Scopely Acquires Niantic's Gaming Division, Including Pokémon Go, for $3.5 Billion

Mon Mar 17 2025 11:36:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Scopely Acquires Niantic's Gaming Division, Including Pokémon Go, for $3.5 Billion

The Saudi-backed video game company Scopely solidifies its position in the gaming sector by purchasing Niantic's portfolio, still reaping success from Pokémon Go.


Niantic is set to sell its video game business to Scopely for $3.5 billion, a move underscoring Saudi Arabia's growing investment in the gaming industry. With Pokémon Go retaining over 20 million active users weekly, the acquisition promises to enhance Scopely's gaming offerings.


Niantic, the powerhouse behind the wildly popular game Pokémon Go, announced on Wednesday its decision to sell its video game business to Scopely for a staggering $3.5 billion. Scopely, which is owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, continues to expand its influence within the gaming landscape following its own acquisition in 2023.

First released in 2016, Pokémon Go took the world by storm, inspiring millions to step outside and embark on augmented reality adventures. From city streets to remote islands, players caught Pokémon, building a strong community around the iconic franchise. The game currently boasts over 20 million active weekly players, generating substantial revenue that contributes to Scopely's ambitions.

In a statement released alongside the acquisition news, Scopely, headquartered in Culver City, California, affirmed that it plans to integrate all Niantic gaming staff into its organization. This strategic move reflects Scopely’s growth trajectory, following its acquisition by Savvy Games Group for $4.9 billion last year, a firm established by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund as part of its expansive gaming strategy.

Saudi Arabia aims to invest a remarkable $38 billion in the gaming sector by 2030, harnessing the Public Investment Fund—which oversees nearly a trillion dollar portfolio—to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil. This latest deal continues a trend of substantial investments in gaming and e-sports, with critics arguing that such investments aim to improve Saudi Arabia's global image amid ongoing human rights scrutiny.

As the landscape of the gaming industry evolves, Scopely's acquisition of Niantic emphasizes the growing significance of augmented reality experiences in mobile gaming and highlights the burgeoning role of the Saudi sovereign fund within this lucrative market.

MORE ON THEME

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 19:39:37 GMT

Unveiling the Harsh Reality of Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 19:39:37 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:09:29 GMT

Unveiling the Harsh Reality of Domestic Work in Saudi Arabia

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:09:29 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:08:11 GMT

A Deadly Trade: The Harrowing Fate of Kenyan Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia**

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 04:08:11 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:22:56 GMT

Putin Sets Strict Conditions for Possible Cease-Fire with Ukraine

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:22:56 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:47:52 GMT

Strained Altercations: Putin's Complex Cease-Fire Conditions

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:47:52 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:04:20 GMT

Trump Announces US Delegation to Moscow for Ukraine Ceasefire Negotiations

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:04:20 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:34:37 GMT

**Rubio Optimistic About Imminent Cease-Fire in Ukraine Conflict**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:34:37 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:41:26 GMT

U.S. and Ukraine Negotiate Potential 30-Day Cease-Fire Amid Ongoing Conflict

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:41:26 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:12:20 GMT

U.S. Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Cease-Fire Discussions

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:12:20 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:53:06 GMT

**U.S., Ukraine Aim for Peace Amid Ongoing Drone Strikes**

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:53:06 GMT
Mon, 10 Mar 2025 21:19:59 GMT

**Rubio Optimistic About Ukraine Ceasefire Talks as Delegates Gather in Saudi Arabia**

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 21:19:59 GMT
Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:42:29 GMT

Zelensky Pursues Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid U.S. Relations Strain

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:42:29 GMT
Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:38:52 GMT

**US and Ukraine Seek Path to Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions**

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:38:52 GMT
Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:33:45 GMT

U.S. and Ukraine to Discuss Peace Talks Amid Doubts in Support

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:33:45 GMT
Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:24:40 GMT

FIFA Eyes 64-Team World Cup: A Centenary Expansion Proposal

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:24:40 GMT
Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:45:45 GMT

Trump's Greenland Aspirations: Local Leaders Unmoved by Promises of Riches

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:45:45 GMT
Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:12:52 GMT

OPEC Plans Increase Production, Oil Prices Drop to Yearly Low

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:12:52 GMT
Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:12:03 GMT

Arab Leaders Unite to Formulate Response to Trump's Gaza Initiative

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:12:03 GMT
Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:31:58 GMT

### U.S. Diplomacy in the Spotlight: Rubio's Reassurances Amid Russia Talks

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:31:58 GMT
Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:40:25 GMT

Saudi Crown Prince Ascends as Global Diplomatic Power in Crisis Negotiations

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:40:25 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.