Pokémon Go maker Niantic cancels projects, lays off 8% of staff

Pokémon GoAnd Pikmin BloomNiantic has announced that it is trimming costs and canceled games. Bloomberg reports that the maker of augmented reality technology is cutting 8% off its workforce and eliminating four projects in development. The AR game, and the AR app were previously mentioned. Transformers: Heavy MetalPartnership with Punchdrunk theater company, well-known for its immersive theatre No more sleeping.

Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Niantic CEO John Hanke told employees in an email that the company was “facing a time of economic turmoil” and was looking to rein in costs.

Niantic’s mobile hit game is what makes it so well-known. Pokémon GoThe successor to the original augmented reality title, “The newest” Access. Initiated in 2016 Pokémon GoIt was and remains a huge hit for Niantic and the fifth highest grossing mobile game in America in 2021 according to Sensor Tower.

Niantic attempted replication Pokémon Go’s success with other popular properties. Summer 2019 saw the launch of the company. Harry Potter: Wizards UniteIt failed to get on board the right way. Pokémon Go did. Two years after the Wizard World game’s launch, Niantic announced it would be shut down. Niantic joined forces with Nintendo later. Pikmin bloom, a mobile game that was a modest success and reportedly generated only $5 million in revenue — a far cry from Pokémon Go’s billions in earnings.

Based on Bloomberg’s reporting, it appears that Niantic will continue to move forward with the recently announced NBA All-WorldThe game is free to play and allows players to collect NBA stars and modify them using items from real-world locations. They can then take on other players by playing one-on-one matches in their local courts or other places. Niantic even has its own virtual pet game. PeridotIt is currently in development and has soft-launched the product. The company plans to make it more widely available later this year.