Samsung might collaborate with Pokemon Go creator for 'exclusive games'
What's the story
In a bid to differentiate itself from other phone makers, Samsung could add some 'exclusive games' into its upcoming Galaxy devices. The South Korean giant, according to a report by The Inquirer, is planning to collaborate with Pokemon Go creator Niantic for these titles. As part of the deal, it will be investing as much as $40 million in the company. Here's more.
Games
What games Samsung might launch?
Details are bleak, but sources familiar with the matter said the companies would focus on an exclusive Harry Potter game as part of the deal. It would utilize the S-pen bundled with Galaxy Note series for magic wand capabilities. However, it is not clear if this will be a completely new game or a tweaked version of the upcoming 'Harry Potter: Wizards Unite' title.
Pokemon Go
However, it won't get exclusive Pokemon Go title
The Harry Potter game sounds interesting, but it is important to note that Samsung won't get a piece of Niantic's signature money-making title - Pokemon Go. "Niantic is hesitant to co-work on Pokémon Go, since they are super protective of that franchise," the sources said. However, apart from that, the possibility of exclusive games remains open to all titles, including the location-based game Ingress.
Deal announcement
The deal might be announced by the end of 2018
The sources added Samsung and Niantic are expected to make the deal official by the end of this year. They noted that both the companies are 'desperate for each other' as Samsung wants to differentiate itself, while Niantic wants to raise funds for an IPO. "Niantic refused to make the features without a large investment from Samsung, and the number they arrived at was $40m".
Information
However, the timeline for actual launch remains unclear
As both the companies have denied commenting on the report, it still remains unclear when we might actually an exclusive game jointly developed by them, be it Harry Potter, Ingress or something else.