Niantic, Inc.#Endgame: Proving Ground

File:John Hanke by Gage Skidmore.jpg, founder and CEO of Niantic]]

John Hanke worked at Keyhole in 2001, a software development company specializing in geospatial data visualization applications. Hanke was hired by Google in 2004 as part of Google's acquisition of Keyhole. Hanke led Google's Geo division, which was Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Street View.{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/how-a-google-side-project-evolved-into-a-4b-company/ |title=How a Google side project evolved into a $4B company |last1=Kumparak |first1=Greg |date=March 19, 2019 |website=TechCrunch |access-date=September 20, 2024}} The move to the Geo division included Keyhole employees such as Brian McClendon and Bill Kilday.{{cite web |url=https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/bill-kilday-880000041965 |title=Bill Kilday |website=Harper Collins Publishers |access-date=September 20, 2024}}

Hanke left the Geo division in October 2010 to form Niantic Labs, an internal startup within Google.{{cite web |title=About Niantic, Inc. |url=https://nianticlabs.com/about/ |website=Niantic |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224158/https://nianticlabs.com/about/ |url-status=live }} The company took its name from the whaling vessel Niantic, which came to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush in the 1800s.{{cite magazine |last1=Markowitz |first1=Eric |title=Exclusive: Inside the Mind of Google's Greatest Idea Man, John Hanke |url=http://www.inc.com/eric-markowitz/inside-the-mind-of-googles-greatest-idea-man.html |magazine=Inc.com |access-date=June 19, 2015 |date=December 20, 2012 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310041235/http://www.inc.com/eric-markowitz/inside-the-mind-of-googles-greatest-idea-man.html |url-status=live }} At the time Ingress was launched, Niantic had 35 employees.{{cite news |title=Niantic's first AR game Ingress is getting a massive overhaul in 2018 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/2/16725884/ingress-prime-update-niantic-pokemon-go |access-date=April 16, 2018 |work=The Verge |archive-date=April 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415154404/https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/2/16725884/ingress-prime-update-niantic-pokemon-go |url-status=live }}

The company spun out of Google in October 2015, soon after Google's announcement of its restructuring as Alphabet Inc. Niantic also announced that Google, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company would invest up to $30 million in Series-A funding, $20 million upfront and the remaining $10 million in financing conditioned upon the company achieving certain milestones, to support the growth of the company and its products.{{Cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/niantic-tpc-nintendo/ |title=Niantic Inc. Raises $20 Million in Financing from The Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo |website=Niantic |date=October 15, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805100528/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/niantic-tpc-nintendo/ |url-status=live }} In February 2016, Niantic announced that it had secured an additional $5 million{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-pok-mon-go-i-dev-niantic-labs-scores-another-5-million-in-funding |title=Pokémon Go dev Niantic Labs scores another $5 million in funding |last=Nutt |first=Christian |website=gamasutra.com |date=February 25, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716233741/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/266686/Pokmon_Go_dev_Niantic_Labs_scores_another_5_million_in_funding.php |url-status=live }} in Series A funding including investment{{Cite web |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/niantic-inv/ |title=Welcoming Gilman Louie, David Jones, Fuji TV, Cyan & Scott Banister, and Lucas Nealan to the Niantic Family |website=Niantic Labs |access-date=July 7, 2016 |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132745/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/niantic-inv/ |url-status=live }} from venture capital firms Alsop Louie Partners and You & Mr. Jones Brandtech Ventures, as well as angel investors Lucas Nealan, Cyan Banister, and Scott Banister.{{cite web |access-date=July 12, 2021 |title=Niantic raises $5 million to forge ahead with Pokémon Go |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/02/25/niantic-raises-5m-as-it-forges-ahead-with-pokemon-go-massively-multiplayer-mobile-game/ |date=February 25, 2016 |first1=Dean |last1=Takahashi |website=VentureBeat |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713003249/https://venturebeat.com/2016/02/25/niantic-raises-5m-as-it-forges-ahead-with-pokemon-go-massively-multiplayer-mobile-game/ |url-status=live }} While adding more support for the growth of the company, this investment enabled Niantic to bring in strategic industry pioneers including the addition of Gilman Louie to its board.{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-02-25-niantic-raises-another-usd5m-in-series-a |title=Niantic raises another $5m in Series A |access-date=July 12, 2021 |first1=Rachel |last1=Weber |website=gamesIndustry.biz |date=February 25, 2016 |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426000123/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-02-25-niantic-raises-another-usd5m-in-series-a |url-status=live }}

In November 2017, Niantic raised $200 million in Series B funding from multiple investors, led by Spark Capital.{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/24/pokemon-go-creator-raises-200-million-ahead-of-harry-potter-game-launch/ |title=Pokémon Go creator raises $200 million ahead of Harry Potter game launch |last1=Etherington |first1=Darrell |date=November 24, 2017 |work=TechCrunch |access-date=November 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124221835/https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/24/pokemon-go-creator-raises-200-million-ahead-of-harry-potter-game-launch/ |url-status=live }} Spark's Megan Quinn joined Niantic's board of directors during this investment round.

In January 2019, it was reported that Niantic had raised an additional $245 million in a Series C fundraising round. The round was led by Institutional Venture Partners (IVP) but also included investments from strategic partners such as AXiomatic Gaming and Samsung Ventures.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/15/niantic-raises-245-million.html |title=Niantic raises $245 million |last=Gomez |first=Brandon |date=January 16, 2019 |publisher=CNBC |access-date=January 18, 2019 |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116172834/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/15/niantic-raises-245-million.html |url-status=live }} The investment valued the company at $3.7 billion, excluding the investment itself.{{cite news |title='Pokémon Go' maker valued at almost $4bn after cash injection |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b13f0dfc-1997-11e9-9e64-d150b3105d21 |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=January 16, 2019 |language=id |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917052705/https://www.ft.com/content/b13f0dfc-1997-11e9-9e64-d150b3105d21 |url-status=live }}

