It seems to some that the Pokemon GO fever was in 2016-ish and has lost the momentum.
It seems to me though, the game has never been dead and might be the first AR mobile game platform with a massive user base [and to introduce a new way of social interaction/entertainment]
Actually the company behind the game, Niantic, just raised $245 million at a nearly $4 billion valuation in January.
So what is new for Pokémon GO if it is not dead.
Social features.
1. Pokémon GO introduces friends features that can send daily gifts to each other and trade pokemons. Making friends and leveling up the friendship level will earn lots of exp. In September 2018, Niantic said “more than 113 million Friend connections have been made and 2.2 billion Gifts have been sent to friends” since the end of June (in two month total)
2. Gym system reworked to encourage team play (June 2017) + raid boss introduced at gym (July 2017). Gyms are where trainers use Pokémon’s to defend/attack and essentially defending a gym will need more legitimate teamwork. (Less of a broken gym system before) The raid system is a smart design. Legendary Pokémon raids reengaged many players. The most recent Rayquaza raid is high expected (should give Pokémon Go some good statistics to show growth/relevance).
3. Battle system. Although introduced before, it was improved recently. All skill sets now have two numbers: damage in gyms and damage in battle. It will be much more raiser to design a balanced battle system now. And that will be the basis of Pokémon tournament/E-sport.
4. AR photos. The system is working well and has a lot more features to add. I could imagine many fun photos can be taken with Pokémon’s in real world settings. Also, taking a selfie with legendary Pokémon’s will give a sense of achievement and more purpose of playing. Moreover, it could be fun with multiple players/pokemons at the same place and more natural interactions implemented.
Strong IP is such a valuable asset.
Pokemon GO park (like a Disneyland, smaller) would be very doable. It might be the first AR park to be built. More fun in the park with AR glasses and phones.
Some more social community events could be designed. It has already incorporated events that celebrate holidays around the world. Pokémon GO could be a lifestyle. (A healthy one in terms of all the walking)