Niantic turns to "small and smart": laying off 230people, suspending non-core game projects, closing Los Angeles studios

CTOnews.com, June 30 / PRNewswire-FirstCall-Asianet /-- Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go, recently announced a change in its internal structure, laying off 230 employees, suspending non-core game projects and shutting down its Los Angeles studio.

Niantic CEO John Hanke posted a public email on his company's website, saying that the company has shifted to a "small and smart" development strategy, shrinking the company's development front and focusing on developing and maintaining content related to the "Pok é mon Go" theme.

The Pokemon Go game, which has been around for nearly seven years, generates $1 billion a year (CTOnews.com Note: about 7.24 billion yuan) for the company, according to data released by Sensor Tower in June last year.

Niantic said last year that it would close Harry Potter, Catan and four other games. Niantic also announced the suspension of NBA All World, a NBA game, and the development of Marvel World of Heroes, a Marvel game, while cutting 230 jobs.