Niantic

Niantic, Inc. is an American software development company known for creating location-based augmented reality (AR) mobile games and the underlying AR technology. The firm focuses on blending digital content with real world places through its mapping and AR capabilities.

History: It began in 2010 as Niantic Labs, a startup within Google, led by John Hanke, focused on real-world mapping and AR. In 2015 Niantic spun out as an independent company, with funding from Google and strategic partners, notably Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, to create AR mobile experiences.

Products and technology: Niantic developed Ingress, released in 2012, an AR location-based massively multiplayer online game. In 2016, Pokémon GO, created with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, became a global phenomenon, bringing AR gaming to mainstream audiences. In 2019, Wizards Unite, developed with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Portkey Games, aimed to bring the Wizarding World to AR.

The company also markets the Niantic Real World Platform and Lightship, an augmented reality development platform introduced for developers to build AR experiences. The platform includes mapping capabilities, localization, and multi-user AR features. A key component is the World Map, which links real-world locations with digital content.

Niantic Wayfarer: launched to crowdsource user-submitted locations for in-game stops, gyms, and other POIs; community-driven approvals determine inclusion within games such as Pokémon GO.

Partnerships and impact: Niantic's collaborations with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company significantly influenced mobile AR gaming and consumer interest in location-based experiences. The company continues to expand its platform and support for developers while maintaining its focus on AR in the real world.