In 2016, Nintendo shocked the world when they announced that developer Niantic would go and make an AR -focused Pokemon title called Pokemon Go. No one thought it would be a hit…and then it took the world by storm. Making billions in the process. Now, Nintendo has announced that they’re working with Niantic on several future titles featuring their beloved IP, and the first one to get the nod is Pikmin.
The Pikmin game will be released later this year. The app will function similar to Pokemon Go, with Pikmin following players in the real world using AR technology. Future Nintendo/Niantic games will also leverage Niantic’s popular real-world AR technology.
“Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us”, said Shigeru Miyamoto in a press release. “Based on the theme of making walking fun, our mission is to provide people a new experience that’s different from traditional games. We hope that the Pikmin and this app will become a partner in your life.”
“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with Nintendo,” added John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, in the same press release. “We’re looking forward to shaping the future of AR together, bringing Nintendo’s beloved game characters to life for mobile game players around the world.”
Pikmin 3 Deluxe launched on Nintendo Switch late last year and sold over 1 million units and did very well in Japan. Perhaps between that and this the popularity and love for the franchise will lead to Pikmin 4 to finally be released.
It’ll also be interesting to see what other Nintendo IP will get picked up on by Niantic.
