I didn’t know other games not by Niantic used “waypoints” but wow looks like a carbon copy!
Niantic sells access to their wayspot database and AR development suite to other AR developers.
From 20 seconds of reading about Disney Step, it’s not clear if they are leveraging Niantic’s technology or data, taking the “Draconius Go” approach of throwing random stuff all over the place, or whether they have their own database of places that will be used by the game.
Perhaps of note: despite the game now being cancelled, the Marvel franchise is owned by Disney. Without more info about Step it’ll be hard to say whether they’re leveraging anything from Niantic for the new game. Maybe their experience with Marvel has them running for the hills. Maybe their experience with Marvel has them closely collaborating on the project.
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I did a search for Disney STEP, and yep, it’s not in any official app store, Google, Apple, etc. It can still be found and downloaded, but it’s no longer official. There is Play Disney Parks, but it can only be played at Disney parks. It’s advertised as a way to stay entertained while in line.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/play-app/
Yes, the Lightship map can be obtained by other developers for other apps, and those apps may have a similar premise. Niantic also only holds the rights to their games, and so their info on game mechanics most likely aren’t shared with other companies, besides the Lightship map
Keep in mind that Disney is one of the largest companies in the world, and no doubt can afford to develop their apps and games without the help of other developers, or pay developers well to do it for them. It’s not illegal to do, either; it’s how business works at times.
I really wouldn’t worry about this failed app. Besides, Disney is super hard to sue, and I doubt Niantic wants to waste their money on a case that may be forced into arbitration, meaning it doesn’t go to trial, and then gets very little compensation, if any.
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It was only announced 8 days ago, so if they cancelled it already, that’d be a surprise.
Early access applications are available now through the 17th to people living in Japan.
Then there’ll be a test period from September 26, 2024 (Thursday) 13:00 - October 7 (Monday) 10:00 (presumably JST).
Not terribly surprising given Bloom’s player base is heavily concentrated in Japan.
Still, I doubt Niantic would want to mess with Disney.
I can’t find much information on it but it may use the Lightship database like ARealm does or use Niantic technology like the House of the Dragon: DracARys does.
It may also use a service like Mapbox which games like Jurassic World Alive use.
Is there an official site for it yet?
Thanks. I couldn’t find what service they’re using but I know Disney also have Kingdom Hearts Missing Link on the way, and I played the beta for that which used Mapbox so if I were a betting man, I would bet this game also uses Mapbox.
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