Pokemon Go has had its share of issues and has faced criticism from many sources, but few can deny it has become a worldwide phenomenon. The developer behind the title, Niantic Labs, has received recognition for its success with the recent BAFTA Children’s Awards.
The BAFTA Children’s Awards have been given out annually since 1996, when it split from, the main British Academy Television Awards. With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), it is gradually becoming more common to see major award bodies recognising immersive media with awards. The event is designed to recognise excellence in media aimed at children, whether that is film, television or videogames.
Pokemon Go scooped up an awards in the Game category, beating out another entry in the Pokemon franchise, Pokemon Sun & Moon, and other immersive title, Playroom VR as well as Monument Valley 2.
The ceremony was held at the Roundhouse in London, and features famous names including Matt Baker, Angelica Bell, Hugh Dennis, Pixie Lott, Jorden Banjo, with esteemed children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson receiving a Special Award for her outstanding contribution to children’s media.
Other categories covered at the awards included Channel of the Year, Animation, Comedy, Drama and many others, the nominations and final winners of which are available to view at the BAFTA website.
Niantic Labs has continued to work in developing AR applications and technology, as it has revealed the company is working with Warner Bros to develop a Harry Potter-themed AR app called Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, set to release some time in 2018. Niantic has also raised $200 million (USD) in funding to continue its work with AR and location-based technology.
VRFocus will bring you further news on Niantic Labs and Pokemon Go as it becomes available.