The mobile augmented reality game “Pokemon Go” was so successful when it was released last year that it did not take Apple any second thought in allowing game developer Niantic to have an iOS app version exclusively for Apple devices.
In fact, Apple has dubbed “Pokemon Go” as a cultural phenomenon because it was the most downloaded iOS game app last year, or until the advent of “Super Mario Run.”
“Pokemon Go” and “Super Mario Run” went on to end the year on the roster of top 10 most downloaded iOS apps worldwide, reports the Business Insider.
Given the success of “Pokemon Go” for Apple mobile devices like iPhones and iPads, Niantic decided to bring it a notch higher to Apple by presenting a “Pokemon Go” for Apple Watch during the official launching of the Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in September.
Critics were saying that the mobile augmented reality game is a natural fit for the smart wearable because both “Pokemon Go” and the Apple Watch have big fitness components and encourage users to get out of the house and do something other than sit or lie on the couch and eat nachos.
Falling below expectations
There were reports early last month saying that Niantic had canceled the development of the Apple Watch version of “Pokemon Go” but the game development company later denied it.
But during the week before Christmas, Niantic finally unveiled the watchOS version of “Pokemon Go.”
While its announcement in September generated excitement and enthusiasm, critics and users of Apple Watch were somewhat disappointed that the game fell below their expectations.
In fact, some are even saying that Niantic should have just canceled the development of the watchOS version of “Pokemon Go.”
One of the main reason why “Pokemon Go” was such a hit when it was released to mobile devices last year, both on Android and iOS, is because it gave gamers the opportunity to catch Pokemon, which is the gist of the excitement and fun of the game, that even kids really enjoy.
However, the watchOS version of “Pokemon Go” is almost entirely useless because it does not allow Apple Watch users or gamers to catch Pokemon, notes BGR.
Just an alert to catch Pokemon
Instead, what Apple Watch users get when the “Pokemon Go” app is installed on their smart wearable is an alert if a Pokemon is nearby. In which case, the gamer should take his or her phone or tablet out to catch the Pokemon.
Critics say that it is an absolutely inexcusable shortcoming, especially considering that in the case of “Pokemon Go Plus” which does not have a screen, it still allows gamers to catch a nearby Pokemon without having to take out his or her phone.
Worst of all is that even when all the user settings are perfectly in order, his chances of actually getting a notification of a Pokestop or nearby creature are about as good as flipping a coin.
Thus, many are saying that instead of going for a “Pokemon Go” app on Apple Watch, gamers are better off dropping their $35 on a “Pokemon Go Plus” where they are sure to get their money’s worth as an alternative to playing the game other than using a smartphone or a tablet.
Speaking of “Pokemon Go” on Apple devices, it seems that “Super Mario Run” is slowly taking the mantle from the former game. In fact, “Super Mario Run” was the most downloaded app on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Apple’s developers were able to rake in $20 billion in 2016, which was up 40% in 2015, Apple announced. Given that Apple takes a roughly 30% cut of what developers sell, this implies that the App Store grossed somewhere around $28 billion last year.