Japanese games giant Nintendo is teaming up with the US firm behind runaway hit Pokemon Go to develop augmented reality smartphone games, the two companies announced on Tuesday.
Their first venture between the two tech giants is expected to launch later this year. The game will involve Nintendo’s lovable half-vegetable, half-animal Pikmin characters.
Augmented reality (AR) technology allows images and animations to be superimposed on the real-world view seen on a smartphone’s rear camera.
Pokemon Go, which was launched in the year 2016, has gained immense popularity across the globe. As per the Tracker Sensor Tower, Pokemon Go made more than a billion dollars in the first 10 months of 2020.
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Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo representative director in a press release said, “Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us.”
She further added that the new app would be designed around to make walking fun.
Augmented Technology was the key to the successful journey of PokenmonGo. PokemonGo users around the globe were thrilled and enjoyed the appearance of Pokemon characters in their neighbourhood.
Despite Nintendo being reluctant in the past to let its character venture outside traditional console and into the increasingly popular world of smartphones gaming. He broke the taboo and released a string of mobile titles including Super Mario Run in 2016 and Mario Kart Tour in 2019.
An analyst at Ace Research Institute, Hideki Yasuda said to Bloomberg News, “The deal could help address complaints among investors that Nintendo hasn’t been able to earn much from smartphone apps.”
“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with Nintendo”, AFP quoted Niantic CEO John Hanke as saying.
He further added, “ We’re looking forward to shaping the future of AR together.” He did not give any further details on the Nintendo character which will be in line for AR games.
