Scopely Acquires Niantic’s Gaming Unit, Including Pokémon Go

Scopely Inc., backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has agreed to acquire Niantic Inc.'s gaming division in a $3.5 billion transaction. The deal includes the globally popular mobile game Pokémon Go, along with other titles and associated services.

The agreement encompasses additional games such as ‘Pikmin Bloom’ and ‘Monster Hunter,’ as well as companion apps ‘Campfire’ and ‘Wayfarer.’ The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Scopely, further strengthening its foothold in the mobile gaming sector.

Pokémon Go, which has remained a top-performing mobile game since its 2016 launch, attracted more than 100 million unique players in 2024, according to Scopely. The company highlighted in a blog post that the combined portfolio would establish one of the world’s largest gaming communities, surpassing 500 million players last year.

Tim O’Brien, Scopely’s Chief Revenue Officer and Board Member, emphasized the company’s focus on building strong gaming communities. “Niantic’s gaming team has demonstrated excellence in fostering player engagement. We are excited to enhance their creative vision through this acquisition,” he said.

Niantic, led by founder and CEO John Hanke, initially gained prominence for its augmented reality (AR) gaming technology. Before establishing Niantic, Hanke was instrumental in Google’s Geo division, which contributed to mapping innovations. Under his leadership, Niantic’s gaming division generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, with 30 million monthly active users.

Hanke expressed optimism about the transition, stating, “Niantic games have always connected people and encouraged exploration. Scopely’s expertise in live gaming services and dedication to player communities makes this partnership a strong fit for the future of these games.”

He added that the acquisition would ensure long-term investment and support, positioning the games for sustained success.