Since launch, Pokemon GO has managed to remain an incredibly popular game for Pokemon trainers all around the world. It seems that popularity has resulted in fairly hefty profits for Niantic and the Pokemon Company, too, as Pokemon GO has continued to turn out a cozy profit for the past few years, earning nearly $900 million in 2019 alone - the game's best year to date.
Pokemon GO generated an estimated $894 million in gross player spending last year, beating out its previous record of $832 million back in 2016 when the game first launched. Pokemon GO did suffer a bit of a down year in 2017, only earning $589 million, but it was able to make a comeback, earning $816 million in 2018. That puts total gross income for the title at roughly $3.1 billion. Much of the game's success can be attributed to its regular updates, which frequently add new Pokemon to the mobile game's roster.
Most of Pokemon GO's revenue in 2019 came from the United States, with the country collectively spending $335 million on the title, or about 38% of its total for the year. Japan came in at number two, raking in $286 million in gross revenue, or 26% of the total for the year. Pokemon GO did have some of the best in-game events of 2019, so it makes sense that it was able to perform so well.
Pokemon GO has made quite a few changes since its initial release. Most recently, Niantic overhauled Pokemon GO's buddy system, adding far more depth to the mechanic. It's fair to say that more will continue to change well into 2020 and beyond, especially if Niantic is able to continue growing revenue for the title year over year.
There's no telling where, exactly, Pokemon GO will end up by the time Niantic is ready to fully move on to a new project. The game has been out for nearly four years now, and it's changed dramatically in that time period. The game has had its share of controversy, early on Pokemon GO caused a stampede at Central Park, though its hard to say that it hasn't had one of the better communities out there, stampedes aside.
Pokemon GO is available now for mobile devices.
Source: Sensor Tower