Pokemon Go developer Niantic is laying the foundations for the game’s next big update, which could have a big impact on Raids.
The Pokemon Go studio recently purchased start-up social media platform Evertoon.
Evertoon lets users create 3D animated movies using avatars, gestures and emojis. These short films can then be shared to the likes of YouTube and Facebook.
The Niantic acquistion means that Evertoon technology will soon be used in Niantic games such as Pokemon Go and Ingress.
“Today we’d like to share with you that Niantic has acquired the Evertoon team,” reads an Evertoon blog post.
“We will be adding a social platform to Niantic’s amazing roster of games, including Pokemon GO, Ingress, and future titles.
“We’ll also be contributing engineering leadership experience. Niantic’s games are unique in bringing people together in the real world, and we’re excited to weave our expertise into them.”
Niantic CEO John Hanke hinted at new communication features in an interview with Taiwanese magazine Business Weekly.
Hanke said that the company was still “planning to develop a new battle mode”, but was more interested in developing a way for fans to stay in touch within the app.
The Evertoon acquisition should make it easier for fans to organise Raids.
Likewise, the communcaition features would also benefit Pokemon Go trading and PvP.
And speaking of Raids, Niantic recently refreshed its roster of Raid bosses for the first time.
Tier one Raids now include Ivysaur, Charmeleon, Wartortle and Metapod, while Tier two bosses include the likes of Magneton, Cloyster, Tentacruel and Sandslash.0
Sableye and Marowak also join the roster of Raids, despite featuring heavily in the recent Halloween 2017 event.
Porygon, Snorlax, Golem and Lapras make appearances as higher tier bosses, as well as Ninetales, Scyther and Poliwrath.
Raid times have also been given an update, as Niantic reduces the duration from an hour to 45 minutes.
Check out the full list of Pokemon Go Raid bosses in the gallery above.