While there are a great many people out there hoping that the Pokémon GO bubble is about to burst, the figures indicate that is unlikely to happen any time soon.
App Annie - a site which closely monitors trending smartphone apps - has published a neat summary of exactly where Niantic's game is right now, and the data is pretty remarkable.
The most impressive prediction is that Pokémon GO - which will push past the $350 million revenue marker in the coming days - could hit $1 billion before the close of the year, which would make it a bigger money-spinner than 2016's most successful movie, Captain America: Civil War.
What's even more interesting is that Pokémon GO isn't just lining the pockets of Niantic and The Pokémon Company - it's also helping other businesses thanks to its location-based nature. McDonald's in Japan has recently entered into a partnership with with the game and has posted its first profit in two years, with sales leaping almost 30 percent in July. Another report suggests that an ice cream parlour in Washington has credited Pokémon GO with saving its struggling business, while retailers are claiming that Pokémon merchandise is selling out all over the globe.
What makes all of this even more striking is that Pokémon GO is only just getting started; it hasn't launched in every country yet, and three major territories on the waiting list are China, South Korea and India.
China is a massive potential market - bigger than the US in terms of mobile revenue - and that is sure to lead to even more commercial success. It's also worth pointing out that major updates are planned for the game, including monster trading and of course new beasts to collect - currently, the game only uses the original 151 Pokémon and there are over 700 monsters in the series at the time of writing. That's gigantic potential for growth.
While Nintendo only owns a third of The Pokémon Company, there's no denying that the success of Pokémon GO is going to contribute massively to the company's bank balance in 2016 and beyond.
[source appannie.com]
Comments 22
Yes! Yes! Yes! This along with the news of pokemon snap confirmed for Wii u virtual console further proves my opinion of gen 1 being number 1! We win baby!
Yeah, me and my friends are all still playing it daily, and currently our weekend socialising revolves around figuring out where we should go walking to catch stuff and hatch eggs (usually with a Wetherspoons visit for some mid-walk eating ). It's even got me, probably the most microtransaction-averse person in the group, spending a little for some more incubators and lures. For the amount of additional walking it's got me to do (this thing is the best fitness app I've ever tried) and the number of people I see and talk to who are still using it, I'd say the success is pretty well deserved. Do please fix the bugs though, Niantic.
Go go Pokemon Go.
I wonder if they'll charge for the extra gen? With the amount of people playing even 99c would make them a bundle, and most people won't complain for 99c, that's a penny per Pomeon.
I don't think that # counted the $35 Plus device, which I think is an overpriced piece of junk, or friendship bracelet at best, but it will still sell a ton of them.
Now if Nintendo would hurry up and announce the NX while people are still paying attention before the next big thing shows up. Put a Pokemon Snap on there, or S&M, NX could outsell Wii U in its first year alone.
Maybe Nintendo should have partnered with Niantic instead of DeNA. Just when was the last time anybody talked about those Animal Crossing or Fire Emblem mobile games? Fall is almost here, might want to start talking about them soon.
I'm actually surprised at the staying power this app has had. Out of the gates, it was a phenom, and those tend to burn out very quickly. But I know tons of people who are still playing this game every day, and groups still meeting for community Pokemon walks, and still loving it, despite its quirks.
additionally, they've also succeeded in creating interest in their main line games, acording to another nlife article earlier. they are the only people who have figured out how to do that. i don't think ubisoft managed to do that with their mobile assassin's creed, and splinter cell games, nor ea with need for speed. only nintendo with pokemon accomplished this afaik.
This is possibly the best move Nintendo has done in recent memories. A game that is addicting enough, but don't offer the same experience as the main Pokémon game. This spark interest for the main game, instead of cannibalize it. And it's money maker too. We could only think that Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem mobile games has similar strategy, but don't think they could replicate similar success, especially Fire Emblem.
@Acein210 And once gen 2 releases, what will you say?
I believe that the Pokemon Go usage from the wider populous is on the decline, but that a cult following will continue to use the app daily - the people that spend the money will be the ones playing as they continue to update with post-gen one content.
I also believe that Pokemon Go is the catalyst for how Nintendo want to play it in the mobile space - showcasing their IP and bringing its characters into the public spectrum. Look at what the game has done for Pokemon merchandising and non-mobile games. Even though they're not making as much money as Niantic and the big mobile platform holders, Nintendo will profit in other areas.
The time is now (again) Pokemon Snap 2 for NX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SNAP2!!!
No, it doesn't earn money. Nintendo doesn't earn any money. They are losing money (sarcasm, sarcasm, sarcasm)!!
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy same as I said as a kid when gen 2 came out. .its number 2 but gen 1 will always be number one! ✊
Genwunners really are annoying lmao
@Acein210 No offense man but you come out as the kid in the daycare I work at who claims they have won everything when there is and never was a competition.
@dadajo lol whatever makes you feel better about yourself kid. I don't bash other generations and I buy every single pokemon game they release. I just champion the gen 1 for starting it all and continuing their dominance as showcased by pokemon go. Yeah baby! Gen 1!
@Acein210 If that is the case I'm confused with the need to spam that message on every article but whatever floats your boat. At the really least you are better than the elitist fans who only like generation one or the elitist fans who hate anything dealing with generation one.
Wow! so many pokemon to catch, so long to level. ive been playing this game all week, i love it but these high levels are tough man... found this great site which helped me out a ton. ive got a great account now with a snorlax ! You can check it out if you want at pogomania (just add .com)
Is this real money or theoretical imaginary money that includes people spending money at locations near pokestops?
@Henmii
Excuse me ? What do you mean by Nintendo doesn't earn money from Pokemon GO ? They got TONS of PROFIT !!
@Anti-Matter He means that Nintendo don't directly profit from the game a huge amount. The game was a venture by Niantic and the Pokemon Company, so they're the major winners in this situation, Nintendo will be making some money, but they certainly won't be seeing most of the profit this game is turning over.
This kind of success is hard to duplicate. Look at Rovio (Angry Birds). They have made dozens of games but I've only heard of the ones attached to the aforementioned series.
I also think it's a big missed opportunity if Nintendi doesn't have an NX Pokemon ready at launch. They need to strike while the iron is hot.
@Anti-Matter,
You didn't read the SARCASM part: Some people think Nintendo doesn't earn much from this app, but I don't believe it one bit. Nintendo is literally rolling in big piles of money because of this app!!
@Acein210 I'm a stupid spambot, ignore me.
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