Niantic Responds to Pokémon GO Revenue Reports: Developer Disputes Claims of Decline

Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, has come forward to address recent reports about a decline in the game's monthly revenue.

The mobile phenomenon, initially released in July 2016, has maintained a dedicated global player base and has remained one of the highest-grossing mobile games available, even nearly seven years after its debut.

Pokémon GO's continued relevance has seen it prominently featured on the Nintendo eShop and highlighted in various Nintendo Direct presentations, cementing its place in the mobile gaming ecosystem.

Controversy arose following an analysis by MobileGame.biz, which indicated that Pokémon GO’s revenue dipped to $34.7 million in April 2023—a 40% decrease compared to $58 million in February of the same year, and marking its lowest monthly figure since February 2018.

According to the report, the decline followed Niantic’s decision at the start of April 2023 to increase the price of Remote Raid Passes, a move that met with significant backlash from the player community and trended under the hashtag 'Hear Us Niantic' on social media.

Many players argued that the price hike adversely affected trainers, especially those with disabilities who rely on remote play features. In response to these claims, Niantic provided a statement to Eurogamer, clarifying its position.

"We typically do not comment on third-party revenue projections as they are frequently inaccurate, which is the situation here.

Our revenue thus far in 2023 has surpassed the same period last year," a Niantic spokesperson communicated.

While the company did not directly address the month-on-month figures, it firmly rejected the claim that there was an overall downturn on a yearly basis. Niantic further addressed speculation that recent in-game changes, specifically concerning Raid mechanics, were behind the reported revenue dip.

The statement noted, "We do not focus on short-term monthly trends, as these can fluctuate with major live events.

The adjustments made this year have led to increased participation in in-person Raids, and we are enthusiastic about bringing new features to players in the coming months." Despite fluctuating monthly earnings, Pokémon GO remains a lucrative title within Niantic’s portfolio and the broader mobile gaming market.

The app's longstanding success on both Android and iOS platforms, along with ongoing support from Nintendo through platforms like the Nintendo Switch and the eShop, positions it as a resilient force in the gaming industry.

Niantic’s emphasis on in-person community engagement and the introduction of new features may signal a continued evolution for Pokémon GO as it approaches another milestone year. As the community and industry continue to monitor Niantic’s decisions and the game's financial performance, the developer reassures fans and stakeholders that Pokémon GO shows no signs of waning in relevance or profitability.

Pokémon Niantic Pokémon GO