Niantic is making some major organizational changes, including layoffs, game shutdowns, and the closure of its Los Angeles studio, according to an email from Niantic CEO John Hanke shared on the company’s website. The changes are designed to narrow the company’s focus, especially on developing and maintaining its cash cow, Pokémon Go.
I also quit playing in April 2022. I remember reading somewhere about how mobile games like these keep you playing, with incentives like daily logins, etc. So I decided to not play for a week to see if I missed it at all. I never went back to it for the simple reason I shouldn’t have to do daily “maintenance” to enjoy a game for just a weekend.
I do know people who enjoy the game more casually, which is what approach I wish I had taken with it. I feel for those employees who are losing their jobs and wish them speedy employment elsewhere.