A recent report from Statista unveiled that Pokemon GO earned $566.38 million in 2023, though it experienced a supposed decline in revenue. Initially released in 2016, Pokemon GO captured hearts by transforming players into real-life trainers.
Since its inception, the game has evolved significantly, maintaining an active player base and a prominent presence in the mobile games market.
To uphold its relevance, Niantic consistently updates Pokemon GO with new features. For instance, the game’s Pokedex continues to expand, most recently welcoming Scarlet and Violet Pokemon. Last year, players eagerly anticipated gameplay features like Shadow Raids and Party Play, enabling trainers to team up with friends, alongside a flurry of new events. While Pokemon GO diligently strives to engage its players, a recent report hints that Niantic’s efforts may not be yielding the desired outcomes.
According to Statista, Pokemon GO generated $566.38 million in worldwide revenue last year, marking a significant decrease compared to previous years. This decline brought the game to its lowest earnings since 2017, when it amassed $444.75 million. In contrast, the report highlights 2022 as a prosperous year for Pokemon GO, with earnings reaching $655.24 million. The game’s peak financial performance was in 2020, raking in $908.94 million.
The drop in revenue coincided with several controversial decisions made by the game. One such decision was the increase in the price of Remote Passes, which garnered mixed reactions from the community. Additionally, limitations placed on the use of these passes purportedly led to a decrease in participation in Remote Raids. Introduced in 2020 amid the pandemic, Remote Passes allowed players to enjoy Pokemon GO from the safety of their homes. Furthermore, Niantic’s decision to raise the price of PokeCoins without prior notice left many players feeling frustrated.
Fluctuations in game profits are not uncommon, influenced by various factors such as inflation and developer adjustments. Despite the negative portrayal in the Statista report, Pokemon GO continues to thrive in its eighth year, continuously introducing new content and features to enrich gameplay.