01
HOW POKÉMON GO
MAKES MONEY:
UNDERSTANDING ITS
REVENUE MODEL
A D E E P D I V E I N T O N I A N T I C ’ S
M O N E T I Z A T I O N S T R A T E G Y
02
INTRODUCTION TO POKÉMON
GO
Pokémon GO, launched in July 2016 by Niantic in collaboration
with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, is a location-based
AR mobile game that quickly gained global popularity and
engagement.
With over 1 billion downloads, Pokémon GO revolutionized
mobile gaming. This presentation explores the various revenue
sources that have contributed to its sustained financial success
over the years.
03
REVENUE
MILESTONES
As of 2024, Pokémon GO has generated over $6 billion in total revenue,
making it the highest-earning augmented reality game worldwide. Its
success stems from a strong, loyal player base and innovative gameplay.
The game maintains consistent income through microtransactions,
including in-game items and upgrades. Revenue often spikes during
seasonal events, special updates, and community days, highlighting the
effectiveness of time-limited content in driving user spending.
03
IN-APP
PURCHASES
PokéCoins, the in-game currency in Pokémon GO, are bought with real
money and used to enhance gameplay. Players spend these coins on
essential items like Incense, Lucky Eggs, and Raid Passes. This system
drives revenue by offering in-game advantages and allowing players to
progress faster in the game.
In-game purchases with PokéCoins represent Pokémon GO’s most
consistent and profitable revenue stream. Players often buy items to
increase their chances of catching Pokémon or participating in events. The
ability to purchase Bag/Storage upgrades and other helpful resources
further fuels the game's monetization model.
06
SPECIAL EVENTS &
TICKET SALES
Special events like Pokémon GO Fest
offer paid access to exclusive virtual
and physical experiences. These
events feature limited-time activities
and exclusive Pokémon, which
encourage players to purchase
tickets and engage in special
missions, driving excitement and
participation.
01
These events significantly boost
short-term revenue by attracting
both dedicated and casual players.
The excitement around exclusive
rewards and the social experience of
attending events in-person or
virtually ensure increased ticket
sales, making them a major driver of
seasonal revenue spikes for Niantic.
4o mini
02
Timed research tasks and unique in-
game content, like exclusive
Pokémon, are integral to events.
Players pay for event access to
complete these challenges and catch
rare Pokémon. The sense of urgency
and exclusivity adds value, making
event-based purchases highly
attractive.
03
SEASONAL BUNDLES
AND LIMITED
OFFERS
05
Seasonal bundles are released during holidays or
special events, offering valuable in-game items like
Incense, Raid Passes, and Lucky Eggs in discounted
packages tailored for the occasion.
01
These limited-time offers create a sense of urgency,
encouraging players to spend quickly before the deals
expire. The time-sensitive nature boosts impulse
prchases and player engagement.
02
Seasonal bundles help increase microtransactions by
providing perceived value. Players are more likely to
buy when they feel they’re getting exclusive or
enhanced rewards during festive or themed events.
03
BRAND
LICENSING
05
Pokémon GO benefits from cross-promotion with
official merchandise, boosting visibility and
encouraging fans to buy related products like plush
toys, figures, and trading cards.
01
Branded apparel and accessories, including T-shirts,
hats, and phone cases, are sold through various
platforms, creating additional revenue beyond the
game itself.
02
Strong brand synergy with The Pokémon Company and
Nintendo enhances trust and reach, allowing for wider
licensing deals and expanding the game’s presence in
the global market.
03
WHY CHOOSE BR
SOFTECH FOR
GAME
DEVELOPMENT?
08
AR Gaming Expertise
We specialize in AR and geo-location
games like Pokémon GO, using advanced
tools such as Unity, ARKit, and ARCore to
deliver immersive, interactive
gamingexperiences.
Alfredo Torres
With 250+ successful game projects
worldwide, we offer full-cycle
development—design, prototyping,
deployment, and maintenance—tailored
to your game’s unique needs and vision.
Adora Montminy
Our team integrates custom revenue
models including in-app purchases,
sponsored content, and ad networks,
backed by 24x7 global support and
scalable, multilingual solutions.
