Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store are two of the world’s most well-known mobile app shops. Both businesses benefit significantly from these stores. To release their product on these platforms, commercial software developers must pay Google and Apple a commission on each sale made through the store, including in-app purchases and subscriptions. As seen in their responses to Epic Games’ attempt to circumvent its restrictions, both businesses have taken great care to secure their revenue sources. Niantic, the creator of Pokémon Go, followed Epic’s lead by launching a store to avoid paying Apple and Google’s cut of sales.
According to a Reddit post by /u/Jessekjz (via Eurogamer), Niantic has begun sending letters to users advising them of the launch of the new Pokémon Go Web Store. While the store is already available in some countries, it is not yet available in the United States. The main page displays many PokéCoin products.
Users who want to purchase coins using the Pokémon Go app must use a web browser to access the web store’s website because the app presently lacks links. This technique differs from Epic’s since incorporating external payment systems in Fortnite provoked legal action against the company.
According to a marketing email sent to customers, Niantic intends to eliminate Apple and Google’s market share by giving “the best deals“ on its store. However, Niantic’s precautionary measure may jeopardize the company’s case if Apple and Google file a lawsuit against it. According to the court handling the Apple v. Epic lawsuit, Epic could not breach its agreement with Apple and then seek damages. If it wanted to avoid Apple, it should have started with that. Epic would have been entitled to damages if it had done so and won. The judge dismissed the company’s allegation that it was responsible for the identical scenario that it later claimed injured it. Only time will tell whether Niantic can avoid Epic’s fate and go undetected. Otherwise, it may spark a legal conflict for which there is already a precedent.
If you prefer Pokémon Go-style video games, look at our list of the best alternatives.