Niantic to provide free advertising in Pokémon GO to 1,000 local businesses
Niantic, the developer of the widely popular mobile game Pokémon GO, has recently announced a new initiative to support local businesses. In an effort to help small businesses recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic will be offering free advertising opportunities within the game to 1,000 local businesses worldwide.
Pokémon GO, known for its augmented reality gameplay, allows players to explore their surroundings and catch Pokémon in real-world locations. With millions of active players globally, the game presents a unique opportunity for local businesses to reach a large audience.
Through this new program, Niantic aims to provide businesses with increased visibility by featuring them as Sponsored Locations in the game. This means that when players visit certain real-world locations, they will see advertisements for these local businesses, encouraging them to visit and spend money.
To be eligible for this free advertising, businesses must meet specific criteria set by Niantic. These include being independently owned and operated, having a physical storefront or location that is accessible to the public, and complying with all local laws and regulations.
The application process for the program will open in late 2020. Niantic will select the 1,000 businesses based on various factors, such as the overall quality and uniqueness of the application, alignment with Niantic’s principles, and geographic representation to ensure a diverse range of businesses are included.
Niantic believes that this initiative can make a positive impact on local economies by driving foot traffic to small businesses and fostering community engagement. It is also a way for the company to give back to its dedicated player base, who have continued to support Pokémon GO over the years.
This free advertising program demonstrates Niantic’s commitment to social responsibility and showcases the potential of gaming platforms to support local communities. By leveraging the immense popularity of Pokémon GO, Niantic is providing valuable exposure and support to small businesses, contributing to economic growth and recovery during these challenging times.