Overview of Pokemon GO’s Transition to Scopely
- Pokemon GO will continue operations without interruption following Scopely’s acquisition; players can expect new features and improvements.
- Scopely reassures the community of sustained service and a commitment to preserving existing gameplay elements.
- A recent meeting in Japan highlighted Scopely’s dedication to Pokemon GO’s development and collaboration with Niantic.
Pokemon GO enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief as the leadership confirms there are no plans to shut down the game despite Scopely taking over from original developer Niantic. This assurance was emphasized during a recent discussion between the two companies, which expressed optimism about the game’s future expansion and innovation.
In March, when news of Scopely’s acquisition first broke, concerns arose among fans who had enjoyed over eight years of gameplay under Niantic’s stewardship. Michael Steranka, the senior product director, swiftly addressed these worries by praising Scopely’s track record in the mobile game sector. He dismissed fears regarding intrusive advertisements and the potential selling of user data, stating that Scopely does not engage in data sales, and affirmed that advertising would not align with the values of Pokemon GO.
The recent meeting, held on April 9 in Japan, aimed to clarify expectations for Pokemon GO’s evolution under new management. According to reports by ITMedia Mobile, representatives outlined a dual focus for the game’s future. Firstly, Scopely intends to innovate through new features that are cohesive with the existing Pokemon franchise, paralleling Niantic’s past introductions such as Max Pokemon and the GO Battle League. Secondly, the core features that players enjoy will largely remain intact, echoing game director Ed Wu’s earlier remarks that while Pokemon GO will evolve, it has always been “a work in progress.”
Maintaining Core Elements While Innovating
During this pivotal meeting, a comment from an unnamed representative reinforced that Scopely has no intention of discontinuing the game. This strategic acquisition was motivated by a mutual vision shared with Niantic, alongside Pokemon GO’s impressive popularity and strong market performance among players.
While the meeting was primarily focused on promoting the Japanese release of the GO Stamp Rally event—a unique initiative not available in other regions—Western players also have exciting challenges ahead. They can look forward to engaging with a brand-new Gen 8 Pokemon and participating in the upcoming Raid Day scheduled for April 13.