In November 2017, it was announced that Niantic had acquired Evertoon, an app that allows users to make short, personalized films.{{Cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/evertoon/ |title=The Niantic family is growing - Niantic |website=Niantic |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109134858/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/evertoon/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/03/niantic-acqui-hires-evertoon-to-add-a-social-network-to-pokemon-go-and-other-apps/|title=Niantic acqui-hires Evertoon to add a social network to Pokémon Go and other apps|website=TechCrunch|date=November 3, 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=December 4, 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-eyes-acquisitions-after-fundraising-11547638201|title='Pokémon Go' Maker Niantic Eyes Acquisitions After Fundraising|last=Roof|first=Katie|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 16, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=December 4, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204173236/https://www.wsj.com/articles/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-eyes-acquisitions-after-fundraising-11547638201|url-status=live}} According to the company's announcement, the acquisition is meant to help build social systems. At the time of the acquisition, Evertoon was only 18 months old and had only 5 employees.{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/03/niantic-acqui-hires-evertoon-to-add-a-social-network-to-pokemon-go-and-other-apps/ |title=Niantic acqui-hires Evertoon to add a social network to Pokémon Go and other apps |last1=Perez |first1=Sarah |work=TechCrunch |access-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304044153/https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/03/niantic-acqui-hires-evertoon-to-add-a-social-network-to-pokemon-go-and-other-apps/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2018, Niantic announced that it had acquired augmented reality company Escher Reality, a team focused on building persistent, cross-platform, multi-user experiences. Hanke stated that Niantic planned to allow third-party developers to build AR games similar to Pokémon Go.{{cite news |last1=Roettgers |first1=Janko |title=Pokemon Go Maker Niantic Acquires Startup That Develops Multiplayer Augmented Reality Tech |url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/pokemon-go-niantic-escher-reality-acquisition-1202683874/ |access-date=February 2, 2018 |work=Variety |date=February 1, 2018 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193804/http://variety.com/2018/digital/news/pokemon-go-niantic-escher-reality-acquisition-1202683874/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2018, Niantic announced the acquisition of computer vision and machine learning company Matrix Mill. The Matrix Mill team has spent years focusing on perfecting augmented reality occlusion by building deep neural networks that can infer 3D information about the surrounding world. The acquisition significantly advances Niantic's efforts to deliver planet-scale AR and provide even more realistic AR experiences.{{Cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/matrixmill/ |title=Welcoming Matrix Mill to Niantic: Redefining How Machines See and Understand the World - Niantic |website=Niantic |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629074341/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/matrixmill/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/28/niantics-latest-acquisition-lets-ar-pokemon-hide-behind-the-real-world/|title=Niantic's latest acquisition lets AR Pokémon hide behind the real world|website=TechCrunch|date=June 28, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=December 4, 2019}}

In July 2018, Niantic announced the acquisition of LA-based gaming studio, Seismic Games.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/17/niantic-acquires-seismic-games/|title=Niantic acquires Seismic Games|website=TechCrunch|date=July 17, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=December 4, 2019}} The gaming studio consists of industry veterans from EA/Pandemic and Activision, and best known for co-developing Marvel Strike Force.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/seismicgames/ |title=Welcoming Seismic Games to Niantic: Continuing to Shake Up How Games Are Made and Played - Niantic |website=Niantic |access-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718144715/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/seismicgames/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2018, Niantic invested in DigiLens alongside Mitsubishi Chemical's Diamond Edge Ventures. The investment will help DigiLens develop holographic waveguide displays for augmented reality applications.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/14/ar-display-maker-digilens-lands-50-million-from-samsung-niantic/|title=AR display-maker DigiLens lands $50 million from Samsung, Niantic|website=TechCrunch|date=May 14, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=December 4, 2019}}

In June 2019, Niantic announced the acquisition of London-based development studio, Sensible Object. Niantic CEO Hanke states on behalf of the company that the acquisition "significantly advances [Niantic's] efforts in developing a wide range of gaming experiences that bring the physical and digital world closer together".{{Cite web|title=Welcoming Sensible Object to Niantic: Expanding Breadth and Depth of Gaming Experiences|url=https://nianticlabs.com/en/blog/sensibleobject/|access-date=December 12, 2020|website=Niantic|language=en|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929181339/https://nianticlabs.com/en/blog/sensibleobject/|url-status=live}} In March 2020, Niantic acquired 3D world-scanning software company 6D.ai.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-acquires-3d-world-scanning-software-company-6d-ai/|title=Pokemon Go maker Niantic acquires 3D world-scanning software company 6D.ai|last=Stein|first=Scott|publisher=CNET|language=en|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404120753/https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-acquires-3d-world-scanning-software-company-6d-ai/|url-status=live}} In January 2021, Niantic acquired community gaming platform Mayhem.{{Cite web|last=Matney|first=Lucas|date=January 5, 2021|title=Niantic buys competitive gaming platform Mayhem|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/05/niantic-buys-competitive-gaming-platform-mayhem/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116113044/https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/05/niantic-buys-competitive-gaming-platform-mayhem/|archive-date=January 16, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2021|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}

