In Pokémon GO , players might suffer from the cold weather. It is winter – are players refusing to hunt now?
Such problems are not common in video games. Normally, the colder weather drives players to their PCs or consoles, especially when gingerbread in supermarkets starts to go moldy because it has been there since mid-August, yet it is already November.
However, in Pokémon GO, the numbers might decline as it gets colder outside. Yes, this could actually become a problem. Mike Quigley, the Chief Marketing Officer for Niantic, admits this.
Since the Halloween event was so well received, there are thoughts of starting winter events in Germany, the UK, or North America when temperatures drop. This is, however, only planned for next year.
Pokémon GO aims to double its staff by winter 2017
Until then, they plan to accomplish quite a bit. For instance, the staff currently working on Pokémon GO is 70, and they plan to increase it to 140 or 150. The future of Pokémon GO is clearly looking ahead: they do not want to be just a flash in the pan, a summer one-hit wonder at Niantic.
However, they do not really believe that winter will completely keep people from hunting Pokémon. While many attributed the success of Pokémon GO to its summer release, Quigley points out: It was winter in Australia and Brazil. And there, Pokémon GO was quite successful as well.
That it is not as cold in Australia and Brazil during their winter as it is here – the marketing head does not comment on that. Instead, Quigley jokes: Maybe, thanks to Pokémon GO, we will see peaks in the sales of coats and gloves in winter.
Most developers do not have to worry about the weather – in Pokémon GO, this must also be taken into account. New times, new problems.
What do you think about Pokémon GO in the snow – does wind and weather keep you from hunting, or do you prefer to stay at home comfortably with another game?
