'Pokémon Go' News: Niantic Received Additional Funding to Make 2016 Release Happen
"Pokémon" fans can't wait for the release of the upcoming game from Niantic, "Pokémon Go."
The highly anticipated game is now rumored to be released next year, with the developer getting a lot of funding from big companies.
According to Game Spot, Google and Nintendo are few of the game's investors and strategic partners to help Niantic. "The initial investment is $20 million in upfront money, but the companies will contribute $10 million more "upon achieving certain milestones," the website reported. The money is being used to develop "Pokémon Go," and to market other games. The funding will also help "build out real-world gaming platform," Niantic CEO, John Hanke, said, according to the report.
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The "Pokémon" franchise has built a good name throughout the years, with a number of anime series, movies, toys, and video games under its belt. With "Pokémon Go," players can now "venture into the real world," and catch Pokémons, just like in the game.
Gamers can also make their Pokémons battle one another in the streets, and in a video posted by Entertainment Weekly from the Pokémon Channel on YouTube, viewers saw gamers joining a live event, where they would have to battle the rare Pokémon, Mewtwo.
According to Latin Post, players can enhance their playtime by getting "Pokémon Go Plus," which is a Bluetooth-enabled wristband. The device will notify the player if there's any Pokémon nearby, and will advise if there's an upcoming event. Even with the added benefits of the wristband, "Pokémon Go" can still be played even without the accessory.
The Pokémon Company president, Tsunekazu Ishihara, said that the game aims to promote real and virtual world socialization. "Pokémon Go" will be released in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in 2016. The game is free, but players can buy in-app purchases.