In 2021, Niantic acquired Scaniverse, a 3D scanning app, and Lowkey, a social gaming platform in which users can record and share gameplay moments.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/10/niantic-acquires-3d-scanning-app-scaniverse/|title=Niantic acquires 3D scanning app Scaniverse|last=Kumparak|first=Greg|website=TechCrunch|date=August 10, 2021|language=en-US|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813165357/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/10/niantic-acquires-3d-scanning-app-scaniverse/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |access-date=December 1, 2021 |title=Niantic buys gameplay recording app Lowkey to improve its in-game social experience |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/01/niantic-buys-gameplay-recording-app-lowkey-to-improve-its-in-game-social-experience/ |date=December 1, 2021 |first1=Mariella |last1=Moon |website=TechCrunch}} In 2022, Niantic announced the acquisition of 8th Wall, a WebAR development platform, and NZXR, an augmented reality studio.{{cite news|title=Niantic's 'largest acquisition to date' shows the company is still pushing on AR|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/10/22971072/niantic-8th-wall-acquisition-largest-ar-augmented-reality-pokemon-go|work=The Verge|last=Peters|first=Jay|date=March 10, 2022|access-date=March 11, 2022|archive-date=March 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311182854/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/10/22971072/niantic-8th-wall-acquisition-largest-ar-augmented-reality-pokemon-go|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Niantic acquires former Magic Leap developers NZXR |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-04-06-niantic-acquires-former-magic-leap-developers-nzxr |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=April 6, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406141757/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-04-06-niantic-acquires-former-magic-leap-developers-nzxr |url-status=live }} In 2023, Niantic closed its Los Angeles based studio and laid off 230 employees.{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Justin |date=2023-06-29 |title=Niantic cancels projects, closes LA office to prioritize Pokémon Go |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/niantic-cancels-projects-closes-la-office-to-prioritize-pok-mon-go |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231205212200/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/niantic-cancels-projects-closes-la-office-to-prioritize-pok-mon-go |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Game Developer |language=en}}

In June 2018, Niantic shared a sneak peek behind the technology they had been developing for years: the Niantic Real World Platform.{{Cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/nianticrealworldplatform/ |title=A Peek Inside the Niantic Real World Platform |website=Niantic |access-date=December 1, 2021 |first1=John |last1=Hanke |date=June 28, 2018 |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203140739/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/nianticrealworldplatform/ |url-status=live }} The core platform consists of a suite of tools including: AR Cloud, anti-cheat security, POI data, IAP, social, analytics, CRM, sponsorship, and more.{{cite AV media |people=Phil Keslin |title=Phil Keslin (Niantic Labs): ar is more than just pixels |date=June 26, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMNKISe4yeI&t=13m47s |access-date=June 29, 2018 |via=YouTube |location=Santa Clara, California |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118095241/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMNKISe4yeI&t=13m47s |url-status=live }} Niantic mentioned that they intend to open up the platform in the future for use by third-party developers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/28/17511606/niantic-labs-pokemon-go-real-world-platform-ar|title=Niantic is opening its AR platform so others can make games like Pokémon Go|work=The Verge|access-date=June 29, 2018|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628193637/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/28/17511606/niantic-labs-pokemon-go-real-world-platform-ar|url-status=live}}

In December 2018, Niantic announced their Beyond Reality Developer Contest offering third-party developers an opportunity to develop a new game experience on the Niantic Real World Platform for a chance to compete for a prize pool of more than $1 million.{{cite news |last1=Batchelor |first1=James |title=Niantic launches $1m AR game contest |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-12-21-niantic-launches-usd1m-ar-game-contest |access-date=June 9, 2019 |work=gamesindustry.biz |date=December 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609082926/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-12-21-niantic-launches-usd1m-ar-game-contest |url-status=live }}

In early 2021, Niantic rebranded the Niantic Real World Platform as Lightship.{{cite web|first1=Nick|last1=Statt|access-date=November 18, 2021|title=Niantic is preparing for its own metaverse moment|url=https://www.protocol.com/niantic-developer-ar-platform-metaverse|date=November 8, 2021|website=Protocol|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118011208/https://www.protocol.com/niantic-developer-ar-platform-metaverse|url-status=live}} In November 2021, Niantic launched the Lightship software development kit for augmented reality based on Unity.{{Cite web|title=Niantic reveals its vision for a 'real-world metaverse,' releases Lightship AR Developer Kit|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/11/08/niantic-reveals-its-vision-for-a-real-world-metaverse-releases-lightship-ar-developer-kit/|last=Silberling |first=Amanda |date=November 8, 2021|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}} The company raised $300 million from Coatue Management for further development of Lightship and Niantic's "real-world metaverse", valuing the company at $9 billion.{{Cite web |title=Niantic raises $300M at a $9B valuation to build the 'real-world metaverse' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/11/22/niantic-raises-300m-at-a-9b-valuation-to-build-the-real-world-metaverse/ |last=Silberling |first=Amanda |date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=November 23, 2021 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122232149/https://techcrunch.com/2021/11/22/niantic-raises-300m-at-a-9b-valuation-to-build-the-real-world-metaverse/ |url-status=live }}

On February 18, 2025, Bloomberg reported that Niantic was in talks to sell its video game business to Scopely for $3.5 billion.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-19/-pokemon-go-maker-nears-3-5-billion-deal-to-sell-games-unit |work=Bloomberg |title='Pokémon Go' Maker Nears $3.5 Billion Deal to Sell Games Unit |first1=Michelle |last1=Davis |first2=Cecilia |last2=D'Anastasio |date=February 18, 2025 |access-date=February 19, 2025}}{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19 |title='Pokemon Go' maker nears US$3.5 billion deal to sell games unit |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/pokemon-go-maker-nears-us3-5-billion-deal-sell-games-unit |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=The Business Times |language=en}} On March 12, the acquisition was confirmed.{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Ivan |title=Pokémon Go maker Niantic is selling its games division to Scopely for $3.5B |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/12/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-is-selling-its-games-division-to-scopely-for-3-5b/ |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=TechCrunch |date=12 March 2025}} Niantic also announced it was spinning off its geospatial business into a separate company, Niantic Spatial Inc.{{cite web |access-date=March 12, 2025 |title=Niantic's Next Chapter: Introducing a New Home for Niantic Games and a New Future for Niantic Spatial Inc. |url=https://nianticlabs.com/news/niantic-next-chapter |website=Niantic Labs |date=March 12, 2025}}{{Cite web |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pokémon Go developer Niantic to sell gaming business to Saudi group |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/615267/niantic-pokemon-go-scopely-acquisition-deal |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}} In April 2025, 68 employees were laid off as part of the company's restructuring.{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=April 15, 2025 |title=Niantic is laying off 68 employees after selling its game business for $3.5 billion |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/niantic-is-laying-off-68-employees-after-selling-its-game-business-for-3-5-billion |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=www.gamedeveloper.com |language=en}}

{{copy edit|section|date=April 2025}}

{{Timeline of release years

| title = Products released timeline

| first = 2010

| 2012 = Field Trip

| 2013 = Ingress

| 2016 = Pokémon Go

| 2018 = Ingress Prime

| 2019 = Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

| 2021 = Pikmin Bloom

| 2022 =

| 2023a = NBA All-World

| 2023b = Peridot

| 2023c= Monster Hunter Now}}

Niantic's first augmented reality game, Ingress was initially made available on Android by invitation only in November 2012. It was then released publicly in October 2013. An iOS version was released in July 2014.

