Pokémon Company Partners With Tencent For New ‘Pokémon’ Game

The Pokémon Company has entered a partnership with Chinese giant Tencent to produce a new unannounced “Pokémon” game.

The Pokémon Company and Tencent have announced that they are partnering to create a new Pokémon game. In an announcement view Chinese microblogging site Weibo, Tencent Games said its subsidiary, TiMi Studio Group, will be working with The Pokémon Company to “develop new games.” Of course, the last line there is based on a Google translation of the post, which is originally in Chinese.

Tencent’s announcement has been translated by a Japanese game consultant named Serkan Toto. According to Toto, TiMi has “taken over” the development of the game.

IGN noted that TiMi specializes in mobile gaming and is working behind the scenes to develop the upcoming shooter, “Call Of Duty: Mobile.” GamesRadar, on the other hand, noted that TiMi is best known for a free-to-play MOBA game for mobiles called “Arena Of Valor.”

Based on the company’s specialization, the upcoming “Pokémon” game could also be designed for mobile as well. It’s worth noting, however, that “Arena Of Valor” is also available for free on the Switch, which means the new game could also be for consoles.

What kind of game will it be?

Nothing has been revealed about the game so far except that it’s a new “Pokémon” game and that it is being developed by a studio with expertise on mobile gaming. With “Pokémon GO” offering the catching and collecting aspect and “Pokémon Masters” offering “Pokémon” battles, not much can be expected unless the two companies decide to shake things up.

For one, TiMi’s experience in developing a MOBA could pave the way for a “Pokémon” MOBA of sorts. It’s also possible that the game studio could create a new “Pokémon Snap” game, considering today’s advancements in VR and mobile technology.

Business is good

According to Bloomberg, the partnership is beneficial to both Tencent and The Pokémon Company. Tencent has been very successful in China, but the “Pokémon” franchise will help it expand its reach to other countries.

The Pokémon Company, on the other hand, will find TiMi helpful if it wants to penetrate China, a place where locals prefer mobile gaming and games made by local gaming companies.