Google opens up Maps API to game developers hoping for the next Pokémon Go

Google has announced it is opening up its mapping platform to game developers, providing them with additional tools that will enable them to more easily create games that map onto the real world in a similar fashion to Pokémon Go.

The new Maps platform for games is divided into three parts. Firstly, developers who sign up will gain access to real-time data from Google Maps. Secondly, Google is introducing a new API that will enable developers to create gameplay experiences around real-world locations. Finally, Google is also launching a new SDK for Unity, one of the most popular game engines, to make it easier to incorporate mapping data into games.

Google has already partnered with three game developers for new location-based titles, all of which had been previously announced. Jurassic World Alive, The Walking Dead: Our World and Ghostbusters World will all combine augmented reality and location-based gameplay, transforming iconic real-world locations into unique gaming opportunities for mobile users.

Pokémon Go was built by Niantic, a former Google subsidiary, and took advantage of a previously existing collection of mapping data. The studios first game, Ingress, also helped it collect additional data that was then integrated into Pokémon Go to produce a more refined, detailed experience. The studio is currently working on a third game using mapping data, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.

According to Clementine Jacoby, product manager at Google Maps APIs, the release of Pokémon Go triggered huge interest in Maps data from mobile games developers, and the new tools are a response to that demand.

“The mobile gaming landscape is changing as more and more studios develop augmented reality games,” said Jacoby. “In order to mix realities, developers first need to understand the real world – the physical environment around their players. Thats why were excited to announce a new offering for building real-world games using Google Maps tried-and-tested model of the world.”

“We are excited to partner with Google to provide the most up-to-date and rich location data to enable us to create an immersive experience tied to your location,” said Teemu Huuhtanen, CEO of Next Games. “When new buildings or roads are built, well have access to them in our game.

“Google Maps unrivalled location data, covering world-famous landmarks, businesses and buildings, like the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, London Eye, Burj Khalifa and India Gate makes exploring your surroundings a breaktaking experience.”