What you need to know
- A new app based around the Pikmin series will release globally in 2021.
- The app will make use of augmented reality to encourage physical activity.
- The new app is being developed by Niantic, the developers responsible for Pokémon Go.
Nintendo and Pokémon Go developer Niantic have joined forces again to develop new apps that make use of real-world augmented reality technology and Nintendo's roster of characters. The first game from the new collaboration starts Pikmin and will release globally later this year.
In a press release from Nintendo, it states that the new app will feature gameplay that will "encourage walking and make the activity more enjoyable." This is the first game developed by Niantic Tokyo Studio, Niantic's development studio established in April 2018.
"As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with Nintendo," said Niantic CEO John Hanke. "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."
"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," said Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo.
It's not the first time Nintendo has dabbled in augmented reality. In addition to Pokémon Go, last year's Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit made use of augmented reality, real-world objects, and the Nintendo Switch to create real-life Mario Kart tracks.
Pokémon Go has continued to be a huge success for both Niantic and The Pokemon Company, so it makes sense that Nintendo would tap them for their next foray into augmented reality. Pikmin fits into this mold, specifically with the walking aspect, since the goal of the games is to collect as many Pikmin as possible and use them to complete tasks. The Pikmin franchise has also recently enjoyed a surge of popularity, thanks to the re-release of Pikmin 3 Deluxe on the Switch.
