Los Angeles, USA – Mobile gaming giant Scopely Inc., backed by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, has announced the acquisition of Niantic Inc.’s gaming division for a staggering $3.5 billion.

The deal includes Niantic’s flagship augmented reality (AR) title, Pokémon GO, along with Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now, as well as key companion apps Campfire and Wayfarer.

The transaction marks one of the largest acquisitions in the mobile gaming industry and positions Scopely as a dominant player in the AR gaming space.

The company stated in a blog post that this acquisition would expand its reach to “one of the largest global player communities in the world,” with over 500 million players in 2024 alone.

Pokémon GO Continues Its Reign

Since its release in 2016, Pokémon GO has been a trailblazer in the AR gaming industry, attracting millions of players worldwide and maintaining its place as a top mobile game.

In 2024, the game surpassed 100 million unique players, reaffirming its lasting popularity. Scopely’s acquisition ensures the continuity of the title, with plans to leverage its expertise in live-service games to enhance the experience for players.

“Scopely has always been focused on cultivating meaningful communities through a shared love of play, and the Niantic games organization is one of the best in the world at this endeavor,” said Tim O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer and Board Member of Scopely.

“We are extremely inspired by what the team has built over the last decade, delivering innovative experiences that captivate a vast, enduring global audience and get people out in the real world. We look forward to further accelerating the team’s creativity through our partnership,” he added.

What the Deal Includes

Apart from Pokémon GO, the acquisition includes Pikmin Bloom, a walking-based AR game developed in collaboration with Nintendo, and Monster Hunter Now, an AR adaptation of Capcom’s popular franchise.

Additionally, Scopely takes over Campfire, a social networking app for Pokémon GO players, and Wayfarer, a platform that allows users to submit and review locations for in-game content.

Niantic’s Future Without Gaming

While Niantic pioneered AR gaming, the company has struggled to replicate the success of Pokémon GO. Over the years, multiple projects, including Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Catan: World Explorers, failed to gain traction.

With this deal, Niantic is shifting its focus toward developing AR technology and spatial computing, rather than game development. The company has been investing in its Lightship platform, which aims to provide developers with the tools to create immersive AR experiences beyond gaming.

Scopely’s Growing Influence

Scopely has been rapidly expanding its portfolio in recent years. In 2023, the company was acquired by the Saudi Arabia-backed Savvy Games Group for $4.9 billion, a move that solidified its position as a major force in mobile gaming.

The acquisition of Niantic’s gaming division further strengthens Scopely’s hold on the market, bringing some of the world’s most recognized AR titles under its umbrella.

With Pokémon GO and other titles now in its arsenal, Scopely is poised to push the boundaries of AR gaming, ensuring that millions of players worldwide continue to enjoy innovative and immersive experiences for years to come.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members