In a significant move earlier this month, Scopely confirmed its acquisition of Niantic's gaming division, which includes the immensely popular mobile game, Pokemon Go. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the game’s community, igniting intense discussions among fans who are concerned about the future direction of the game that has captivated millions since its launch in 2016.
Michael Steranka, the senior product director for Pokemon Go, recently addressed these concerns in an interview with Polygon, providing much-needed clarity about potential changes following the acquisition. One of the primary worries among players was the possibility of intrusive advertisements and restrictions on gameplay. Steranka was quick to dispel these fears, stating emphatically, "Not now, not ever," regarding any plans to introduce such monetization strategies.
According to Steranka, Scopely recognizes the unique formula that has made Pokemon Go a massive success over the years. He reiterated, "They would be foolish to try to change the recipe of what’s made this such a huge hit and a success." This reassurance aims to calm players who have closely followed the game's evolution and were concerned about how a new owner might steer it. Steranka emphasized that Scopely gives its development teams the autonomy to make game-specific decisions, ensuring that the existing Pokemon Go team remains intact and will continue to develop the game without drastic alterations.
Another prevalent concern among fans relates to data privacy, specifically regarding the sharing of personal information with third-party organizations. Addressing this issue directly, Steranka assured players, "We do not sell player data to third parties, full stop," stressing that they only utilize location data essential for the game while adhering to strict regulatory best practices. He further reassured users that this data is stored on U.S.-based servers, bolstering trust amongst the player base.
While some players have expressed skepticism about Scopely's ownership—especially in light of the gaming company’s approach to monetization in games like Monopoly Go—Steranka's statements suggest a commitment to continuing the core elements that have endeared players to Pokemon Go. He mentioned that fans can expect traditional in-person events like the upcoming Pokemon Go Fest to remain central to the game’s offerings, with hints at potential expansions to these events in new locations.
Indeed, Pokemon Go has cultivated a passionate community throughout its nine-year journey, generating over $6 billion in lifetime revenue and maintaining a user base of more than 30 million active players. Steranka notes that the game’s success, along with its rich history of community engagement, is critical and will influence how Scopely approaches future developments.
Despite the change in ownership, Steranka insists that the focus will remain on getting players outdoors and engaged with their local environments, saying, "I would be remiss if through this transaction, Pokemon Go became Pokemon Stay at Home." This commitment to keeping the game interactive—encouraging participants to explore real-world locations while catching virtual Pokemon—caters to the spirit of the original game design.
As the game's director for the past eight years, Steranka has a unique perspective on both the game and its community. His confidence in Scopely’s capability to evolve Pokemon Go without forsaking its essence may resonate well with both long-time players and newcomers alike. He expressed optimism about the future trajectory of the game, contending that maintaining solid communication with fans is crucial as Pokemon Go transitions into this new chapter.
In summary, while the acquisition of Pokemon Go by Scopely has undeniably brought uncertainty, Steranka's reassurances and the acquisition's backing by The Pokemon Company suggest that the game's core ethos will remain intact. As fans look towards the future, many hope this acquisition paves the way for innovative experiences without altering the foundational elements that have made Pokemon Go a beloved title.
