On Monday, the stock of Japanese video game developer Capcom (9697.T) increased 6% as interest in the “Monster Hunter” mobile installment, which was created in partnership with “Pokemon Go” creator Niantic, increased among players.
Niantic announced this week that “Monster Hunter Now,” which blends monster-fighting action with “Pokemon Go’s” location-based gaming, had been downloaded 5 million times since its introduction on September 14.
According to statistics from Sensor Tower, the new game outperforms regional favorites like the manga app Piccoma and the horse racing idol game “Uma Musume Pretty Darby” in Japan, where the “Monster Hunter” brand has a devoted fan base.
For adapting the historic franchise for a mobile audience, “Monster Hunter Now” has gained praise. However, Industry watchers doubt that the game will be as popular as “Pokemon Go,” published in 2016 and quickly became a worldwide sensation.
Serkan Toto, founder of consultancy Kantan Games, claimed that compared to a mega brand like “Pokemon,” it is still niche.
Investors are considering Capcom’s potential for mobile gaming since the business intends to release “Resident Evil” games for high-end iPhones this year.
The success of franchises like “Street Fighter” and “Monster Hunter Now” have helped Capcom’s shares rise by a third this year. Continued success with “Monster Hunter Now” would be beneficial for Capcom.
It would also be appreciated by Niantic, which in June announced layoffs and paused the development of several games due to difficulties in producing new blockbusters.
Japan has shown to be a popular market for location-based games, and Square Enix’s (“Dragon Quest Walk”) 2019 debut has been a success. The genre is getting a touch crowded, remarked Toto.