Monster Hunter Now Interview: Niantic Talks Massive Events and Evolution of AR Games

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Monster Hunter Now Interview: Niantic Talks Massive Events and Evolution of AR Games

As a seasoned developer who has been part of Niantic since the dawn of Pokemon GO, I can confidently say that the evolution of augmented reality gaming has been nothing short of breathtaking. The biggest change I’ve witnessed during my tenure at Niantic has undoubtedly been the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our work and play styles.

Niantic is recognized for creating augmented reality games that encourage players to go outside, such as Pokemon GO or the newly launched Monster Hunter Now. The initial major event for Monster Hunter Now took place in Shibuya not long ago, but it’s important to note that the Monster Hunter Now Carnival will be happening globally on November 2 and 3, with Shibuya being just one of its stops.

At the Monster Hunter Now Carnival Shibuya event, Game Rant conversed with Niantic’s senior producer Sakae Osumi regarding the planning of such events and the reasons behind the late arrival of Monster Hunter Now on the event circuit. Here is a simplified and concise version of their conversation (some parts have been modified for clarity).

How Monster Hunter Now’s Carnival Came Together

In a bustling district of Tokyo known for its trendiness, Shibuya, the Carnival made an appearance with broad approval. This wasn’t easy, it required significant work from Niantic. By seamlessly incorporating Monster Hunter Now into the city landscape, they crafted something truly massive. Right from the start of the event, the efforts seemed to be bearing fruit.

A: Has there been anything noteworthy during today’s event, whether it’s something related to the production or just about the players’ performances?

Osumi: So far, everything’s going well. It’s an incredibly heartwarming experience to finally witness the individuals who engage with our game. We released this game a year ago, and since then, we’ve watched as our player base expanded. Many people play our game daily, but today is particularly significant because it gives us a chance to see them in person, to connect with their faces. Absolutely, today is a very special, emotional moment for us. We’re incredibly joyful to observe so many players enjoying themselves.

As a gamer, I’m often asked why it took a full year for us to organize an event like this. The truth is, planning something as big and exciting as this takes a lot of time and effort. We wanted to make sure that every aspect was perfect, from the gameplay experience to the prizes and community engagement. So, we took our time to ensure that when the day came, it would be unforgettable for everyone involved!

Osumi explained that when they initially released their game in September of the previous year, it was merely a starting point for them. They had numerous ideas and features they intended to develop based on the first version. Their aim was to establish a robust foundation capable of supporting a wide range of players, including dedicated fans. Throughout the past year, they’ve been steadily enhancing the game with seasonal updates, new monsters, weapon types, equipment, and more. They introduced Dimensional Link, Elder Dragons, and other elements. While they acknowledge they may not have reached their final goal yet, they feel confident that their current foundation is solid enough to maintain the live operations of the game. This stronger foundation has enabled them to organize events in addition to regular seasonal updates.

Q: What was it like making this event?

Osumi: Throughout our work on this project, our main objective has always been to encourage people to go outdoors, collaborate, go hunting together, discover various monster habitats, ecosystems, and challenges, and celebrate their accomplishments in a real-world setting. This vision has driven us since the start of the project.

Given that idea, it felt like a natural progression for us to organize this event as our service expanded. Our aim was to make this event both grand and unique. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else, except here. We wanted to attract a large crowd, including fans and players, here, and also ensure they have a one-of-a-kind experience, an enjoyable gathering here and an opportunity to explore the city of Shibuya. To make it special for this location we chose, we decided to feature Nergigante, giving everyone their first chance to interact with Nergigante and other rare species. We also tailored the tracking part of the quest in collaboration with the Shibuya City Council, ensuring the route is fun to explore yet new for those familiar with the city. The event was designed to be enjoyable for both first-timers and locals, offering them a chance to discover new things through various requests. These aspects required significant effort when we were planning this event.

As a gamer, when I found out that an event was happening in Shibuya, I knew it was going to be epic! Shibuya has this cool, trendy vibe that just draws people in. So, when they were choosing a location for the event, it made perfect sense that they’d pick Shibuya. It’s like the heart of youth culture, always setting new trends and attracting attention.

