Pokemon Go was launched and became popular in 2016. However, Niantic's revenue declined in 2017. Niantic is expected to resume growth by launching the game in the world's largest mobile market.
John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, said in an interview: "The launch and subsequent effect of" Pokemon Go "boosted the performance in 2016. Although the revenue in 2017 is less than 2016, it is also very strong."
In the summer of 2016, "Pokemon Go" suddenly attracted a large number of players, in Hank's words, it feels like 'SpaceX rocket launch.' However by the end of 2016, many players gave up the game, leaving the scale Small but relatively 'stable' loyal player. In 2017, Niantic routinely updated the game with many new features, such as changing the game based on real-world weather.
Hank said: '2017 is the second stage of the ignition, let us enter a more stable orbit, is a trip to Mars in 2018.' Niantic prepared for the journey of 'fuel', that is, from including Netease Investors provide 200 million US dollars of funds through the cooperation with Netease, Niantic will be able to better adapt to China's Internet regulatory requirements.
With regard to China, Hank said: 'We want to push the current game to the Chinese market, and we also have the opportunity to develop games for China and the global market based on China.'
Niantic valued more than $ 1 billion in financing in November, and Hank said Niantic has achieved "operating profit" before the financing and "Pokemon Go" has also made a big contribution. : 'With the business operations, we continue to increase our daily cash reserves.' With additional funding, Niantic will be able to invest in technology platforms to drive acquisitions.
Niantic also announced that the next big game will be based on 'Harry Potter' IP, Hank said, and Niantic is working with Warner Bros. The project is similar to Pokemon Go's Pokemon, Is a 'very rare' IP that can appeal to 'many generations of players' worldwide, including men and women, and' Harry Potter 'is also well-suited for augmented reality technology. "Pokemon Go' Is due to the application of augmented reality technology.
'Harry Potter' game will be released in the second half of 2018. Hank said that "Pokemon Go" confusion in the just released, the server pressure, service interruption often compared with the current ability of Niantic Has dramatically improved.
In the meantime, "Pokemon Go" brings with it experience beyond technology, and said: "With regard to players playing games in the real world, we have established a profession in public places, government policies, regulatory requirements and public reactions So, the game elements that cause real-world problems can be quickly removed or tweaked.
Many analysts believe turning point for augmented reality will be 2018. In the past few months, Apple, Google, Facebook and Snap have all released new development platforms to help developers develop an augmented reality experience.