile games have manifested to offer outdoor activities and exercise to compete.
According to Polygon, Pokémon GO is having its best year yet either despite the pandemic, if not in direct response to it. As revealed by Sensor Tower, the mobile app contributed to Niantic’s generation of $445 million in the first half of 2020, "suring $3.6B in its first four years since launch.” Niantic has added several microtransactions to the game, including Raid es, as well as implementing multiple paid events in 2020, such as Safari Zones. With people having more time to play games on their phones, the additional microtransactions and paid events have doubtlessly enhanced the revenue that Niantic receives from Pokémon GO.
Niantic has also implemented easier ways to play the game while observing shelter-in-place orders, allowing s to continue progressing, training, and catching pokémon from their homes. However, with the extended quarantine periods and many people still unable to return to work, they are going a bit stir crazy and are still finding reasons to go for walks while (hopefully) keeping their distance from others. COVID-19 has put strain on everyone, particularly businesses, but has continued its upward momentum from year-to-year both despite and because of the pandemic.
Microtransactions always cause controversy, particularly in the realm of PC and console games. On mobile platforms, however, they spark less outrage since they are largely considered par for the course. From the obnoxious, excessively d Raid: Shadow Legends to Call of Duty Mobile, mobile games almost rely, if not mandate, microtransactions for companies to see any profits from them. Unlike PC and console titles, mobile games are more restricted in of the type and amount of content they can generate, all but necessitating microtransactions to make their production and worthwhile for their developers.
Pokémon GO is available on iOS and Android.
Source: Polygon, Sensor Tower