Osumi mentioned that Shibuya, a renowned city within Tokyo and one of Japan’s most popular destinations, was where we announced our global launch. You might recall that the initial key visual we unveiled actually depicted Shibuya itself. This location has held a unique significance for our game since the beginning.

Question: Was the citywide game widely popularized? Regardless of where one went, they encountered players and QR codes. In terms of the overall strategy, what role does the local community play?

The head of our event and the event crew collaborate tightly with the Shibuya City Council, ensuring the neighborhood’s backing and selecting secure areas and paths for players to traverse safely.

A: I’m wondering if there’s a particular piece of feedback that stood out as the most helpful to everyone given our emphasis on feedback thus far?

Earlier today, I had an enjoyable conversation with one of the local hunters, who hails from Los Angeles. The topic was environmental conservation, particularly among nearby hunters. Naturally, the situations vary greatly, even in contemporary Japan. Remarkably, such discussions have become somewhat of a rare, cherished gathering.

At one point, we encountered 1600 other Hunters in-game thanks to the Carnival event.

It’s extraordinary, it feels like an unending adventure of exploration. Let’s go out and embark on this journey together, one that never seems to end. There’s something truly unique about it. Indeed, there’s a great joy in being able to step outside and engage with friends, as well as new faces, all experiencing the same moment of fun together.

Niantic Leading the Charge on AR Games

Without a doubt, Pokemon GO by Niantic can be considered a groundbreaking title in popularizing augmented reality gaming among the masses. For numerous gamers, it set the standard for this genre of games. However, since July 2016, the landscape of augmented reality has evolved significantly. A key factor driving this change was the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020s.

Question: How would you describe the significant advancements in augmented reality (AR) games that seem to have occurred rapidly? Regarding AR games specifically, what has been the most notable change you’ve observed during your time at Niantic?

The most significant shift? Refresh your memory about the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Back then, we were compelled to work from home. During this period, our game wasn’t yet available to the public; we were still in the development phase. Compared to 2019, when we first embarked on this project, the development process has changed drastically. In 2019, we were all in the same office, on the same floor, collaboratively testing the game. However, after COVID-19, our communication methods had to adapt, and they did. This transition presented a challenge for us.

Through this journey, we’ve remained committed to the essence of our original idea – fostering connections and teamwork in the physical world. However, due to COVID-19, we faced challenges in implementing this directly. Once the situation stabilized, we resumed our progress from a development standpoint, collaborating, testing, and even playing the game together. I believe our fundamental principle has stayed consistent. Yet, we’ve also discovered various innovative methods to facilitate real-world collaboration despite the constraints.

For instance, you could enjoy some solitary playtime at home. Alternatively, you might encounter monsters on your commute to work. Once you arrive at the office, you’ll find your team members there, and we could even organize a paintball session during lunch breaks as a fun team-building activity. I believe it’s about discovering new ways to interact and bond with others.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Niantic manages to balance such massive games and still maintain a sense of everyday normalcy. I wonder if this juggling act between colossal scales and average day operations presents unique hurdles during the development process?

Sure thing!

Q: Do you know if they’ve been able to play any today?

Current Statement: Osumi: Unfortunately, the individuals responsible for monitoring and safeguarding the server right now can’t play, but I’m confident they’ll be able to join in tomorrow.

“In just a few weeks, our global event is happening! It’s going to be open to so many more people. So, if you’re one of those players eagerly awaiting this event, what would you like to know or share?

Osumi: Our goal is to share this event globally with everyone participating, not just those in Tokyo, but also in places like the US, Europe, and everywhere else around the world. Let’s see how it unfolds. I wish for a successful continuation of the event, as tomorrow marks its second day. I hope everything proceeds smoothly. We’ll evaluate the insights gained and lessons learned, then start planning for next year’s events, which we are dedicated to hosting – small or large – in the upcoming years.

[END]

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2024-10-22 18:24