Highlights
- Niantic sells its gaming division, including Pokémon Go, to Scopely for $3.5 billion.
- Scopely, known for games like Monopoly Go!, is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group.
- Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) aims to invest $38 billion in the gaming industry by 2030.
The maker of the widely popular mobile game Pokémon Go, which has enjoyed significant success within the mobile gaming sector, is reorienting its priorities by selling its gaming division to Scopely for $3.5 billion. This transaction is linked to Pokémon Go and other games like Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now.
Niantic Pokémon Go Sold to Scopely for $3.5 Billion
Scopely was established in 2011 as a well-respected developer of successful video games, with notable titles featuring Monopoly Go.
Scopely was acquired by the Savvy Games Group in 2023, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, for $4.9 billion.
This acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia’s plan to invest $38 billion in the gaming sector by 2030 to establish the country as a leading international hub for the gaming industry.
In 2016, the game Pokémon Go quickly became a major cultural sensation by merging augmented reality with the thrill of outdoor adventure.
The game continues to maintain a strong following nearly a decade after its release, retaining a massive global player base of over 20 million active gamers per week.
Scopely will be responsible for managing the transfer of all of Niantic’s gaming teams, ensuring a smooth transition, and maintaining continuity between game development and support operations.
This development suggests that players can anticipate continuous improvements and new content. Scopely’s expertise in live-service games may enhance the gaming experience for Pokémon Go players.
This acquisition suggests a broader industry pattern of substantial investments being made in the gaming industry. The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund is driving a speedy overhaul of the video game creation and distribution sector.
Gaming sector investment is experiencing growth, underscoring the increasing impact of gaming within the entertainment industry and its potential for generating additional economic opportunities.
The sale of Niantic’s gaming division to Scopely marks a considerable milestone in the evolution of Pokémon Go and the overall mobile gaming industry.
This initiative is supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and signifies a strategic change to boost the gaming industry, potentially leading to encouraging developments for both gamers and investors.
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