Niantic's 'Transformers: Heavy Metal' will bring AR autobots to the iPhone

Niantic is working with Hasbro and Tomy to produce "Transformers: Heavy Metal," a game that will use AR to bring the Autobots to a real-world setting, using the iPhone.

The next game on Niantic's roster, "Transformers: Heavy Metal" will have players teaming up with Autobot characters including Bumblebee to complete tasks. As well as Hasbro and Tomy, Niantic is also working with the Seattle-based Very Very Spaceship as the development studio.

While little is known about the game itself, the title is described as a "real-world mobile game," which would put it in the same category as "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" and "Pokemon Go." The two games has players walking around to objectives, as well as AR elements where they interact with virtual characters and scenes in a real-world view.

"In thinking about franchises that would be incredible to bring to life in AR, Transformers was a no-brainer. This will be a Transformers game unlike any other," said executive producer Phil Hong.

A soft-launch of the game will be happening in "select countries soon," while a global launch is planned for later in 2021. Preregistrations for the game are open at the official website.

The "Transformers" game isn't the only title Niantic is connected to, as it is working with Nintendo to create an AR mobile game based on the "Pikmin" franchise, which will also launch in 2021.

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.

AppleInsider is also bringing you the best Apple-related deals for Amazon Prime Day 2021. There are bargains before, during, and even after Prime Day on June 21 and 22 — with every deal at your fingertips throughout the event.