Initially, Niantic had taken an alternative approach to monetization, veering away from more traditional mobile application development standards such as ad placements and in-app purchases. However, following the split with Google in 2015, in-app purchasing was implemented for Ingress. John Hanke has noted that Ingress is a "proof of concept", adding that the next step could involve packaging application programming interfaces (APIs) from the Ingress application to entice developers.{{cite web |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/13/5207176/the-everywhere-arcade-how-google-is-turning-location-into-a-game-platform |date=December 13, 2013 |last=Newton |first=Casey |title=The everywhere arcade: How Google is turning location into a game platform |access-date=September 6, 2017 |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505050431/https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/13/5207176/the-everywhere-arcade-how-google-is-turning-location-into-a-game-platform |url-status=live }} Companies that partnered with Niantic were marketed through the narrative of Ingress rather than direct marketing techniques.

In November 2018, Niantic released a revamped version of the game branded as Ingress Prime. The game is completely rewritten within Unity.{{cite web |date=November 5, 2018 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |title=Welcome to Ingress Prime |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/ingress-prime/ |website=Niantic |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106055203/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/ingress-prime/ |url-status=live }} Niantic also retained the older Ingress game as a separate download named Scanner [REDACTED]. The intention of the older Ingress game was to help aid players with the transition to Prime as feature parity was reached between both games in 2019.{{cite web |title=Scanner [REDACTED] |url=https://support.ingress.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002076527-Scanner-REDACTED- |website=Ingress Help Center |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119174743/https://support.ingress.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002076527-Scanner-REDACTED- |url-status=live }}

In collaboration with Craftar Studio, Ingress: The Animation, a television series based on the game, was produced. It began airing in Japan on Fuji TV's +Ultra programming block in October 2018. On April 30, 2019, the series premiered globally on Netflix.

In September 2015, it was announced that Niantic had been developing Pokémon Go in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android devices.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUlX77BKLyY |title=Pokémon GO Press Conference |date=September 10, 2015 |via=YouTube |access-date=September 10, 2015 |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711141708/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUlX77BKLyY |url-status=live }} Tatsuo Nomura, who joined Niantic in 2015 after he developed the Google Maps: Pokémon Challenge,{{cite news|last1=Ogawa|first1=Joshua|title='Pokemon Go' could evolve further|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Milestone/Pokemon-Go-could-evolve-further?n_cid=NARAN1507|work=Nikkei Asian Review|date=October 22, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026213645/https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Milestone/Pokemon-Go-could-evolve-further?n_cid=NARAN1507|archive-date=October 26, 2017|access-date=October 26, 2017}} acted as Director and Product Manager for the game.{{cite web|title=Google+ post by Niantic Labs|url=https://plus.google.com/+Nianticlabs/posts/hzHFQ6Axbu7|website=Google Plus|publisher=Niantic Labs|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109214341/https://plus.google.com/+Nianticlabs/posts/hzHFQ6Axbu7|archive-date=November 9, 2016}}

The game was initially released in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States in July 2016 (and released to the rest of the world throughout the remainder of 2016), where it became an overnight global phenomenon,{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/why-pokemon-go-has-been-a-viral-success-2016-7|title=Why Pokémon GO has been a viral success|website=Business Insider|access-date=July 27, 2016|archive-date=July 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715145710/http://www.businessinsider.com/why-pokemon-go-has-been-a-viral-success-2016-7|url-status=live}} significantly increasing the use and visibility of augmented reality technology.{{Cite web |url=http://fortune.com/2016/07/23/pokemon-go-augmented-reality/ |title=What Pokémon Go's Success Means for the Future of Augmented Reality |date=July 23, 2016 |website=Fortune |access-date=July 27, 2016 |archive-date=July 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726201016/http://fortune.com/2016/07/23/pokemon-go-augmented-reality/ |url-status=live }} In addition to topping app store charts in most regions, Apple Inc. announced that Pokémon Go had become the most downloaded app in a first week ever, which was topped by Super Mario Run later that year.{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/22/apple-says-pokemon-go-is-the-most-downloaded-app-in-its-first-week-ever/ |title=Apple says Pokémon Go is the most downloaded app in a first week ever |last=Dillet |first=Romain |website=TechCrunch |date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |archive-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722221211/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/22/apple-says-pokemon-go-is-the-most-downloaded-app-in-its-first-week-ever/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-run-reaches-50-million-downloads/1100-6446497/ |title=Super Mario Run Reaches 50 Million Downloads |first=Tamoor |last=Hussain |date=December 23, 2016 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226214425/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-run-reaches-50-million-downloads/1100-6446497/ |url-status=live }} Reports indicated that users were spending more time on Pokémon Go than on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Tinder, and Instagram.{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-tops-twitters-daily-users-sees-more-engagement-than-facebook/ |title=Pokémon Go tops Twitter's daily users, sees more engagement than Facebook |last=Perez |first=Sarah |website=TechCrunch |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321202754/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-tops-twitters-daily-users-sees-more-engagement-than-facebook/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.similarweb.com/blog/pokemon-go |title=5 Charts That Show Pokémon GO's Growth in the US |date=July 10, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |archive-date=July 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723070843/https://www.similarweb.com/blog/pokemon-go |url-status=live }} In one month, Pokémon Go was downloaded more than 100 million times, with daily revenues exceeding $10 million.{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/01/pokemon-go-passed-100-million-installs-over-the-weekend/ |title=Pokémon Go passed 100 million installs over the weekend |last=Perez |first=Sarah |website=TechCrunch |date=August 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802174907/https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/01/pokemon-go-passed-100-million-installs-over-the-weekend/ |url-status=live }} Exactly two months after its launch, at Apple's September keynote, John Hanke announced that Pokémon Go exceeded 500 million downloads worldwide and that players around the world had walked over 4.6 billion kilometers.{{Cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2016/9/7/12836898/pokemon-go-downloads-500-million |title=Pokémon Go has been downloaded 500 million times |last=Grant |first=Christopher |date=September 7, 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301145513/http://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2016/9/7/12836898/pokemon-go-downloads-500-million |url-status=live }} By December, it was announced that the kilometer distance achieved in September had nearly doubled to over 8.7 billion kilometers, meaning that players had collectively walked further than the distance to Pluto.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/milestones/ |title=200,000 trips around the Earth! |website=Niantic |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301181257/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/milestones/ |url-status=live }} By the end of February 2017, Pokémon Go had surpassed over 650 million downloads.{{Cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/27/14753570/pokemon-go-downloads-650-million |title=Pokémon Go hits 650 million downloads |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=February 27, 2017 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228074625/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/27/14753570/pokemon-go-downloads-650-million |url-status=live }} During Pokémon Go{{'}}s Adventure Week in-game promo in May 2017, Niantic announced that players had collectively walked over 15.8 billion kilometers, roughly the distance from Earth past the edge of the Solar System.{{Cite web |url=http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/adventureweek2017 |title=Adventures Await! - Pokémon GO |website=Pokémon GO |access-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=June 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613180534/http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/adventureweek2017 |url-status=live }} On June 8, 2017, it was revealed that Pokémon Go had been downloaded over 750 million times globally.{{Cite web |url=http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/anniversary2017 |title=Celebrating the First Anniversary of Pokémon GO! |website=Pokémon GO |access-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=June 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626231007/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/anniversary2017 |url-status=live }} In 2019, it was revealed that Pokémon Go had been downloaded over 1 billion times.

