Niantic, the developers behind Pokémon GO, have developed a lucrative business idea to make both entrepreneurs and players happy: They sell PokéStops.
Niantic announced: The developers introduced a system where small businesses can purchase a PokéStop or a Gym. These will then be integrated into Niantic’s AR games with their photo and appropriate text.
For players, this means more sponsored PokéStops or Gyms soon, when entrepreneurs take the plunge in their city.
A PokéStop for one dollar
Here's how the system works: An entrepreneur sees the offer and contacts Niantic. You can choose between two options. Either you get a PokéStop or a Gym in front of the business.
The business can provide an image and text, essentially advertising within the game.
How has it been so far? Currently, only really large businesses can obtain such PokéStops. This includes Unibail Rodamco in Europe, which has transformed CentrO in Oberhausen into a Pokémon paradise. Many of these partnerships have now expired. CentrO has lost the majority of its stops.
When is the feature coming? This system is initially set to be tested in the USA. If it goes well there, it will be released worldwide. The USA will have access to the system this winter.
What does a PokéStop cost? Anyone who perhaps owns a business and is considering a purchase must be prepared to spend one dollar per day. That's how much a PokéStop costs in front of the business.
For a Gym, one must pay two dollars per day. However, there will be regular raids there.
This is what players gain from it: Of course, we must first see how many businesses will actually accept such an offer, but it could mean more PokéStops and Gyms for you.
This could be a win-win situation for everyone. Businesses advertise, and as players, you have new places to discover. This could be another step towards more stops, after thanks to Niantic Wayfarer you can also submit PokéStops yourself.
Do you already have some Unova stones? We will tell you which evolutions you should make:
