Following their huge success with Pokémon Go, Nintendo and Niantic have finally gotten around to collaborating on another augmented-reality (AR) game.
The game will be based on Nintendo’s successful Pikmin franchise, but beyond that details are somewhat scant. In an announcement on Monday, March 22, the Japanese entertainment giant only let on that the title is set for launch “later this year” and will include “activities designed to encourage walking and make the activity more enjoyable.”
Niantic isn’t saying much, either, suggesting in a tweet that we “imagine exploring the world through the wonder of AR and alongside all of your pals — including your new Pikmin friends!”
We're overjoyed to make new memories with our partners at @Nintendo and YOU! ???? Imagine exploring the world through the wonder of AR and alongside all of your pals – including your new #Pikmin friends! Learn more about our partnership here: https://t.co/TiQ10S8kMR pic.twitter.com/YUpp4P33NA
— Niantic, Inc. (@NianticLabs) March 23, 2021
Niantic is headquartered in San Francisco, but the collaboration will be the first title created by its Tokyo Studio, which opened its doors three years ago.
Digital Trends’ gaming specialist Joseph Yaden describes Nintendo’s long-running Pikmin series as “unlike anything you’ve ever played,” adding, “It’s a mix between real-time strategy and puzzle, with action elements sprinkled throughout.” With that in mind, Pikmin fans are sure to go for the new AR game in a big way, similar to how Pokémon fans — and many others besides — descended upon Pokémon Go.
“As we continue to expand our games portfolio, it was a natural next step to team up with Nintendo,” John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, said in a 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.”
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto commented: “Niantic’s AR technology has made it possible for us to experience the world as if Pikmin are secretly living all around us. Based on the theme of making walking fun, our mission is to provide people with a new experience that’s different from traditional games. We hope that the Pikmin and this app will become a partner in your life.”