DeNA, the Japanese mobile developer known for long-running collaborations with The Pokémon Company, has disclosed a steep fall in active players for Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket.
The mobile-first app, available on iOS and Android, was singled out in DeNA’s recent financial results as a major factor behind a year-over-year decline in revenue and profit.
In its financial report, DeNA stated that Monthly Active Users (MAU) for Pokemon TCG Pocket fell from 39 million to 23 million during the quarter.
The company identified that drop in engagement as a significant contributor to weaker financial performance.
DeNA has announced plans to counter the decline by introducing “a number of new in-game events and promotions” designed to re-engage the player base.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has a long history across physical and digital platforms, and Pokemon TCG Pocket represents The Pokémon Company’s mobile-focused offering.
Unlike many Pokémon titles that release on Nintendo Switch, Pokemon TCG Pocket is built specifically for smartphones and tablets on iOS and Android, reflecting DeNA’s expertise in mobile live-service games.
DeNA’s role and track record
DeNA, founded in 1999, has been a recurring partner for The Pokémon Company on mobile projects.
The studio previously launched Pokémon Masters (now Pokémon Masters EX) in 2019, a notable example of its capacity to operate live mobile games tied to major entertainment IP.
The company’s disclosure of Pokemon TCG Pocket’s MAU decline is significant because live-service mobile titles depend heavily on sustained engagement to drive in-app purchases and recurring revenue.
What the numbers mean
DeNA’s reported fall from 39 million to 23 million monthly active users is a measurable contraction in the app’s active audience.
In its statement accompanying the results, DeNA framed the decline as a core issue affecting revenue and profit for the quarter and outlined immediate mitigation steps focused on content cadence and player-facing promotions.
Looking ahead, DeNA’s upcoming event roadmap and promotional plans will be watched closely by industry observers and players alike, as the company seeks to stabilize engagement for Pokemon TCG Pocket on iOS and Android while continuing its partnership with The Pokémon Company.