In a massive move that reshapes the mobile gaming landscape, Scopely has acquired Niantic’s gaming division, including the blockbuster hit Pokémon GO, for $3.5 billion.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, brings some of the world’s most popular augmented reality (AR) games under Scopely’s umbrella while allowing Niantic to shift its focus toward geospatial AI technology.
Niantic’s gaming division boasts more than 30 million monthly active users and over $1 billion in annual revenue, making it a valuable addition to Scopely’s rapidly expanding portfolio.
This acquisition strengthens Scopely’s position as a mobile gaming powerhouse, adding AR-driven titles such as Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.
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Pokémon GO and other AR titles join Scopely
Pokémon GO has remained a global phenomenon since its launch in 2016. In 2024 alone, the game attracted over 100 million unique players from 190 countries. On average, players spent 40 minutes daily engaging with the game, while events like Pokémon GO Fest 2024 sold over 2 million tickets. The game’s loyal player base and continuous updates have cemented its place among the highest-grossing mobile games worldwide.
Beyond Pokémon GO, Scopely also gains other high-performing Niantic titles. Pikmin Bloom, developed in collaboration with Nintendo, saw record player engagement in 2024, with players walking a staggering 3.94 trillion steps. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Now, launched in late 2023, quickly became a fan favorite, surpassing 15 million downloads within seven months and drawing 20,000 attendees to its first in-person event in Tokyo.
Niantic transitions to Geospatial AI
With the sale of its gaming division, Niantic is pivoting to focus exclusively on geospatial AI under a new name: Niantic Spatial. The new company will be led by Niantic’s founder and CEO, John Hanke, and will retain its AR-based projects Ingress Prime and Peridot.
Niantic Spatial has secured $250 million in funding, with $200 million coming from its existing balance sheet and an additional $50 million from Scopely. The move signals Niantic’s intent to lead advancements in AR and mapping technology while leaving the gaming industry behind.
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Saudi Arabia’s growing role in gaming
The acquisition also underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global gaming market. Scopely, now a subsidiary of Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group, was itself acquired for $4.9 billion in 2023. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in gaming, with ambitions to become a major hub for the industry. The kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), continues to make strategic moves, including holding a significant stake in Nintendo.
As the deal awaits regulatory approvals, it marks a new chapter for Scopely, Niantic, and the mobile gaming industry. With Scopely’s expertise in live-service games and Niantic Spatial’s AI ambitions, the future of AR gaming and digital interaction is set for a major evolution.