Scopely and Niantic offer different types of subscription services, each tailored to their respective games and business models.
Scopely's Subscription Services
Scopely primarily focuses on free-to-play games with in-app purchases, but they also offer subscription-like benefits through their web stores and specific game features. For example, Scopely's web stores for games like *Marvel Strike Force* and *Star Trek Fleet Command* provide exclusive offers and bonuses, but these are not traditional subscription services. Instead, they offer direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels that allow players to purchase in-game items without the platform fees associated with app stores like Apple and Google[1].
In games like *Scrabble GO*, Scopely offers a subscription service known as the Scrabble Club. This subscription removes ads, provides more challenge rewards, and offers exclusive benefits to subscribers, enhancing their gaming experience[7].
Niantic's Subscription Services
Niantic, on the other hand, has introduced subscription services directly within some of its games. For instance, *Ingress* offers a monthly subscription called CORE (Community, Offers, Recognition, Expansion), which includes benefits like inventory expansion, a monthly stipend of in-game credits and items, an exclusive medal, and profile flair. This subscription is designed to enhance the gameplay experience for committed players[5][8].
There have been discussions about introducing a similar subscription model for *Pokémon GO*, although nothing has been officially announced. Potential features could include inventory expansions, monthly stipends of items, and exclusive cosmetic items[5].
Key Differences
1. Game Integration: Niantic's subscription services are more deeply integrated into the gameplay experience, offering in-game benefits directly. Scopely's subscriptions, like the Scrabble Club, focus on enhancing the overall gaming experience by removing ads and providing exclusive rewards.
2. Game Selection: Niantic's subscription services are currently available for *Ingress*, while Scopely offers subscriptions in specific games like *Scrabble GO*.
3. Business Model: Scopely's primary revenue model is based on in-app purchases and advertising, with subscriptions being a secondary offering. Niantic's focus on subscriptions is more aligned with enhancing the core gameplay experience of its titles.
4. Features and Benefits: Niantic's subscriptions tend to focus on functional benefits like inventory expansion and in-game credits, while Scopely's subscriptions often include cosmetic or convenience benefits like ad removal and exclusive rewards.
Citations:
[1] https://dev.stash.gg/blog/scopely-d2c-strategy-exploring-the-star-trek-fleet-command-and-marvel-strike-force-web-store
[2] https://www.auganix.org/niantic-announces-new-subscription-plans-monetization-tools-and-discovery-capabilities-for-8th-wall-platform/
[3] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/scopely-to-acquire-niantics-games-business-including-pokemon-go-for-35-billion-93CH-3924145
[4] https://vizologi.com/business-strategy-canvas/scopely-business-model-canvas/
[5] https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-launches-ingress-subscription-option
[6] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/?p=429772
[7] https://scopely.helpshift.com/hc/en/28-scrabble-go/faq/5415-scrabble-club-subscription/
[8] https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/3-ingress/faq/2802-what-is-c-o-r-e/