Scopely is acquiring Pokémon Go creator Niantic for $3.5B

American developer Scopely is obtaining the gaming division of Niantic and is paying $3.5 billion for the acquisition.

Both Scopely and Niantic have confirmed the acquisition in separate press releases.

Both parties have signed an agreement to acquire the gaming division of Niantic, which includes games like Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now, but also companion apps and services like Campfire and Wayfarer.

“We have long admired the innovative gameplay pioneered by the Niantic games team and the vibrant communities that have shaped the titles into the beloved experiences they are today. We deeply respect what makes these games special – the freedom to explore, the community forged along the way, and the thrill of discovery,” Scopely’s press release states.

All current employees of Niantic’s gaming branch will continue working on the projects for Scopely. The company promises it will keep the experiences that gamers know and love.

“The magic of Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now along with Campfire and Wayfarer, is their ability to bring people together, to encourage exploration, and to create moments of pure joy. That’s why we are committed to ensuring that magic continues, and with the same passion you’ve always known.”

“With Scopely’s full commitment, experience and resources, we’re going to make Pokémon Go the very best it can be (…) I won’t say that Pokémon Go will remain the same, because it has always been a work in progress. But how we create and evolve it will remain unchanged, and I hope that we can make the experience even better for all of you,” says Ed Wu, Director of the Pokémon Go team at Niantic.

Niantic says it will focus on building real-world 3D maps through a new and separate division called Niantic Spatial, that will be led by the company’s CEO and founder John Hanke.

“Niantic games have always been a bridge to connect people and inspire exploration, and I am confident they will continue to do both as part of Scopely,” he says.

The acquisition must still be approved by the relevant market authorities.

You might know Scopely from popular mobile games like Monopoly Go and Stumble Guys. The company was acquired by Savvy Games Group, a Saudi-based company, in 2023 for $4.9 billion.

The parent company is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), with an estimated worth of $38 billion. The investment fund is under the control of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.