If you haven’t heard about Pokémon Go by now, it is about time you do. Pokémon Go is an augmented reality mobile app game made by Nintendo in which users play as Pokémon trainers to capture and evolve Pokémon in the real world. The user walks around outside, or inside, and looks for a Pokémon to capture. According to SimilarWeb, “Over 60% of those who have downloaded the app in the US are using it daily, meaning around 3% of the entire US Android population are users of the app.” This is the first augmented reality game to really gain momentum. So what can we, as marketers, learn from Pokémon Go’s success thus far?
Social Media Frenzy – Pokémon Go is everywhere on social media. One of the big reasons I heard about Pokémon Go was due to my social feed; it is filled with posts about how awesome of a game it is. It is almost impossible not to get involved considering how much it is talked about.
Branding – There is no doubt one of the reasons this game has taken off is that it is Pokémon. According to Forbes, there is already a similar location-based game called, Ingress. However, most of you have probably never heard of it, but have heard of Pokémon Go. Ingress is just as good of a game, but does not have the brand strength Pokémon has.
Nostalgic– Humans are nostalgic by nature, so it is no surprise that those 20-somethings, who grew up playing Pokémon, are excited to play Pokémon once again. Being in my twenties, I grew up collecting cards and playing the red edition on Gameboy color. Once I heard there was a new Pokémon game out there, I had to check it out!
Exercise – Every parent can get behind this game because it gets their children outside and walking. The stigma of laziness and video games is disguised by all of the walking.
There are many reasons Pokémon Go has taken off so quickly. If your product is talked about on social, has a strong brand, is something even parents are behind and brings on nostalgic feelings, it will be successful. Learning from its success can help guide us marketers in our future marketing endeavors.
