- Monster Hunter Now is launching a new multiplayer feature called Dimensional Links on July 25th
- The development team of Monster Hunter Now is dedicated to considering accessibility features
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Niantic’s geolocation-based game, Monster Hunter Now, is unveiling a new multiplayer feature called Dimensional Links. This feature is designed to enhance multiplayer accessibility for rural players.
Starting today, July 25th, monsters linked by Dimensional Links will begin appearing randomly on the in-game map. These monsters can only be hunted in online groups, creating more opportunities for rural hunters to connect with players globally.
By linking monsters to players around the world, Monster Hunter Now is leveling the playing field for all hunters, regardless of their location. This global connectivity ensures that rural players have a chance to team up with others.
The Dimensional Link hunts do not offer a local multiplayer option, encouraging urban players to connect globally and making it easier for rural players to find hunting partners.
Despite this global connection, local play is not eliminated. The “faraway” setting only applies to the new Dimensional Link monsters, with spawn rates that maintain an element of mystery and excitement.
Listening to fans
The Monster Hunter Now development team actively listens to fan feedback on Discord, Reddit, and Twitter. A key update to group hunts was one of the most requested features since the game’s launch.
Niantic responded with Hunt-a-thons, initially requiring players to gather at specific real-world locations to play together. In April, this was changed to online matchmaking, rewarding players for reaching their own local points of interest.
The new Dimensional Links feature will expand multiplayer accessibility in Monster Hunter Now, allowing players to engage in hunts anywhere and anytime without cooldown restrictions.
The team behind Monster Hunter Now has made a conscious effort to ensure that rural players have access to the game’s content, reflecting their core design philosophy of inclusivity.
Niantic employees who are fans of the Monster Hunter franchise also provide valuable feedback to the development team, maintaining a close partnership with Capcom, the owner of the Monster Hunter IP.
Design philosophy
The launch of Monster Hunter Now focused on Japan initially, garnering 15 million downloads since its release. The team is committed to continuing to evolve and enhance the game’s features and content.
After celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary, Monster Hunter Now is looking to expand through initiatives like Dimensional Links and brand collaborations.
With its player-centric updates, Monster Hunter Now has made significant strides in improving accessibility for rural players in its first year of launch.
The Niantic team envisions a bright future for Monster Hunter Now, aiming for sustained growth and innovation in the years to come.
