Summary
Seattle-basedPokemon GOsupport studio Very Very Spaceship was hit with layoffs, shortly after developing the controversial avatars for the game’s Rediscover GO update. Although thePokemon GOupdate aimed to improve features and visuals in the game, many players in the community were upset with the direction that was taken with the revamped avatars.
The lasting appeal of thePokemonfranchise meansPokemon GOis quite active in its eighth year of operations, with new events and Pokemon to discover on a regular basis.Pokemon GOdeveloper Niantic is hard at work releasingnew updates forPokemon GOthis year, which includes the Rediscover GO series of updates. The Rediscover GO campaign implemented new visual updates, improved avatar features, in-game map improvements, and much more to bring a fresh experience to returning players. However, fans were not happy with the appearance of the revampedPokemon GOavatars following the update’s release in April.
Reported byGame Developer, variousPokemon GOdevelopers at Very Very Spaceship were laid off at the beginning of May, including employees that have been at the company for the past three-to-five years. The roles that were affected by the round of layoffs include producers, recruiters, and character artists. Some of the former employees, including game producer Matt Swanson and HR manager Sara Carmen, shared the news of their departure on LinkedIn. Senior 3D character artist Kelsey Martin was also laid off after spending four years at the company and helping lead development ofthe newPokemon GOavatar system.
Pokemon GO Support Studio Very Very Spaceship Hit With Layoffs
The exact number of employees affected by the layoffs at Very Very Spaceship and the exact cause of the layoffs are currently unknown. Currently, Very Very Spaceship supportsthe development ofPokemon GOby working on “tentpole features,” including the game’s avatars. While assisting Niantic, the studio is also working on its own original game. Since the true extent of the layoffs is unclear, it’s unknown whether it affects the development of the new title and relations with Niantic forPokemon GO.
The Rediscover Kanto event is about to end on May 7, andPokemon GOwill begin to shift its focus from the Rediscover GO campaign toPokemon GOFest 2024after the “Rediscover Your Reality” update arrives. This year’sPokemon GOFest event will begin on May 30 in Sendai and come to Madrid and New York City in June and July respectively. A globalPokemon GOFest event will also be held in July, allowing players around the world to reap valuable benefits and rewards.
WHERE TO PLAY
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UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
