Most mobile games these days allow for in-app purchases through in-game stores. In-game stores are typically limited to digital purchases such as in-game items or premium currency. However, Amazon is challenging this with the launch of Amazon Anywhere, an AR shopping app that allows users to purchase physical products without leaving their currently open game or app. The functionality makes its first appearance in Peridot, a new AR pet adventure game from Niantic Labs, the company that brought you Pokemon GO.
“Whether you’re playing video games or using your favourite mobile app, Amazon is extending the fun within virtual worlds and interactive digital environments with a new immersive shopping experience called Amazon Anywhere,” writes Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Amazon, Steve Downer, in a recent blog post.
What is Peridot?
Peridot is a new AR game where players hatch and care for virtual pets. The game’s virtual pets are powered by artificial intelligence. To keep their pets happy and healthy, players will need to play with and feed them regularly. Each Peridot pet is unique and inherits genes from its parents. The game is now available for Android and iOS.
Peridot users can link their Amazon account to the game, after which they’ll be able to access the Amazon Anywhere in-game physical merchandise store. Players will find Peridot hoodies, t-shirts, phone accessories and throw pillows within the in-game store. Details of each product, like price and estimated delivery times, are displayed similarly to how they appear on Amazon’s website. Upon finding a product they wish to purchase, the user needs only to tap the buy button. The purchaser can then track and manage their order through the Amazon app.
Game developers can sign up now
Video game, AR experience and mobile app developers can contact Amazon to bring Amazon Anywhere to their game or app. Creators can select products from Amazon’s inventory that relate to their product to offer in the in-game store or sell their own branded merchandise.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
