Pokémon Go hasn’t even released worldwide yet, hasn’t even been out for that long, and yet it’s already ridiculously popular. It seems everyone is playing it, leading to some rather amusing stories. And according to SuperData, it’s already been wildly profitable, earning $14.04 million. But that doesn’t mean this is going to overtake Candy Crush or Clash of Clans – while everyone is playing it now, Joost van Dreunen of SuperData compared it to Rihanna’s Work (okay, not actually, but that song does terrify me):
The initial audience response is more telling of the increasingly lethargic mobile games market: with its growth slowing, it takes an established franchise like Pokémon for the numbers to suddenly, and likely briefly, flutter before reestablishing its previous equilibrium. Given the current of user acquisition in the mobile games market on iOS ($4.01 in May 2016, up 2.3% YoY) and Android ($3.40, 3% YoY), many industry participants seek to leverage established franchises and brands to offset marketing expense.
What will be critical is the coming period: can Pokémon GO! keep its momentum and cultivate a loyal following. Just like every other mobile game it will have to face the retention figures after 7, 30, and 90 days. Chances are we are looking at the mobile games’ equivalent of a summer hit song rather than a revolution in the mobile game monarchy.
Will the Pokemon craze last and call me maybe? I think things could get very interesting if they improve battles and trading – imaging walking into your next work meeting and your phone vibrates, calling you into a battle? Imagine you win, only to see a scowl cross your CEO’s face? Good times!
Of course, it could just be a fad that people are tired of before the season is up. I’m still keen to play it, even if I’m unwilling to jump through GeoFencing hoops. I know Gavin has already spent money on the game, contributing to that $14 million, but he’s generally a mobile gaming whale. What about the rest of you? Have you paid for your Pokémon addiction, or are you just enjoying one of the best things in life that’s free?
Last Updated: July 12, 2016
Ottokie
July 12, 2016 at 13:04
The essence is going to make them a killing off lazy people who don’t want to walk.
(I suck at this game because I don’t want to walk around this scary place, and I am not dumb enough to buy in game items on mobile)
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
July 12, 2016 at 13:06
I was thinking of buying a fat scooter (sorry, mobile scooter) to overcome the walking part
Ottokie
July 12, 2016 at 13:08
I might just attach my old iPhone to my drone and remote capture…
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
July 12, 2016 at 13:10
Someone should advertise Uber/bodyguard services to babysit and transport pokemon trainers o/
Ottokie
July 12, 2016 at 13:10
O.o
O my glob…
Pariah
July 12, 2016 at 13:14
That might actually work in the first world .
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
July 12, 2016 at 13:15
Lots of whales to exploit
Pariah
July 12, 2016 at 13:16
Which begs the question – do you charge based on weight, or just distance travelled? 😛
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
July 12, 2016 at 13:17
I want to be the very best
Like no one ever was
To guard them is my real test
To transport them my cause
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8f/The_Bodyguard_1992_Film_Poster.jpg/220px-The_Bodyguard_1992_Film_Poster.jpg
Pariah
July 12, 2016 at 13:18
So no longer Taken, now only Caught
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
July 12, 2016 at 13:05
I’ve got the link to the APK open, just too lazy to install it 😛
http://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/apLpwdb_460sa.gif
Admiral Chief [Cloak Engaged]
July 12, 2016 at 13:14
DAMMIT GAVIN STOP BEING A WHALE!!!!!!!!
Pariah
July 12, 2016 at 13:15
He can’t help it. Like mother like son. #CoD #Maturity #Runs
Admiral Chief [Cloak Engaged]
July 12, 2016 at 13:35
Oh snap!
Gavin Mannion
July 12, 2016 at 13:56
ooooooooo you’re going on the list
Gavin Mannion
July 12, 2016 at 13:54
$0.99 spent to see what happens at a pokestop….
I never actually spend money on mobile games, Zoe’s a fat liar… my wife is the one who spends all the money on mobile games
Pariah
July 12, 2016 at 13:58
Wait so your wife is the… Wait. Nevermind. I’m already on the list, don’t want to move to the top.
😛
Gavin Mannion
July 12, 2016 at 14:01
http://www.lazygamer.net/24/my-wife-is-a-whale-and-yet-i-still-love-her/
Already made it public
Admiral Chief [Cloak Engaged]
July 12, 2016 at 14:20
😀
Original Heretic
July 12, 2016 at 13:31
For Pokemon?!
DragonSpirit009
July 12, 2016 at 13:54
I’m not buying anything. Mostly because I don’t want to waste my money on a game like this and…. If I was going to waste I’ll wait till it is actually out in SA.
Crazy
July 18, 2016 at 21:04
Hmph……this game is so fucking shitty!! Plus this font is so ugly change it PLZZZ!! Pokemon GO is Kusoge GO…… People are so obssesed with this stupid fucking game!! Pokemon Sun and Moon wil suck!! Kusoge of the Year 2016!!