Like Ingress, Pokémon Go has a similar approach to monetization. The game has two main revenue streams, in-app purchases and regional partnerships. To date, Pokémon Go has established several partnerships around the globe among which include Verizon{{Cite web |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/sprint/ |title=Join us in welcoming Sprint as the first Pokémon GO United States partner |website=Niantic |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308221200/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/sprint/ |url-status=live }} and Starbucks{{Cite web |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/starbucks/ |title=Hello, Starbucks! |website=Niantic |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308223228/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/starbucks/ |url-status=live }} in the United States, Reliance Jio{{Cite web |url=https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/jio/ |title=Reliance Jio is now an official partner of Pokémon GO in India |website=Niantic |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308223928/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/jio/ |url-status=live }} in India, SoftBank, 7-Eleven in Japan, and McDonald's in Canada.

On October 26, 2021, Nintendo and Niantic announced the launch of a brand new smartphone app for the franchise Pikmin called Pikmin Bloom. The project is an AR-based adventure in the real world that aims to make walking fun with the little creatures named Pikmin. This app is the first developed by Niantic's Tokyo division, established in 2018.{{cite web|last=Ramée|first=Jordan|title=Pokemon Go Dev Making Pikmin Mobile Game|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-dev-making-pikmin-mobile-game/1100-6489165/|work=GameSpot|date=March 22, 2021|accessdate=March 30, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330015431/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-dev-making-pikmin-mobile-game/1100-6489165/|url-status=live}} The app was released worldwide on November 2, 2021, following a series of soft launches the previous week.{{Cite web|last=Reynolds|first=Matthew|date=October 27, 2021|title=Pikmin Bloom release date: When is Pikmin Bloom releasing in the UK, US and worldwide?|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pikmin-bloom-release-date-us-uk-download-ios-android-8037|access-date=December 18, 2021|website=Eurogamer|language=en|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128153031/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/pikmin-bloom-release-date-us-uk-download-ios-android-8037|url-status=live}}

On April 14, 2022, Niantic announced the launch of Peridot, set to be launched later in 2022.{{cite web|last=Sholtz|first=Matthew|title=Niantic's upcoming virtual pet AR game sounds like Pokémon GO crossed with Pikmin Bloom|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/niantic-peridot-ar-game-android-announcement//|work=Android Police|date=April 13, 2021|accessdate=April 15, 2022|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414132533/https://www.androidpolice.com/niantic-peridot-ar-game-android-announcement/|url-status=live}} Peridot open beta was initially released in Norway on July 28, 2022.{{Cite web |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Niantic's Peridot Beta Is Now Playable In Norway - Windows Nexus |url=https://www.windowsnexus.com/niantics-peridot-beta/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728180711/https://www.windowsnexus.com/niantics-peridot-beta/ |url-status=live }} The app was released worldwide on May 9, 2023.

On April 17, 2023, Niantic announced it was developing a game with Capcom based on the Monster Hunter franchise titled Monster Hunter Now.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/18/23687404/monster-hunter-now-niantic-pokemon-go-ar-real-world |access-date=April 18, 2023 |website=www.theverge.com |title=Pokémon Go developer Niantic is making a real-world Monster Hunter game |date=April 18, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418091347/https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/18/23687404/monster-hunter-now-niantic-pokemon-go-ar-real-world |url-status=live }} The game was released in September 2023.

