Pokémon Go’s success in 2016 has been a source of delight to one of the game’s creators, Niantic’s Dennis Hwang, who said that the game has been one of the greatest highlights of his professional career. In an interview with The Verge, Hwang talked about Pokémon Go’s potential as a social network, the future of world ARGs, and what is next for the company.
Hwang said that the team’s challenge right now is to get players to look up more often while playing Pokémon Go: “I think just generally speaking the biggest element we’re looking to improve is allowing more heads-up play. It saddens me a little bit when I see a lot of hunched over people outside.”
The game is certainly trying to retain current players and entice former Pokémon hunters. The app is adding daily bonuses soon to get you to log in at least once a day. “Trainers will soon be able to receive a bonus for certain daily activities, including catching a Pokémon or visiting a PokéStop once a day. You’ll earn a larger bonus if you do this seven days in a row!” Niantic said.