09
CONTACT
US
+91-7821055537
BRSoftech.com
Nitin@brsoftech.com
21 overlook ridge terrace revere ma

How does Pokémon GO generate billions in revenue?

  • 1.
    01 HOW POKÉMON GO MAKESMONEY: UNDERSTANDING ITS REVENUE MODEL A D E E P D I V E I N T O N I A N T I C ’ S M O N E T I Z A T I O N S T R A T E G Y
  • 2.
    02 INTRODUCTION TO POKÉMON GO PokémonGO, launched in July 2016 by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, is a location-based AR mobile game that quickly gained global popularity and engagement. With over 1 billion downloads, Pokémon GO revolutionized mobile gaming. This presentation explores the various revenue sources that have contributed to its sustained financial success over the years.
  • 3.
    03 REVENUE MILESTONES As of 2024,Pokémon GO has generated over $6 billion in total revenue, making it the highest-earning augmented reality game worldwide. Its success stems from a strong, loyal player base and innovative gameplay. The game maintains consistent income through microtransactions, including in-game items and upgrades. Revenue often spikes during seasonal events, special updates, and community days, highlighting the effectiveness of time-limited content in driving user spending.
  • 4.
    03 IN-APP PURCHASES PokéCoins, the in-gamecurrency in Pokémon GO, are bought with real money and used to enhance gameplay. Players spend these coins on essential items like Incense, Lucky Eggs, and Raid Passes. This system drives revenue by offering in-game advantages and allowing players to progress faster in the game. In-game purchases with PokéCoins represent Pokémon GO’s most consistent and profitable revenue stream. Players often buy items to increase their chances of catching Pokémon or participating in events. The ability to purchase Bag/Storage upgrades and other helpful resources further fuels the game's monetization model.
  • 5.
    06 SPECIAL EVENTS & TICKETSALES Special events like Pokémon GO Fest offer paid access to exclusive virtual and physical experiences. These events feature limited-time activities and exclusive Pokémon, which encourage players to purchase tickets and engage in special missions, driving excitement and participation. 01 These events significantly boost short-term revenue by attracting both dedicated and casual players. The excitement around exclusive rewards and the social experience of attending events in-person or virtually ensure increased ticket sales, making them a major driver of seasonal revenue spikes for Niantic. 4o mini 02 Timed research tasks and unique in- game content, like exclusive Pokémon, are integral to events. Players pay for event access to complete these challenges and catch rare Pokémon. The sense of urgency and exclusivity adds value, making event-based purchases highly attractive. 03
  • 6.
    SEASONAL BUNDLES AND LIMITED OFFERS 05 Seasonalbundles are released during holidays or special events, offering valuable in-game items like Incense, Raid Passes, and Lucky Eggs in discounted packages tailored for the occasion. 01 These limited-time offers create a sense of urgency, encouraging players to spend quickly before the deals expire. The time-sensitive nature boosts impulse prchases and player engagement. 02 Seasonal bundles help increase microtransactions by providing perceived value. Players are more likely to buy when they feel they’re getting exclusive or enhanced rewards during festive or themed events. 03
  • 7.
    BRAND LICENSING 05 Pokémon GO benefitsfrom cross-promotion with official merchandise, boosting visibility and encouraging fans to buy related products like plush toys, figures, and trading cards. 01 Branded apparel and accessories, including T-shirts, hats, and phone cases, are sold through various platforms, creating additional revenue beyond the game itself. 02 Strong brand synergy with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo enhances trust and reach, allowing for wider licensing deals and expanding the game’s presence in the global market. 03
  • 8.
    WHY CHOOSE BR SOFTECHFOR GAME DEVELOPMENT? 08 AR Gaming Expertise We specialize in AR and geo-location games like Pokémon GO, using advanced tools such as Unity, ARKit, and ARCore to deliver immersive, interactive gamingexperiences. Alfredo Torres With 250+ successful game projects worldwide, we offer full-cycle development—design, prototyping, deployment, and maintenance—tailored to your game’s unique needs and vision. Adora Montminy Our team integrates custom revenue models including in-app purchases, sponsored content, and ad networks, backed by 24x7 global support and scalable, multilingual solutions.
  • 9.