In a recent interview, Ed Wu, Senior Vice President of Pokémon Go, discussed his past experiences working on the game and unveiled some upcoming plans for the future. Expressing his enthusiasm for the game’s upcoming 10th anniversary, he assured significant improvements and changes to the game. During the interview, Vice President Wu delved into various topics including the recent Sinnoh Tour, revenue figures, and future plans for Pokémon Go, providing comprehensive insights into the game’s past years and its ongoing development.
Sinnoh Tour Success Drove Engagement and Elevated Revenue
“Go Tour was by many metrics our most successful week ever,” were the exact words of Wu as he excitedly shared them since the event conducted in February was the most successful event in the history of Pokemon Go. He elaborated on the game’s expansion and growth, attributing future growth plans to the increased revenue generated from the heightened engagement at the Sinnoh event.
Wu also voiced criticism towards Google and Apple, the dominant players in the mobile gaming market, for their 33% revenue share model, which poses a significant challenge for developers. In a strategic move, they launched their own web stores, where in-game currency is offered at reduced prices. This approach allows users to purchase currency directly from the game’s store, ensuring that developers retain the full share of their revenue, bypassing the financial toll taken by external platforms. This innovative strategy has fueled revenue growth, facilitating further game enhancements and the rollout of new features in Pokemon Go.
Players Can Expect Change In Avatar System and New Pokemon
Discussing future updates, Wu confidently states, “As we approach our 10th anniversary, we aim for a refresh that embodies the spirit of the coming decade. We’re upgrading our avatar system to provide a superior experience with updated assets—a modern system that offers enhanced customization options.” So, this implies that players will have increased flexibility in personalizing their avatars.
Addressing the absence of “Arceus,” from the Sinnoh Event, Wu clarified their intention to integrate every Pokémon into the game while adhering to their high standards. While the details of which Pokémon will be added in future updates remain under wraps, it’s clear that a variety of new Pokémon are on the horizon.
So, what new features are you hoping to see in Pokémon Go’s upcoming updates? Share in the comment section below!
