'Pokémon Go' Update: Niantic To Use Increased Capital in Continuous Development of Upcoming Android & iOS Game
The four companies behind "Pokémon Go" said the game will be something "the world has never seen before." And they have the budget to back it up too.
According to Business Wire, augmented-reality video game developers Niantic Inc. has increased its Series A round of funding from The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo to continue development on "Pokémon Go."
For the said project, Niantic will be receiving a total of $30 million from the three high-ranking investors. The company will be given $20 million up front then $10 as a condition for meeting projected goals.
"The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo are incredible investors and strategic partners to help build the next chapter for Niantic. We will be using this capital to continue the development of Pokémon GO, to evolve and grow Ingress and its thriving global community, and to build out our real-world gaming platform," said Niantic CEO John Hanke.
"Pokémon Go" is an upcoming mobile video game for Android and iOS that lets players capture, trade, and battle Pokémons out in the streets and in real-time, as per PC Advisor.
The game is enhanced by a separately sold Bluetooth-enabled wristband known as the "Pokémon GO Plus." The companion app flickers and device blinks and pulsate whenever a Pokémon is nearby. Players can then choose to capture the creature with a tap of a button. The device can also notify players of upcoming Pokémon-related events.
"Pokémon's strategic investment in Niantic paves the way for a social mobile experience the world has never seen before. The Pokémon Company is committed to partnering with companies like Niantic that share the same spirit of community and innovation," said TPC president Tsunekazu Ishihara.
Meanwhile, Google completely trusts Niantic's storytelling and augmented-reality gaming expertise.
"Niantic has shown the great potential of mixing geo-location technology, dynamic storytelling and innovative game design, and we're excited to continue supporting the team on their journey," Google exec Don Harrison commented.
Niantic was formerly a Google subsidiary called Niantic Labs, the Google department responsible for developing the location discovery app "Field Trip" as well as the widely successful MMORPG "Ingress." The game has seen more than 13 million global downloads since July 2014.
When Google restructured itself and became a subsidiary of its own Alphabet Inc. just this month, Niantic became an independent company. Now, Google and others are pouring investment into Niantic. Only time will tell if they will be able to deliver.
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