Pokémon Go and Ingress developer Niantic is working with Nintendo on new applications that will join real-world augmented reality (AR) technology and Nintendo’s steady of characters. The first game coming as a feature of the partnership is an AR game dependent on Pikmin.
Nintendo said in a news release Monday that Niantic’s interpretation of Pikmin will feature gameplay that will “encourage walking and make the activity more enjoyable.” The application will launch in 2021. It’s being created by Niantic’s Tokyo studio, which was set up in 2018.
“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with Nintendo,” said John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, said in a news release. “We’re looking forward to shaping the future of AR together, bringing Nintendo’s beloved game characters to life for mobile game players around the world.”
“Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us,” added Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. “Based on the theme of making walking fun, our mission is to provide people a new experience that’s different from traditional games. We hope that the Pikmin and this app will become a partner in your life.”
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Pikmin franchise, which launched on Nintendo’s GameCube in late 2001. Nintendo re-released Pikmin 3, initially a Wii U game, for Nintendo Switch in fall 2020 as Pikmin 3 Deluxe.
Niantic discovered fantastic accomplishment with the launch of Pokémon Go in 2016, which based upon the organization’s Ingress AR game platform. The organization launched another AR game dependent on the Harry Potter IP, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, in 2019, and is creating or co-developing titles dependent on the Catan board games and an ally for Pokémon Go called Pokémon Sleep.
Nintendo has explored different avenues regarding mobile games as of late, with fluctuating degrees of progress. The organization’s mobile slate incorporates Super Mario Run, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Fire Emblem Heroes, Mario Kart Tour, Dr. Mario World, and Dragalia Lost.