Mobile game Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is officially being shut down by its developer, Niantic, best known as the maker of Pokémon GO. The Wizarding World game failed to make the same splash as Pokémon GO when it launched back in 2019, and while download numbers at launch were far from a failure for Niantic, it seemed to prove that the mobile release would never quite reach the same popularity as GO.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a mobile app that transforms the real world into a magical one through AR technology. The game gives everyday locations and areas a new magical spin, with points of interest becoming Fortresses, Greenhouses, and other buildings seen throughout the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. Users can also encounter mythical creatures and familiar Wizarding World faces as they unlock spells, brew potions, and visit famous locations from the franchise including Dumbledore’s Office and Hagrid’s Hut. The Harry Potter game features all the ingredients for success, but has seemingly failed to capture audiences as well as Pokémon GO.
On the official Harry Potter: Wizards Unite website, Niantic has confirmed that the game will close on January 31, 2022, with the app being removed from the App Store, Google Play, and Galaxy Store on December 6, 2021. Niantic explains that the servers will be turned off completely, meaning those who have the app installed after its removal from the store will still not be able to play. In the run-up to the game's end, players can "tune in as Harry and Hermione put an end to the Calamity," with new events including the Bellatrix Lethal Adversaries Event, and the Horcrux Hunt Part 2. Further details on the game's final events can be found on the official website.
See the post on Twitter here.
The ending of the game's support has been a controversial decision for fans of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, with many criticizing the move on Twitter. Responding to the announcement, those who regularly play the game have voiced their disappointment, while others who've financially invested in the game's add-ons since its release also feel hard done by. Unfortunately, the website states that refunds will not be issued unless legally required, though the developer promises new gameplay changes for players to spend their remaining in-game Gold before the closure.
Niantic may be closing the doors on Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, but the company is still working to bring new experiences to mobile with their latest launch, Pikmin Bloom, created in conjunction with Nintendo. Pikmin Bloom promotes walking with Pikmin characters following smartphone users and tracking their walking habits, and will host Community Days in the future. The app might not offer the same level of gameplay as Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, but many are already enjoying what Pikmin Bloom has to offer.
Source: HarryPotterWizardsUnite