Gotta cash ’em all
This week sees mobile phenomenon Pokemon GO celebrate its fifth birthday. Yep, it’s been five long years since Niantic’s AR app came into our lives, bringing with it tales of crazy community rushes, mass acts of trespassing, and woeful 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 GO has 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 saw Pokemon GO in 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 annual Pokemon GO Fest in both an online and limited 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.
For more deets on Pokemon GO Fest, check out the official website.
