Core Insights - Niantic's location-based game "Monster Hunter Now" launched in September 2023 and has gained significant popularity, with downloads exceeding 20 million by April 2025, indicating strong operational performance [5]. Group 1: Game Development and Popularity - "Monster Hunter Now" integrates Capcom's popular IP and has successfully created a unique gaming experience where players can team up to hunt monsters in the real world [5]. - The game's development was inspired by the curiosity of what it would be like if monsters from the "Monster Hunter" universe appeared in the real world, aligning with Niantic's mission to explore the world together [5]. Group 2: Future Prospects and Company Strategy - Niantic's strategy includes expanding service content while promoting offline activities, which has contributed to the game's sustained popularity [5]. - The company announced a significant shift in March 2025, planning to sell "Pokémon GO" and other games to Scopely, marking a pivotal moment for Niantic [3].

Core Insights - The article discusses how mobile game developers are increasingly directing players to external payment options to avoid Apple's 30% commission, referred to as the "Apple tax" [1][3][12] - A study by Liquid & Grit analyzed over 30 cases of leading mobile game companies like Supercell and Niantic, focusing on their strategies to sell in-app purchases (IAP) directly to players outside of the App Store [1][3] Group 1: Strategies for Redirecting Players - Liquid & Grit categorized the new store designs into four main types: offering web store discounts in the native IAP store, pop-ups, buttons on the main game interface, and using in-game news and email systems for guidance [1][3] - "Social Casino" games are the most proactive in redirecting players to web stores, utilizing all four methods, while other game categories show varied adoption [3][5] - Specific games like "Dragon City" and "PUBG Mobile" employ different strategies, such as banners and pop-ups, to encourage players to use web stores for purchases [5][7] Group 2: Incentives and Challenges - To enhance conversion rates, developers must reduce payment friction and increase player motivation to choose external payment options over Apple’s [11][12] - Companies like Epic Games offer incentives, such as a 20% cash back, to encourage players to opt for web payments [11] - The report suggests that the most effective design so far is the "purchase pop-up," which allows players to complete transactions without leaving the game, thus maintaining a seamless experience [11][12] Group 3: Alternative Payment Solutions - Companies with in-house resources are encouraged to build their own web stores and utilize payment processors like Stripe or Adyen to handle transactions [12] - For developers who prefer not to create their own stores, managed web store service providers like Xsolla and Stash are available, offering a quicker setup at a cost lower than Apple's commission [12]