NEW DELHI: Pokémon Go isn't showing signs of slowing down, and has become the largest launch in mobile phone history. The app, which launched in the US a little over a month ago, continues to add new users and countries, while driving an astounding amount of revenue.
Here are some must-know facts and figures based on the latest available data, compiled by App Annie, a leading app analytics and app data intelligence company.
Pokémon Go is well on its way to US$1bil
App Annie anticipates the game will breeze past US$350mil (RM1.40bil) in consumer spending across iOS and Google Play in the coming days. "So far, the game is on pace to exceed our US$1bil (RM4bil) prediction from early July and surpass any previous mobile game yearly revenues," said Fabien-Pierre Nicolas, vice-president, marketing & communications, App Annie.
With earnings like this, Pokémon Go isn't just a mobile phenomenon: It's an entertainment juggernaut. At its current rate, the game has the potential to exceed worldwide box-office numbers for 2016's highest-grossing film, Captain America: Civil War.
"If console mega-hits like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto can achieve US$500mil (RM2bil) in a few days, mobile games like Pokémon Go can top the charts for three-plus years," said Fabien-Pierre Nicolas.
The number of Pokémon Go downloads in its first week dwarfs other popular apps during their first week of release. Pokémon Go had 7.2 million downloads in its very first week of bring launched.
Compare this with popular games such as Angry Birds 2 and Candy Crush Jelly Saga that brought in 2.2 million and 1.8 million downloads, respectively, during their first week on the App store, according to reported figures.
At its current rate, the game has the potential to exceed worldwide box-office numbers for 2016's highest-grossing film, Captain America: Civil War.
The game is still making it rain on small businesses and big sponsors
Pokémon Go is sharing the wealth. Thanks to a strategic partnership with the game – where its 2,900 locations across Japan became designated PokéGyms – McDonald's Japan posted its first profit in two years, with sales jumping 27% in July.
Online retailers are also cashing in, with online sales of Pokémon-related merchandise increasing 105% compared to July 2015.
Nearly everyone is playing Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go is the leading game across all demographic segments of iPhone users in the US. However, its appeal is strongest with the 13-24 age group segment, where it ranks in the top 20 for all apps, surpassing even Spotify and Pandora Radio.
App Annie also looks at cross-app usage and found that the average Pokemon player was three times as likely to use videogame apps such as Twitch and Steam and play mobile games like Clash Royale, thus leading to the conclusion that the average Pokémon Go player is a core gamer, with intense gaming habits leading to a strong investment in time and/or money.
There are still countries to conquer
Analysts who've pointed out that downloads and spending aren't continuing to grow at July rates may not be considering that there are three major markets where the game still hasn't launched: China, South Korea and India.
"China surpassed the US for the iOS App Store as the #1 mobile gaming market in terms of global revenue. While Pokémon Go will have to deal with the need to pick a local map technology and host local servers, this seems like one opportunity too good to ignore for Niantic," said Fabien-Pierre Nicolas.
The Pokémon marketing machine is just taking off
App Annie suggests that there's still room for the app to penetrate existing markets by targeting laggards as well as people who didn't grow up with the game. Additionally, there are still massive updates expected to roll out.
The introduction of in-game monster trading and customisable PokeStops can reignite the app's existing user base while appealing to prospective users. — The Mint/Tribune News Service
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