What made Pokemon GO’s app marketing strategy so successful?
Pokemon GO’s app marketing strategy was highly successful for four major reasons, highlighted by Forbes:
No new devices required
Pokemon GO was designed to work on smartphones, a platform already widely used by the public. Instead of opting for a new platform like virtual reality (VR), which would require new devices, the game used the global positioning system (GPS), a technology familiar to smartphone users.
The game tapped into the nostalgia of a belgium telegram screening generation that grew up watching Pokemon cartoons. For those who didn’t grow up watching Pokemon, the game offered a way for them to get out in the world and hunt for rewards (Pokemon characters).
Psychological rewards
Pokemon GO offered psychological rewards not found in other games. It increased the feeling of “being at the right place at the right time,” which made players feel lucky. It also integrated a fictional narrative into everyday life, enhancing the feeling of an augmented reality experience. These rewards attracted users who might not have been interested in collecting Pokemon.
Fringe benefits
The game promoted physical activity by getting sedentary people out and about. It also encouraged real-life interactions among players. These fringe benefits served as powerful marketing messages to attract new players.