Capcom Announces AR Mobile Game 'Monster Hunter Now' Developed by Niantic

Capcom has officially announced 'Monster Hunter Now', a new mobile AR game developed and published by Niantic. Scheduled for a September launch with a beta test beginning April 25, the game blends the real world with the Monster Hunter universe. Players can hunt via simple touch and swipe gestures, with encounters lasting up to 75 seconds and supporting up to four-player cooperative play.

Official footage shows that the game supports both landscape and portrait modes, leveraging AR technology to provide an immersive hunting experience.

The community response has been polarized. Veterans jokingly asked if they could play as 'One-Hit Wonders' (referencing high-damage Great Sword builds). Many are skeptical about a mainland China release, citing strict regulations regarding geospatial data in AR games. Others criticized Niantic (often mocked as 'The Gorilla' in Chinese communities) for simply applying a new skin to their existing AR formula.