The Financial Times today reports that Pokémon Go developer Niantic will soon introduce sponsored locations.
“There is a second component to our business model at Niantic, which is this concept of sponsored locations,” Chief Executive John Hanke told the outlets.
The functionality is unofficially in place at the moment, as businesses tied to Pokéstops are already using Pokéstop Lures in an attempt to draw players — and, therefore, business. Sponsored locations mean business can essentially add new Pokéstops into the game, with the app recording check-ins and charging for advertising appropriately.
Moreover, Gizmodo is reporting that companies like McDonald’s have been found within the game’s code, suggesting they’ll be the first of such locations.
The game also looks set to introduce trading shortly.
Pokémon Go is available now on iOS and Android.
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