Let this sink in for a second: Pokémon Go is now the most popular smartphone game in U.S. history. Pokémon Go had only just released in the United States on July 6 and it's already breaking records. It looks like the sky is the limit for Pokémon Go and we're still figuring out what's in store in the months to come.
Via Financial Times, Niantic CEO John Hanke revealed a new feature that allows "sponsored locations" would provide Pokémon Go with another revenue stream to join the existing in-app purchases for power-ups and virtual items.
Currently, the Pokéstops in Pokémon Go are plotted somewhat randomly on Google Maps. With sponsored Pokéstops, real-world businesses can draw Pokémon trainers to their establishment to increase traffic and, potentially, customers.
“There are several ways that we see the potential for significant monetisation of Pokémon Go by Nintendo, and one of them is certainly the potential for paid advertising or paid deals that encourage players to come to a particular building or store. It is a huge opportunity,” said Atul Goyal, analyst at Jefferies.
This sponsored location strategy isn't new – Niantic's previous game Ingress featured sponsored portals at Duane Reade pharmacy locations, Jamba Juice locations, as well as for the Zipcar car rental-service.
What are your thoughts about Niantic's plans for Pokémon Go? Let us know in the comments below.
- As Close To Living Pokémon Fantasy As It Gets
- Active And Engaging Experience
- Lots Of Mon And Events
- Battles Aren't What Fans Expect
- Very Grindy
