Calling all Potterheads! – Pokémon GO creator to launch new AR game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Niantic is known for its popular augmented reality (AR) mobile game, Ingress. It however gained immense popularity with the launch of Pokémon GO which garnered a wider audience and not just hardcore gamers. Niantic with Pokémon GO successfully milked everyone’s favorite childhood anime, and it’s now targeting another global favorite series. Niantic has now announced that it will launch its next AR game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
Niantic now aims to give all Potterheads a chance to experience the fantasy wizarding world created by J. K Rowling. Niantic is collaborating with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and WB Games to launch Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. A launch timeframe hasn’t been provided, but it will possibly happen in early 2018 according to TechCrunch.
Niantic briefly explains what the mobile game will be about – “Players will learn spells, explore their real world neighborhoods and cities to discover & fight legendary beasts and team up with others to take down powerful enemies.”
Details on the game is still scarce and for those who want to get updates on developments can follow Niantic’s social media handles. The soon to launch game also has an official website where you can sign up to receive regular updates and news. Niantic does promise that Harry Potter: Wizards Unite “will leverage the full stack of the Niantic Platform while also providing an opportunity to pioneer all new technology and gameplay mechanics.” ALSO READ: Niantic responds to server crashes, gameplay issues in Pokémon GO Fest 2017
This announcement comes after Niantic Labs’ CTO Phil Kelsin talked about integrating audio on AR. At TechCrunch’s Disrupt conference, Kelsin talked about how AR has drawbacks making people always walking with their smartphones held up high. He also mentioned the increasing acceptance of AR technology on smartphones, and plans to “incorporate audio in future titles”. With its next AR mobile game in the works, we can surely expect more advanced technologies from Niantic. RELATED: Pokémon GO creator hints at new AR game that can provide audio cues