In 2012, Niantic launched its first product, Field Trip, a location-based mobile app that acted as "your guide to the cool, hidden, and unique things in the world around you."{{cite web |title=Field Trip |url=http://www.fieldtripper.com/index.html |website=Field Trip |publisher=NianticLabs at Google |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=December 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212141439/http://www.fieldtripper.com/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/field-trip/id567841460?mt=8 |title=Field Trip |publisher=iTunes Store |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204104510/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/field-trip/id567841460?mt=8 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Field Trip |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticproject.scout&hl=en_US |website=Google Play |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403004400/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticproject.scout&hl=en_US |url-status=live }} In July 2019, Niantic announced it would shut down the app later that year, with the app removed from app stores.{{Cite web|url=https://nianticlabs.com/en/blog/fieldtrip/|title=Thanks for the adventure, Field Trip users!|website=Niantic|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108162946/https://nianticlabs.com/en/blog/fieldtrip/|url-status=live}}

In November 2017, it was announced that Niantic had been developing Harry Potter: Wizards Unite in partnership with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and WB Games San Francisco, under the Portkey Games banner.{{Cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/wizardsunite/ |title=The Magic of Harry Potter is coming to a Neighborhood Near You |website=Niantic |access-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108234308/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/wizardsunite/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/11/19/niantic-adds-gifting-harry-potter-wizards-unite/|title=Niantic is adding gifting to 'Harry Potter: Wizards Unite'|website=Engadget|date=November 19, 2019 |language=en|access-date=December 12, 2019|archive-date=December 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212152339/https://www.engadget.com/2019/11/19/niantic-adds-gifting-harry-potter-wizards-unite/|url-status=live}} The mobile AR game, inspired by J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World and Harry Potter, is said to allow players to "explore real-world neighborhoods and cities to discover mysterious artifacts, learn to cast spells, and encounter legendary beasts and iconic characters along the way".{{Cite web |url=https://harrypotterwizardsunite.com/ |title=Harry Potter: Wizards Unite |website=harrypotterwizardsunite.com |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108235320/https://www.harrypotterwizardsunite.com/ |url-status=live }} The game was released in New Zealand as an open beta on April 16, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/hpwu-nzbeta/|title=Harry Potter: Wizards Unite Beta Testing Begins in New Zealand|website=Niantic|language=en|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424102424/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/hpwu-nzbeta/|url-status=live}} Beta testing in Australia began on May 1, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/hpwu-aubeta/|title=Harry Potter: Wizards Unite beta now live in Australia and New Zealand|website=Niantic|language=en|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=May 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504015824/https://nianticlabs.com/blog/hpwu-aubeta/|url-status=live}} The game was released worldwide on June 22, 2019. The game shut down on January 31, 2022.{{cite web|date=November 2, 2021|title=Announcing the close of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite|url=https://www.harrypotterwizardsunite.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103020812/https://www.harrypotterwizardsunite.com/|archive-date=November 3, 2021|access-date=November 2, 2021|website=harrypotterwizardsunite.com}}

On June 28, 2022, Niantic announced NBA All-World, a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).{{cite web|title=NBA All World Is Niantic's Next Pokemon Go-Style Augmented Reality Game|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-all-world-is-niantics-next-pokemon-go-style-augmented-reality-game/1100-6504935/|website=GameSpot|first=Kylie|last=Hilliard|date=June 28, 2022|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628162418/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-all-world-is-niantics-next-pokemon-go-style-augmented-reality-game/1100-6504935/|url-status=live}} The game was released worldwide on January 24, 2023.{{cite web |access-date=January 25, 2023 |title=Play NBA All-World Now |url=https://nianticlabs.com/news/nba-all-world-global-launch/ |website=Niantic Labs |date=January 24, 2023 |first1=Marcus |last1=Matthews |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125205016/https://nianticlabs.com/news/nba-all-world-global-launch |url-status=live }} On June 29, 2023, Niantic announced that the game will be sunsetting as part of the company's layoff of 230 employees from their Los Angeles office.{{cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/news/organizational-update |website=Niantic Labs |title=Niantic Organizational Update |date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |first1=John |last1=Hanke}}

==== Unreleased projects ====

In 2014, Niantic's second announced mobile game, Endgame: Proving Ground, was a part of the transmedia storytelling project that also included an alternate reality game, Endgame: Ancient Truth and novels by James Frey starting with Endgame: The Calling.{{cite web |url=http://www.geekwire.com/2015/googles-niantic-labs-merges-another-virtual-world-with-reality-in-upcoming-game/ |title=Google's Niantic Labs merges another virtual world with reality in upcoming game |website=Geekwire.com |publisher=Geek Wire |last1=Frank |first1=Blair Hanley |date=March 16, 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=August 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818081801/http://www.geekwire.com/2015/googles-niantic-labs-merges-another-virtual-world-with-reality-in-upcoming-game/ |url-status=live }}Rosenblatt, Seth [http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/googles-niantic-follows-ingress-with-endgame/ Google's Niantic follows Ingress with Endgame] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925015612/http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/googles-niantic-follows-ingress-with-endgame/ |date=September 25, 2014 }} CNET. Retrieved September 9, 2014{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/12/17/googles-niantic-labs-embarks-on-a-giant-interactive-transmedia-project-with-novelist-james-frey/ |title=Google's Niantic Labs embarks on a giant interactive transmedia project with controversial author James Frey |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=December 17, 2014 |work=Venture Beat |access-date=September 6, 2017 |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727182718/https://venturebeat.com/2014/12/17/googles-niantic-labs-embarks-on-a-giant-interactive-transmedia-project-with-novelist-james-frey/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/7/28/5944583/google-is-helping-james-frey-build-a-sci-fi-juggernaut-with-endgame |title=Google is helping James Frey build a multimedia sci-fi juggernaut |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=July 28, 2014 |work=The Verge |access-date=September 6, 2017 |archive-date=January 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109115326/http://www.theverge.com/2014/7/28/5944583/google-is-helping-james-frey-build-a-sci-fi-juggernaut-with-endgame |url-status=live }}

