Pokemon Go Maker Layoffs, Projects Canceled

 




Niantic, which is popular through the Pokemon Go game, laid off 8% of employees and canceled four new game projects.

Since the success of Pokemon Go, Niantic has tried his luck with a variety of new AR mobile games. But it seems that the experiment was unsuccessful.


"We recently decided to stop production on a number of projects and reduce staff by about eight percent to focus on key priorities. We appreciate the contributions of those who left Niantic and we will support them through this difficult transition," said Niantic VP of Communications Jonny Thaw.



"This means we can focus on our most important priorities, including Pokemon Go and a number of new experience sets, including the Lightship platform. This increases focus, also strengthens our core business, positioning us to face economic uncertainty as many companies face. and continue to invest in the future of AR, "he added.


According to Bloomberg, the change means Niantic cancels Transformers: Heavy Metal, a game created in collaboration with Punchdrunk, the maker of Sleep No More, as well as two other game titles coded Blue Sky and Snowball. There are about 85-90 officers who have been laid off.



Previously, Niantic also turned off a number of its games, such as games based on the Catan and Harry Potter franchises, and Microsoft also turned off Minecraft Earth in 2021. But it seems that Niantic remains committed to making new games, such as Peridot.


Before making Pokemon Go, Niantic also had another game that was quite popular, namely Ingress. But its popularity is certainly far from Pokemon Go, which although currently six years old, but its popularity and even revenue can not be overtaken by other AR games.


In 2021, Pokemon Go has generated revenue of USD 5 billion, about five years since its release in July 2016. That is, on average each year the game generates revenue of USD 1 billion.


Although its popularity was not as great when it was first released, many Pokemon Go players consistently played the game. The COVID-19 pandemic also had virtually no significant impact on Pokemon Go, as Niantic adjusted its game system.

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