Pokemon Go eludes cloning by big game studios

Nearly a dozen executives at companies from Sony Corp to Angry Birds-creator Rovio said Pokemon Go would be a tough act to follow, and some even said a challenge would not be worth it. Gamers should not expect the quick release of a rival app anytime soon, some said. Pokemon Go has been the most downloaded mobile game since its July release. 

Executives said hundreds of game developers at their companies are playing to understand how it has captivated audiences. Some executives said they would not copy the game because it was a fad driven by the Pokemon brand and that it lacked social features, such as letting players talk and collaborate on a hunt. The success in getting players onto their feet was seen as brilliant but difficult to replicate, and the deft use of mapping technology also sets a high bar. 

Analysts calculate the game is on track to earn between 200 million dollars and 500 million dollars in revenue in one year. The higher figure would rank Pokemon Go in the top 20 grossing mobile games in history, said Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities.