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After an unquestionable rough patch, 2018 proved to be a banner year for Pokémon Go. While the app was a massive success when it launched in 2016, many users dropped off, leaving a dedicated, but lessened, userbase. Thanks to the addition of several new features, including compatibility with Pokémon: Let’s Go on Switch, use of the app skyrocketed in 2018, to its highest numbers since launch.
While the app’s future certainly seems promising, there‘s a lot of pressure on Niantic to continue keeping fans happy and engaged. In a recent interview with Polygon, Niantic product manager Matt Slemon discussed where the company sees Pokémon Go headed in the future.
“I think you’re going to see more features that are more about really showing what it means to be an AR real-world game, not just a Pokémon game. I think there will be an interesting set of stuff that we have for fans this year, and we’re excited to get that out there.”
Fans likely won’t have to wait long to see some of the new features Slemon hints at. One of the first new additions to the game in 2019 will be the ability to take photos of individual Pokémon anywhere the player chooses. Previously, players could snap pics of Pokémon they were trying to capture, but the update will allow players to take any Pokémon they’ve caught and take pictures wherever they’re located using the game’s AR feature. It will certainly give fans some really cool opportunities to snap pictures of their Pokémon in interesting locations!
With a new Pokémon game set to arrive on Switch later this year, it will be interesting to see if compatibility with the app will carry over from Pokémon: Let’s Go. While it would be nice to see connective tissue between the main franchise and the app continue, regardless, Pokémon Go has cemented its place as a worthwhile experience for Pokémon fans.
Source: Polygon
