Mobile games publisher Scopely—funded by Saudi Arabia—has announced plans to purchase Niantic’s video game division in a deal reportedly worth $3.5 billion. The acquisition includes globally recognized titles such as Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and Pikmin Bloom, signaling one of the year’s largest mobile-gaming buyouts.
Pokémon Go’s Future Under Scopely
According to Niantic studio leader Ed Wu, Pokémon Go will continue evolving under the new ownership. Wu promises a renewed focus on live events, bigger multiplayer battles for “thousands of Trainers at a time,” and additional ways to connect friends and the larger Trainer community—without losing sight of the game’s core promise of discovering Pokémon in the real world.
- Full Retention of Pokémon Go Team: The transition will keep all current developers on board, ensuring continuity for Niantic’s most popular property.
- Social Companion Apps Included: Niantic’s Campfire and Wayfarer apps will also move to Scopely, offering synergy for Pokémon Go fans who rely on these tools for real-world exploration and connectivity.
Niantic’s New Direction: Niantic Spatial
While Scopely acquires Niantic’s game portfolio, founder and CEO John Hanke will lead Niantic Spatial—a separate venture focusing on “geospatial AI” solutions for interactive experiences. Niantic Spatial aims to develop the next generation of mapping tools, enabling devices to seamlessly blend with the physical world.
Major Saudi Investment
The proposed deal continues Saudi Arabia’s growing footprint in the gaming industry. Through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), the country has already acquired significant stakes in companies like Nintendo, EA, and Activision Blizzard. This latest move reflects a sustained drive to become a dominant force in the interactive entertainment market.
Looking Ahead
Both Niantic and Scopely executives express confidence in the partnership. Tim O’Brien, a Scopely board member, praised Niantic’s track record of “innovative experiences that captivate a vast, enduring global audience.” Meanwhile, John Hanke expects the deal to provide the “long-term support and investment” needed for Niantic’s games to remain enduring “forever titles” for years to come.
Subject to regulatory approval, this acquisition promises to bring new opportunities and expansions to Pokémon Go and Niantic’s other mobile hits—potentially reshaping the mobile gaming landscape yet again.
