Niantic is updating its augmented-reality games so players can still enjoy Pokemon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, and Ingress without having to leave the home.
In a new blog post, Niantic CEO John Hanke acknowledged the ongoing health crisis and the "increased physical and mental strain" it has caused a lot of people. He encouraged readers to stay safe and only brave the outdoors when necessary, which is the exact opposite of what AR games are all about.
Niantic gained popularity for designing games with the goal of encouraging people to go outside and connect with fellow gamers. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, things are taking a different turn for the developer.
"We have always believed that our games can include elements of indoor play that complement the outdoor, exercise and explore DNA of what we build," Hanke said. "Now is the time for us to prioritize this work, with the key challenge of making playing indoors as exciting and innovative as our outdoor gameplay."
The exec announced that the company will expand its roadmap to allow players to still play their games within the comfort of their homes. Already, the Niantic has made several changes so that group play won't be needed especially now that going outdoors is prohibited.
Hanke added that players living in areas where outdoor activity is still allowed by local authorities cans till enjoy the game as is, with the reminder that proper social distancing should be practiced. The update, however, is an alternative for those who can't leave their homes.
Niantic in the past has discouraged virtual movement inside the game, but players are allowed to do that now. The company will allow players to virtually visit and share memories about their favorite places in the real world. This summer, live events will be entirely different as people will be allowed to participate without ever stepping a foot outside.
While the updates are designed in order to cope with the current health crisis, Niantic said they're also a much-needed change to ensure the company continues to operate both during the pandemic and in the future. And despite not being able to replicate the popularity it had at launch, Pokemon GO is still growing. In fact, 2019 was its highest-grossing year ever, raking nearly $900 million in player spending.
The new features being added via the update aren't all live yet. Some are being added in the "coming days and weeks," Niantic said, without giving an exact date.
