Pokémon Go was the hit game of 2016 that captured the imagination of millions of new fans across the globe and managed to convince gamers that going outside for a walk could be a fun thing to do.
As a massive Pokémon fan myself, I couldn’t wait to try it. At first, I was disappointed with the app, as unfortunately, it did not include many of the features I loved about the franchise. Five years later, the game has had numerous updates and still remains popular.
The game initially drew in millions of fans by hyping up the aspect that Pokémon would be entering the real world, and that this time you would be able to go outside and collect the pocket monsters. While this concept sounded amazing, I hated it.
When the game was first released, there was only a limited amount of different Pokémon, as it only included the 151 Pokémon from generation one; leaving out the rest of the over 700 creatures. The mobile game also stripped out all the nuance of the battling system and while the plot in Pokémon isn’t a highlight of even the mainstream games, this one didn’t even try to include it. Though I won’t deny the hit this game was with newer fans, and it made its imprint on the gaming landscape.
One key example of this is the increased sales of Nintendo hardware. Both Nintendo 2DS and 3DS systems saw an increase in sales from previous years. In terms of the impact of gaming, it alerted Nintendo and The Pokémon Company of the lucrative potential of mobile gaming for Pokemon, something that they have increased their focus on in recent months. This lead to other studios looking at the AR format for gaming, for example, Warner Bros is working with Niantic to develop a Harry Potter-themed AR game.
Over time, the game has constantly been updated to include more Pokémon, it even has its own signature Pokémon in Meltan and Melmetal, the ability to transfer to more recent mainline games, and now has a more fleshed out battle system. Fan favourite characters such as the infamous Team Rocket baddie duo – Jessie and James, have now been added which is a great nostalgia hit.
Niantic’s commitment to regular updates has kept Pokémon Go relevant, even during 2020. Last year was the game’s most profitable year, which is very surprising. Even a global pandemic won’t put a dent in people’s love for this game.
To celebrate five years since its launch, there is a Pokémon Go festival happening in July. Players can enjoy hourly habitats where some Pokémon are easier to catch, there will be raids with Pokémon wearing special costumes, and more shiny Pokémon will be added to the game. Ticket holders can enjoy making a musical festival with Pokémon and participating in the Global Challenge Area.
On the second day, more Pokemon will be available to catch through raids. Ticket holders will be able to participate in events that will reward them with more raid passes. There is also more for players to experience as Google Play is sponsoring the event, it is also putting on surprises and perks for the player base.
These events are sure to attract new fans to the game, and also new fans to the series. Niantic is sure to keep up the game’s strong performance with its expansive updates, and if it does fans will continue to reward the game’s efforts.
By Kieran Burt
Feature image: The Pokémon company