CATAN GmbH announced at the 2019 Spiel that it was working on an "upcoming massively multiplayer location based game" titled Catan: World Explorers.{{cite web|first1=Bijan|last1=Stephen|access-date=November 26, 2019|title=Catan is the latest game to make the jump to AR|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/21/20976421/settlers-of-catan-ar-niantic-world-explorers-pokemon-go-augmented-reality|date=November 21, 2019|website=The Verge|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113043753/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/21/20976421/settlers-of-catan-ar-niantic-world-explorers-pokemon-go-augmented-reality|url-status=live}}{{cite web |access-date=November 26, 2019 |title=Is this Niantic's next game? |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/19/is-this-niantics-next-game/ |website=TechCrunch |first1=Greg |last1=Kumparak |date=November 19, 2019}} The game was to be based on the Catan board games; players moved through the real world, using their smartphones to build a Catan universe.{{cite web | url = https://www.slashgear.com/pokemon-go-creators-next-big-game-catan-world-explorers-19600186/ | title = Pokemon GO creators' next big game: CATAN World Explorers | last = Burns | first = Chris | date = November 19, 2019 | website = SlashGear | access-date = November 19, 2019 | archive-date = January 1, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200101010649/https://www.slashgear.com/pokemon-go-creators-next-big-game-catan-world-explorers-19600186/ | url-status = live }} The game was soft-launched as an open beta for New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland, and Singapore.{{cite web |access-date=April 11, 2022 |title=Niantic calls it quits on its Settlers of Catan AR game |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/09/20/niantic-is-calling-it-quits-for-one-of-its-augmented-reality-games/ |date=September 20, 2021 |website=Android Police |first1=Matthew |last1=Sholtz |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702005859/https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/09/20/niantic-is-calling-it-quits-for-one-of-its-augmented-reality-games/ |url-status=live }} The game shut down in November 2021, never officially launched.{{cite web|title=CATAN – World Explorers is shutting down|url=https://community.catanworldexplorers.com/discussion/1811/catan-world-explorers-is-shutting-down|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917051113/https://community.catanworldexplorers.com/discussion/1811/catan-world-explorers-is-shutting-down|url-status=dead}}

In June 2021, Niantic announced Transformers: Heavy Metal, a partnership with Hasbro and Tomy. The game was being co-developed with Seattle-based studio Very Very Spaceship,{{cite web|title=Pokemon Go Developer Niantic Is Working On A New Transformers AR Game|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-developer-niantic-is-working-on-a-new-transformers-ar-game/1100-6492851/|website=GameSpot|first=Darryn|last=Bonthuys|date=June 14, 2021|access-date=June 14, 2021|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614141123/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-developer-niantic-is-working-on-a-new-transformers-ar-game/1100-6492851/|url-status=live}} but Niantic cancelled the game and three others in June 2022 amidst layoffs.{{cite news |last=Schreier |first=Jason |title=Pokemon Go Creator Niantic Cancels Four Projects, Cuts 8% of Staff |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-29/pokemon-go-creator-niantic-cancels-four-projects-cuts-jobs?sref=10lNAhZ9 |agency=Bloomberg News |date=June 29, 2022 |language=en |access-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815020755/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-29/pokemon-go-creator-niantic-cancels-four-projects-cuts-jobs?sref=10lNAhZ9 |url-status=live }}

In September 2022, Niantic announced it was teaming up with Marvel Entertainment to create Marvel World of Heroes, based on the Marvel Universe. The game was scheduled to launch in 2023.{{cite web |url=https://nianticlabs.com/news/marvel-heroes/?hl=en |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=Niantic Labs |title=Marvel World of Heroes Unveiled Today |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127151431/https://nianticlabs.com/news/marvel-heroes/?hl=en |url-status=live }} On June 29, 2023, Niantic announced that the game was cancelled.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/niantic-layoffs-pokemon-go-marvel-world-of-heroes-1850591267 |website=Kotaku |title= Pokémon Go Dev Lays Off 230 Employees, Cancels Upcoming Marvel Game |date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |first1=Kenneth |last1=Shepard |first2=Ethan |last2=Gach}}

Niantic has been sued in at least two class-action lawsuits: one starting in 2016 due to complaints from homeowners regarding trespassing and nuisance caused by Pokémon Go players,{{cite news |last1=Good |first1=Owen S. |title=Pokémon Go settlement would resolve class-action trespassing claims against Niantic |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/17/18228436/pokemon-go-lawsuit-niantic-settlement-awards-money-legal-fees |access-date=January 26, 2021 |work=Polygon |date=February 17, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127174413/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/17/18228436/pokemon-go-lawsuit-niantic-settlement-awards-money-legal-fees |url-status=live }} and a $1.58 million settlement following gameplay issues during a real-life event in Chicago.{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Charlie |title=The Pokémon Go Fest lawsuit will cost Niantic $1.58M more |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/3/17194122/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-class-action-settlement |access-date=January 26, 2021 |work=Polygon |date=April 3, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126163720/https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/3/17194122/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-class-action-settlement |url-status=live }}

In 2023, two former female employees that Niantic laid off sued the company for denying equal pay to female employees and to women of color.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/two-former-niantic-employees-sue-over-sexual-bias-claims|website=Eurogamer|last=Phillips|first=Tom|title=Two former Niantic employees sue over sexual bias claims|date=November 22, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://in.ign.com/pokemon-go/198302/news/pokemon-go-dev-niantics-call-to-move-sexual-harassment-class-action-to-arbitration-blocked-by-los-an|website=IGN|title=Pokemon GO Dev Niantic's Call To Move Sexual Harassment Class Action to Arbitration Blocked by Los Angeles Court, Lawsuit To Proceed|date=July 25, 2023}} One employee accused the company of being paid $10,000 less than her job's posted pay range, and between 2021 and 2023, she had learned that a less experienced male colleague had a higher salary than her.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-developer-niantic-accused-of-sexist-work-culture-in-lawsuit/1100-6515809/|website=Gamespot|title=Pokemon Go Developer Niantic Accused Of "Sexist Work Culture" In Lawsuit|date=July 11, 2023|first=Koch|last=Cameron}}

Wolfpack, a human resources for women, found in a survey that many female employees viewed Niantic as "sexist"{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/7/23787809/niantic-lawsuit-systemic-sexual-bias-pay-disparity|website=TheVerge|date=July 7, 2023|last=Peters|first=Jay|title=Pokémon Go creator Niantic accused of 'systemic sexual bias' in lawsuit}} and referred to them as a "boys' club".{{cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/niantic-gender-discrimination-layoffs-lawsuit-18194922.php|website=SFGATE|title=SF-based Pokémon Go maker Niantic is a 'hostile, offensive' boys' club, suit alleges|last=Bote|first=Joshua|date=July 11, 2013}}

