McDonald's Pokemon Cards (Photo : YouTube)
Pokémon Go developer Niantic reports that sponsored locations will be launched for the mega-hit mobile game. Fast food giant McDonald's could be the first company to partner with the software developer. Niantic will let companies pay money so their real-world locations show up on the virtual map of the hugely popular video game.
It is unknown which companies will be included as sponsored locations. However, McDonald's and its famous "m" logo have already appeared in the hot game's software code.
Niantic CEO John Hanke told The New York Times last week that the game would add sponsored locations in the future.
McDonald's will also reportedly soon launch a Pokemon Go sponsorship in one Asian country, and every Golden Arches location would show up on players' maps, according to CNET. Gamers could visit the virtual destination for a Big Mac or Egg McMuffin.
Other companies are reportedly trying to cash in on Pokémon Go by playing the GPS/augmented reality (AR) game. They are using the in-game object known as a "lure" to attract players trying to capture the mini creatures, to their stores and restaurants.
This helps the businesses to make some buzz with the hope that customers will make online purchases.
Nintendo has teamed up with McDonalds in the past. That includes the fast food company serving as a Wi-Fi provider for the Nintendo DS console. It also was a Nintendo Zone partner. That allowed Nintendo 3DS owners to download free game content at McDonald's restaurants.
The creator of Ronald McDonald has also offered Pokémon toys in its Happy Meals.
Past business ventures between Nintendo, The Pokemon Company, and McDonald's have had a long history and earned profits. Thus, it would make sense for the fast food company to function as a sponsored location for Pokémon Go.
In related news, Pokémon Go has become a pop culture phenomenon in the United States and Europe. Last week USA Today reported that the mobile app had been downloaded over 15 million times.
The game also has around 21 million daily active users, according to Heavy. That would make it the biggest mobile game in US history, while Candy Crush has around 20 million daily active users.
Pokémon Go players using iPhone devices are also spending an average of 33 minutes on the mobile game. That is more than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Here are tips for new Pokemon Go players:
