When the Pokemon Go mobile game was launched in July, it gripped the world’s attention, breaking download records. Suddenly, there were thousands of people roaming streets and parks at all hours, capturing characters at Pokestops.
But the game has since fallen from the top of app charts as downloads plunged and many players stopped buying in-game coins. Despite a major update this month, it has, as yet, failed to stir fans’ interest. There is a possibility that it might go the way of Flappy Bird and Fruit Ninja and it shows how challenging it is to keep interest high in digital games. By contrast, online games such as Solitaire and Minefield have kept players engaged for years.
Perhaps much of the success of these idle games is about simplicity. Augmented reality games, such as Pokemon Go, are far more complex and, perhaps, far more faddish.
