Gotta cash ’em all
This week sees mobile phenomenonPokemon GOcelebrate its fifth birthday. Yep, it’s been five long years since Niantic’s AR app came into our lives, bringing with it tales ofcrazy community rushes, mass acts of trespassing, andwoeful festivals. But through it all, the mobile title has remained not only relevant, but massively successful.
In fact, according to the faithful number-folk over at Sensor Tower,Pokemon GOhas raked in over $5 billion USD in revenue since its initial release in July 2016 — that averages around a billion a year for all you maths majors out there. The title’s most successful year was 2020, where lockdown legislation saw mobile gaming revenue rise to unprecedented standards and sawPokemon GOin particular pull in a staggering $1.3 billion in just one year.
Niantic, understandably, is far from finished with its cash cow. Later this month, the developer will hold its annualPokemon GOFest in both an onlineandlimited physical capacity, promising players two days of fun bonuses, rare critters, discounts, and other activities. Set to take place the weekend of July 17-18, this year’s festivities are centered around a musical theme, and will feature a severely reduced entrance fee for attendees… I think Niantic can afford it.
