Pokémon GO Release Date: Will $30 Million Funding Delay Game?

Niantic, a former Google startup company that will be developing the mobile game Pokémon GO, has received $30 million in funding from the Pokémon Company, Google and Nintendo. The software development company will receive $20 million in cash and $10 million once the company meets a milestone.

Since the money will be used to improve the mobile game, fans are worried that the release date could be delayed. There is currently no official date but the game is expected to come out for devices on iOS and android in 2016.

"We will be using this capital to continue the development of Pokémon GO, to evolve and grow Ingress and its thriving global community, and to build out our real-world gaming platform," CEO John Hanke wrote. "We are thrilled to disclose that our mission will be backed by global giants in the game, entertainment and technology sectors."

Hanke has already discussed his plans for the game with the CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara.

Ishihara said, "Pokémon's strategic investment in Niantic paves the way for a social mobile experience the world has never seen before. The Pokémon Company is committed to partner with companies like Niantic that share the same spirit of community and innovation."

Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game that will allow people to travel the world and catch Pokémon like real trainers.

Hanke wrote, "We are all incredibly excited about the opportunity to create a product true to the spirit of the original Pokémon games while extending gameplay out into the real world. Because it is a mobile game, players all around the world will be able to immerse themselves in the Pokémon universe on devices they already have in their hands."

Nintendo has created the Pokémon GO Plus that gamers can purchase to enhance their gaming experience.