(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)
Pokemon GO enthusiasts have been apprehensive since Saudi-backed publisher Scopely acquired developer Niantic for a staggering $3.5 billion. However, one of the game’s leading figures aims to calm these fears, affirming that Pokemon GO is not destined to become a mobile disaster.
Niantic has flourished for over a decade, offering free-to-play successes like Pokemon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now. These titles are enjoyable without spending, despite their in-game stores and occasional ads. In contrast, Scopely’s prominent games, such as Monopoly Go, can’t boast the same.
Addressing concerns about intrusive ads or limited playtime in Pokemon GO, senior product director Michael Steranka assured in a Polygon interview that this won’t happen: “Definitely no… not now, not ever.” He asserts that Scopely “recognizes how unique the game is,” adding that the company advised Niantic developers against altering what’s made the game successful.
Steranka emphasized, “We will not integrate any obtrusive ads into our games.” He highlighted how Scopely empowers their teams to make decisions that benefit their games, and doing otherwise “would never be right for Pokemon GO.”
It’s reassuring not to fear unwanted ads when catching a sought-after Pokemon. However, this only alleviates part of the concerns. There’s no certainty that Scopely won’t introduce other predatory microtransactions later on, such as paid egg incubator cooldowns or gym battle paywalls. Plus, major publishers often prioritize profits over player satisfaction. Furthermore, another large company now possesses excessive access to global geolocation data.
For now, hoping for Pokemon GO’s continued success is all we can do. Meanwhile, explore how Pokemon Legends Z-A might break traditions with a 10+ age rating. Stay tuned for community stories, weekly digests, and more.