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Pokemon Sword & Shield
What was the game idea?
Pokemon Sword & Shield is an RPG/Adventure game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch in 2019. It introduced the 8th generation of Pokemon to the series.
Like every Pokemon game, players can tame and train creatures. You can battle other players or join forces to participate in raids together.
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The evolution of Pokemon Generations from Gen 1 to Gen 8.
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Target Audience
Who was the target audience?
Nintendo generally targets a broad audience, creating games for everyone from 7 to 70, including kids, families, and seniors.
However, the primary priority is the Generation Y (25-35 age range)—the generation that grew up with Pokemon products as children.
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Funding & Development
How did they fund the game?
Game Freak has been the developer of Pokemon games on Nintendo consoles since Pokemon Red and Blue. The Pokemon brand is currently owned by The Pokemon Company, a joint venture between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures.
Nintendo publishes the Pokemon games developed by Game Freak.
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Marketing & Controversy
The game was first teased at E3 2017. In May 2018, The Pokemon Company confirmed a Switch-exclusive title for late 2019. It was fully revealed at a Nintendo Direct in February 2019, announcing the setting and starter Pokemon. The release date was set for November 15.
Before release, the game faced heavy criticism. The biggest issue was that only 400 out of 900+ Pokemon were included. Fans launched hashtags like #dexit and #bringbacknationaldeck to boycott the game. Many new features also sparked debate.
According to Metacritic data, while the game holds an 80 rating from 88 critics, it received a user score of only 4.6 due to fan backlash.
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Sales Performance
How many copies did they sell?
The game launched on November 15, 2019. It sold 16 million copies in its first month, becoming the 5th best-selling game on Switch immediately.
By the end of 2020, it surpassed 20 million sales. By the end of 2021, it reached 24 million, becoming the 2nd best-selling game in Pokemon history.
"The Pokemon Sword and Shield boycott didn't end well. In fact, quite the opposite happened."
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Monetization Model
Which monetization techniques did they use?
Pokemon Sword and Shield utilizes monetization methods through both Retail Purchase and Digital Distribution.
- Single Game: $59.99
- Double Pack: $119.99
Pokemon GO Analysis
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Game Idea & Funding
What was the game idea?
The biggest feature separating Pokemon Go from classic Pokemon games is that it uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology to simulate the experience of catching Pokemon. To increase the feeling of catching them, you must search for Pokemon in the real world.
Funding: Pokemon Go's developer is an American company called Niantic. They started as a start-up within Google in 2010. When Google restructured under Alphabet Inc. in 2015, Niantic became independent. Later, they received a total investment of $30 million from Google, Nintendo, and The Pokemon Company.
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Revenue & Monetization
Which monetization techniques did they use?
The game can be downloaded for free from the Play Store and App Store. It contains various microtransaction options.
Cosmetics and packs to make the game easier can be bought with in-game currency, while some special items are sold directly for cash. Items that facilitate gameplay can also be bought with this currency. You can get in-game currency by grinding or buying it with real money.
Sales: Pokemon Go has been downloaded over 500 million times. Revenue reached $1.21 billion in 2021.
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Competitors & Structure
Who were the competitors?
The best augmented reality games for Android include Ingress Prime, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Jurassic World Alive, and The Walking Dead: Our World.
Partnership: Nintendo isn't directly selling the Pokémon Go game but still benefits from its success through its 32% stake in The Pokémon Company and investment in Niantic.