Last July 2016, then-unknown developer Niantic, Inc. launched a little game called Pokemon GO. It uses augmented reality (AR) technology and geolocation to turn every Pokemon fan’s childhood dream of being able to catch virtual monsters in the real world a reality. It wasted no time breaking records on its way to the top of the food chain, recently breaking 650 million downloads just last month. Let’s take a look at how Pokemon GO is doing now, less than 10 months after its release. How are the features holding up? Does it still have a long lifespan? And why is the market still isn’t populated with similar AR mobile games?
The Johto Pokemon Arrived Last Month
After months of begging by fans, Niantic finally released new Pokemon to hunt, catch, and hatch last month – the so-called “Johto Pokemon” or the second-gen Pokemon. More than 80 new monsters went live at the same time, giving players a reason to flex their fingers again on Pokeball throwing and Gym battling. However, the huge update also came with a potentially game-breaking nuisance: evolution items. These special items are needed to evolve certain first-gen Pokemon into their new second-gen evolutions. The problem is, they were frustratingly rare to get from Pokestops – how does a less than 1 percent drop rate sound? Thankfully, Niantic has addressed the problem, making evolution items a sure drop once players complete the 7-day “First Pokestop of the Day” Streak.
Still No Legendary Pokemon In Sight
Pokemon GO’s first ever trailer teased the inclusion of Legendary Pokemon – Pokemon typically more powerful than the rest. So far, they have yet to make an appearance in the game, unless you count the Articuno bug that made rounds last year. All five first-gen Legendary Pokemon – Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, and Mew – are still missing-in-action. The good news is, Niantic has promised that these uber-special monsters are set to arrive before 2017 is over. The bad news is, their inclusion could break the game, considering how powerful they are and the likelihood that virtually everyone will have access to them. Once they get released and every player has the chance to catch them, expect Gyms to be populated with Legendary Pokemon. Read More
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