Ingress creator Niantic Labs leaving Google to become an independent company

Surely, you have heard of Ingress, the Google-backed augmented reality game that has been downloaded over 12 million times and has all these players frantically hacking portals all over the city. This game, along with Field Trip, was created by Niantic Labs, a group that was incubated within Google. They have now grown large enough and are looking to expand… independently.

The developer has taken it to the Ingress Google+ page to tell us they are separating themselves from the Search Giant and becoming an independent company.

“Important Account Information: Niantic Labs is becoming an independent company.  We’ll be taking our unique blend of exploration and fun to even bigger audiences with some amazing new partners joining Google as collaborators and backers.”

What does this mean for gamers? Not so much – you will be able to continue playing as you always have. Niantic Inc will take data you agreed to share with Google, including gameplay and contact information (email). You will get a notice about this transfer 30 days from today.

Regardless, there should be no direct changes for users (at least not right away), but you may notice the company will begin to delve into new ventures. The idea behind this move would be to allow Niantic to work more closely with investors and partners. It will help them explore and expand without having to ask big Google for permission.

More details are to come. For now all we can do is wish Niantic Inc a successful future outside of Google. What do you think? Will this help Niantic, or hurt them?