On June 15, 2019, Niantic sued Global++, an unauthorized third-party software created by an "association of hackers" which allowed players to spoof their GPS location to cheat in Niantic's augmented reality games, including Ingress and Pokémon Go.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/niantic-global-hacker-group-lawsuit-harry-potter2019-6|title=The creator of 'Pokemon Go is suing an 'association of hackers' that it says helps players cheat at its games|website=Business Insider|language=en|last=Weinberger|first=Matt|date=June 15, 2019|access-date=July 31, 2019|archive-date=July 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731023050/https://www.businessinsider.com/niantic-global-hacker-group-lawsuit-harry-potter2019-6|url-status=live}} Niantic claimed that the hacked versions of the applications were infringing on their intellectual property rights. The developer of Global++ earned money by selling subscriptions and asking for donations via the hacked apps. This resulted in Niantic forcing the developers to terminate their illegitimate distributions of the hacked apps and reverse engineering the games' codes. Eventually Global++ had to shut down their services, PokeGo++ and Ingress++, and their social media services.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/niantic-labs-sues-creators-hacked-pokemon-go/|title=Niantic Labs sues hackers who help players cheat in Pokémon Go|website=Digital Trends|date=June 15, 2019|last=Mamiit|first=Aaron|access-date=July 31, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709063808/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/niantic-labs-sues-creators-hacked-pokemon-go/|url-status=live}} Niantic has also claimed that Global++ was also in the process of creating Potter++—shortly before the release of the actual content—which Niantic stated would harm the success of the game. The lawsuit was settled for $5 million following a decision on January 12, 2021, and Niantic was granted a permanent injunction.{{cite news |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |title=Pokémon Go creator wins $5M settlement from hack creators |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/1/13/22229541/pokemon-go-creator-hack-lawsuit-settlement |access-date=January 26, 2021 |work=Polygon |date=January 13, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127123254/https://www.polygon.com/2021/1/13/22229541/pokemon-go-creator-hack-lawsuit-settlement |url-status=live }}

In August 2021, Niantic faced criticism from the Pokémon Go playerbase due to reverting safety measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which gym and PokéStop interaction distances were increased from {{convert|40 to 80|meters}}. New Zealand and the United States were the first countries to have the pandemic bonuses revert on August 1. The Delta variant of COVID-19 in the U.S. became dominant in July 2021, along with outbreaks.{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Mrinalika |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Delta variant already dominant in U.S., CDC estimates show |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/delta-variant-already-dominant-us-cdc-estimates-show-2021-07-07/ |access-date=April 21, 2025 |archive-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315043728/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/delta-variant-already-dominant-us-cdc-estimates-show-2021-07-07/ |url-status=live }} Players began boycotting Pokémon Go in the first week of August 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/aug/03/pokemon-no-go-players-revolt-as-niantic-sends-them-back-outside|title=Pokémon no go? Players revolt as Niantic sends them back outside|last=Hern|website=The Guardian|first=Alex|date=August 3, 2021|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807160027/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/aug/03/pokemon-no-go-players-revolt-as-niantic-sends-them-back-outside|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22611737/pokemon-go-hearusniantic-pokestop-spin-distance-pandemic-rollback-niantic-boycott|title=Pokémon Go's biggest players call on Niantic to restore pandemic bonuses|last=Good|first=Owen|website=Polygon|date=August 6, 2021|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807160027/https://www.polygon.com/22611737/pokemon-go-hearusniantic-pokestop-spin-distance-pandemic-rollback-niantic-boycott|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/pokemon_go_players_are_boycotting_the_game_after_niantic_removes_covid_changes|title=Pokémon GO Players Are Boycotting The Game After Niantic Removes COVID Changes|website=NintendoLife|date=August 5, 2021|last=Gray|first=Kate|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807160027/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/pokemon_go_players_are_boycotting_the_game_after_niantic_removes_covid_changes|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/fans-dismayed-niantic-removed-pokemon-go-safety-measure-1847408137|title=Fans Dismayed Niantic Removed Pokémon Go Safety Measures Despite Delta|first=Mike|last=Fahey|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807160026/https://kotaku.com/fans-dismayed-niantic-removed-pokemon-go-safety-measure-1847408137|url-status=live}} Niantic responded to the community on August 26 by permanently changing the interaction distance to 80 meters.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2021/08/26/pokmon-go-relents-increases-pokestop-distance-back-to-pandemic-levels/?sh=47e593b41204 |title='Pokémon Go' Relents, Increases PokéStop Distance Back to Pandemic Levels |website=Forbes |date=August 26, 2021 |first1=Paul |last1=Tassi |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830192051/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2021/08/26/pokmon-go-relents-increases-pokestop-distance-back-to-pandemic-levels/?sh=47e593b41204 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |access-date=July 1, 2022 |title=What we heard -- an update from our task force |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/sep-taskforce-update/ |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic |date=September 1, 2021 |first1=Steve |last1=Wang |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814153842/https://pokemongolive.com/post/sep-taskforce-update/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2023, Niantic changed the game's remote raiding feature, which was introduced during the pandemic. The in-game prices for remote raid passes were increased, and the number of remote raids a player could do was limited to five a day.{{Cite web |author=The Pokémon GO team |publisher=Niantic |title=Updates to Pokémon GO's Remote Raids |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/remote-raid-passes-update-2023/ |date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=Pokémon GO |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331202620/https://pokemongolive.com/post/remote-raid-passes-update-2023/ |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://nianticlabs.com}}

{{Pervasive games}}

{{Niantic Labs}}

{{Extended reality}}

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Category:American companies established in 2010

Category:2010 establishments in California

Category:Augmented reality

Category:Companies based in San Francisco

Category:Mobile game companies

Category:Privately held companies based in California

Category:Software companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area

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