Popular game developers, Niantic and Nintendo have partnered to develop series of new mobile gaming apps starting with ‘Pikmin’. The new mobile game is designed as a real-world AR game with Nintendo characters. Pikmin will be launched by Niantic later in 2021, globally. Furthermore, the companies have announced to develop series of mobile games in the coming years.
As per the announcement, the functionality of the new Pikmin games sounds like Pokemon Go by Niantic launched in 2016. Immediately after launched, Pokemon Go became a worldwide massive hit that allowed players to catch the wild creature in real-time in their surroundings. As creatures appeared everywhere like bedrooms, bus stations, cars, malls, living rooms, and other places, players flooded social media with their images. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic was able to keep the users engaged by introducing new ways to get Pokeballs, capture creatures, and more. Now, the developer wishing to offer a similar experience with Nintendo characters.
The new ‘Pikmin’ mobile game will encourage players to be more physically active
As the first gaming application created by Niantic Tokyo Studio and Niantic’s development studio, Pikmin is said to offer an entertaining AR experience designed to encourage players to walk.
AR technology company Niantic, Inc. and Nintendo Co., Ltd. are partnering together to jointly develop apps that combine Niantic’s real-world AR technology with Nintendo’s beloved characters. The first title the two companies are developing together is based on the Pikmin franchise, with gameplay activities designed to encourage walking and make the activity more enjoyable.
Both companies are excited about the new venture. While staying tight-lipped about other details of the game like characters, and gameplay, the executives of the said,
“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with Nintendo. We’re looking forward to shaping the future of AR together, bringing Nintendo’s beloved game characters to life for mobile game players around the world.” – said John Hanke, CEO of Niantic
“Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us. Based on the theme of making walking fun, our mission is to provide people a new experience that’s different from traditional games. We hope that the Pikmin and this app will become a partner in your life.” – Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director, Fellow, Nintendo.
