An intro to companion apps

Some of the top game development studios have published companion apps. They offer a fantastic opportunity to keep the community interested and immerse them in virtual worlds even when players are not in front of their consoles.

But first of all — what exactly are companion apps?

The name suggests that companion apps are built to “companion” a product. For example, some control devices like Roombas or coffee machines remotely. However, this article will focus on companion apps used alongside games.

Companion apps for games aim to make the gaming experience more pleasant and offer added value. They are enabling gamers to experience games partially outside their existing platforms.

There are several reasons for publishers to develop companion apps. Compared to the entire game, a small app with some basic features is relatively quickly done and gives the players some extra advantages. Many companion apps offer the option to purchase skins and other content directly in the app, so it is also an additional option for monetization.

But the newer companion apps often offer unique content that could not be provided on the original platform. They also allow game developers to tie players closer to their game — even if they do not have time to play the whole game. Especially when we think about the metaverse, which is on everyone’s minds right now, this aspect is critical.

Many companion apps for popular games have been released, so here is a quick overview of features that companion apps can include:

FIFA 22 Companion App:

Gamers can keep their FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) up to date with full integration of the FIFA 22 Companion app. They quickly get to manage and upgrade their team to the next level along with other features like:

• Prepare the squad for the next match
• Sign up for the next star or sell players on the transfer market
• Unlock multiple awards and bonuses (Weekend League, Division Rivals, Squad Battles, or Community Events)
• Access to stadium customization and squad building challenges
• Join FUT Events to compete or collaborate and unlock rewards

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Companion App:

Introduced by Ubisoft in 2013, the Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Companion App displayed all the essential functions used by players in the game. Most importantly, players could start and steer unique fleet adventures through the app. After the app was discontinued seven years after its release, the community created a petition to get it back.

• Access to the world map
• Keep track of treasure maps
• Steering the whole fleet for expeditions and adventures
• Read out important information through the Animus Database

Rust+ Companion App:

The Rust+ app was released in 2020, about seven years after the game’s release, to add some advanced features. Especially the possibility to build electronic circuits in-game and control these remotely via your app, whether you are currently in the game or not, is a unique feature.

• Monitor Live game map and events
• Manage base defenses
• Link intelligent in-game devices and receive alert notifications
• Read the team’s chat

Pokemon Go — Niantic Campfire App

Over five years after its debut, Pokémon Go is getting a new companion app with several useful features. Niantic’s mobile hit is compatible with Campfire, but it has many other uses and is a step toward becoming a “real-world metaverse,” according to Niantic. According to a Niantic post on Pokémon Blog, Campfire should be viewed as “the “homepage” of the “real-world metaverse.”

• Find other players nearby and see each other’s whereabouts
• Participate in group chats
• Display live raids
• Plan events and meetups

These apps prove the high functionality and variety of modern companion apps. It reveals how it has evolved from simple stats-tracking software to establishing complex interactions at high levels. Gamers will use companion apps if they add real value and provide a good user experience.

However, game developers should not underestimate the effort and resources needed to create a complex companion app. Furthermore, the expenditure is not only for the one-time app development. With each iOs or Android update, additional work may become necessary. Therefore, several companion apps that the community loved have not survived.

The “classic” companion apps, created to assist players with information while playing the game, are becoming increasingly rare. Instead, the newer apps of this kind offer unique advantages and features to extend the game experience. Niantic’s latest companion app shows a possible future for companion apps could be to support efforts towards the Metaverse. As the Metaverse is where we all supposedly will spend a lot of time very soon, the need for companion apps might even rise in the future.