'Pokemon Go' Lost 80 Percent Of Its Paying iOS Customers, But Is Still App Store's #1 Top-Grossing Game

Market analysis firm Slice Intelligence reported that the number of Pokémon GO players making in-game purchases has declined by an astonishing 79 percent since its July 15 peak a week after launch.

However, the reported drop barely seems to have affected Pokémon GO ’s earnings. In their report, Slice states that Pokémon GO is still generating more revenue than any other app by a significant amount. In August 2016, Pokémon GO generated 28 percent of in-game revenue across all mobile games, outpacing Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Game of War - Fire Age and other iOS heavy hitters.

“Data indicates that Niantic’s hit introduced nearly two times as many in-game spenders to the mobile gaming market in the weeks following Pokémon GO ’s launch. However, since then, the number of buyers in the mobile market has returned to pre- Pokémon GO levels,” states the report.

The report adds that, “as of Sept. 3, nearly a quarter of all mobile game buyers made a purchase with Pokémon GO, despite the massive decline of in-game spenders.”

In short, Pokémon GO shed 80 percent of its paying customers… and is still printing money. On top of that, Pokémon GO’s spillover effect has extended to sales of online Pokémon merchandise.

“The revenue amassed from branded Pokémon toys and games was 233 percent larger this August compared to the same month last year. Branded apparel sales in August even outpaced last year’s Halloween season, which is when branded Pokémon apparel purchases are historically highest,” reads the report.

These numbers could easily leap upwards if Pokémon GO hits China, which has more mobile gamers than the U.S. has citizens. While interest might be declining, Pokémon GO still maintains an enviable daily active playerbase of 33 million.

Are you still playing Pokémon GO ? What do you think of the new Buddy Update ? Need help downloading the latest patch? Got any other burning questions ? Feel free to drop some Pokémon GO insight in the comments section below.