Niantic’s commitment to activity and exploration is a theme that we’ve touched on countless times over the past eight years, and as our technological capabilities continue to grow, we strive to think critically about how our players can get more from discovering the world around them. Today, we’re excited to introduce Adventure Sync, a new Niantic Real World Platform gameplay system that will give our players even more reasons to get outside, explore the world and lead more active lifestyles. Adventure Sync, which is first being implemented in Pokémon GO, gives players the ability to record their steps with just the phone in their pockets. This key feature unlocks a wide variety of gameplay opportunities on the Niantic Real World Platform, serving as an efficient and phone-friendly high-engagement tool that inspires players to head out into their local communities. We’re looking forward to finding new and exciting ways to implement it in our other games in the future.
It’s no surprise that Pokémon GO Trainers love to get outside and walk. So far in 2018, Trainers have already walked an astonishing 53 percent more while playing Pokémon GO than they did in 2017. In a recent international survey of nearly 2,000 Trainers, we found that 70% felt that playing Pokémon GO had motivated them to walk more on average, and 64% said that playing the game motivated them to go outdoors. Additionally, 47% of Trainers indicated that they felt their physical activity level had increased since playing, and the same number felt that playing Pokémon GO helped them connect with others. This type of response from the community reinforces our commitment to not only create innovative real-world games, but also to invest in features like Adventure Sync, which provides a gentle but effective motivation loop that encourages people to get outside and be active every day.
The new gameplay system will sync in the background with iOS HealthKit and Android Google Fit, and give players access to a weekly summary that highlights distance traveled on foot and other stats, including calories burned or steps counted, if their device makes those available. The Adventure Sync system will begin to roll out to Trainers worldwide soon.
Adventure Sync will give Trainers the option to apply their activity and movement during their morning commutes, strolls about town on lunch or evening jogs back to Pokémon GO for some big rewards. While Trainers will be rewarded regularly in Candy found by Buddy Pokémon or Eggs hatching more efficiently, they will also be able to participate in weekly milestones for walking that will reward them for their hard work.
We’re touched by incredible stories from Trainers—from losing weight and overcoming anxiety to making new friends and even falling in love—and they continue to inspire our feature roadmap. Adventure Sync is our next step in rewarding more players for doing what they already love to do, while providing motivation to get outside and go for a walk—whether they’re searching for Pokémon directly, or simply enjoying the sights, sounds, and people around them.
We’re looking forward to traveling even greater distances together in the future!
—jh