Pokémon Go Sold in $3.5 Billion Deal to Saudi-Owned Firm | Image Source: www.nytimes.com
March 12, 2025 – In a historic agreement that reshapes the mobile gaming industry, Scopy, a subsidiary of the Savvy Games Group, supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, acquired the developer Pokémon Go Niantic for an incredible $3.5 billion. This movement transfers the ownership of one of the most iconic reality mobile games (AR) to a Saudi entity, indicating the kingdom’s growing influence in the global gaming sector.
Why did Niantic Pokémon sell?
Niantic, the studio behind Pokémon Go, has been at the cutting edge of AR games. The company left Google almost ten years ago with a mission to merge digital experiences with the exploration of the real world. Despite its success, Niantic faces challenges to sustain growth, with recent struggles to launch new AR-based titles and increase competition in the mobile gaming space.
According to Niantic’s official statement, the sale allows the company to increase its attention to geospatial computing and AI, which it considers as the future of interactive technology. By selling its gaming division, Niantic aims to channel its resources into a new company, Niantic Spatial Inc., an IA geospatial company that will operate independently.
Which games are included in the agreement?
The acquisition covers several key securities in Niantic’s portfolio, including:
- Pokémon Go: The blockbuster AR game that has generated billions in revenue since its launch in 2016.
- Pikmin Bloom: A walking-based AR game developed in partnership with Nintendo.
- Monster Hunter Now: An AR spin on Capcom’s popular action RPG franchise.
In addition to these games, Scopy will acquire the applications and support services of Niantic, such as Campfire and Wayfarer, which play a crucial role in improving the AR gaming experience.
How is this Pokémon Go Players impact going?
For Pokémon Go fans, the immediate impact of the sale should be minimal. Scopy assured the players that the game will continue to receive full support, with the original development team remains intact.
“Our mission is clear: inspire people to discover Pokémon together in the real world,” said Ed Wu, Pokémon Go’s first vice-president. “Thanks to Scopey’s commitment, experience and resources, we will make Pokémon the best we can. »
Scopery has a successful management story of great mobile games, such as Monopoly Go! and Marvel Strike Force. The company’s experience in live service games suggests Pokémon Go will continue to evolve, potentially with new monetization strategies and game updates.
Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the game
The agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader investment strategy to become a major player in the global gaming industry. The country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested billions in gaming companies in recent years, acquiring bets in companies like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts and Nintendo.
Thanks to Savvy Games Group, the PIF aims to position Saudi Arabia as a sports and gaming centre. This acquisition is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy beyond oil by investing heavily in entertainment and technology.
What’s wrong with Niantic now?
With its game division sold, Niantic is in transition to a new phase. The company is sinking into its geospatial division of AI into a separate entity called Niantic Spatial Inc., led by CEO John Hanke.
Niantic Spatial will focus on the development of advanced applications based on AR and AI, with $250 million in funding – $200 million from Niantic’s balance sheet and $50 million more from Scope. Investors who supported Niantic’s gambling projects will remain shareholders of the new company.
While Pokémon Go and other gaming IPs move to Scope, Niantic will retain control over some remaining titles, such as Ingress Prime and Peridot. The change indicates Niantic’s long-term ambition to redefine AR beyond games and in wider applications, such as navigation and business solutions.
What happens next for Scopery?
Scopey, already an important force in the mobile game, now has the opportunity to further expand its reach with Pokémon Go under its umbrella. The company is committed to maintaining the basic experience of the game while exploring ways to improve its online service elements.
“There are few games in the world that have reached the scale and longevity of Pokémon Go,” said Tim O’Brien, Income Director at Scopery. “We are inspired by the creativity of the Niantic team and its ability to bring players together in real-life experiences. »
Given Scopery’s history, players can expect continued support, expansions and possibly new collaborations with other franchises. However, questions remain as to whether Saudi ownership will influence the content of the game or business decisions, particularly given the current concerns regarding media investment and Kingdom entertainment.
In general, this acquisition marks a crucial moment in the gaming industry, demonstrating both Pokémon Go’s sustainable appeal and Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to dominate the game industry. If this movement benefits players and developers in the long term, it remains to be seen.
