After nearly a decade under Niantic, Pokémon GO is entering a new era as Scopely acquires the company’s gaming division in a staggering $3.5 billion deal.
Niantic Inc., the company responsible for bringing the world the phenomenon Pokémon GO in 2016 and Monster Hunter NOW, has sold its games division to Scopely. Last month, it was rumoured that Niantic was looking to offload its entire games division to a potential buyer, and today the sale went through for the reported $3.5 billion that Niantic had been seeking since February from the massive mobile gaming company. Under the terms of the sale, Niantic’s game teams will continue operating as usual. They will be led by current studio heads Kei Kawai and Ed Wu as they join a workforce of more than 2,000 Scopely employees.
Tim O’Brien, chief revenue officer and board member of Scopely, said: “Scopely has always been focused on cultivating meaningful communities through a shared love of play, and the Niantic games organization is one of the best in the world at this endeavour. We are extremely inspired by what the team has built over the last decade, delivering innovative experiences that captivate a vast, enduring global audience and get people out in the real world.”
O’Brien continued: “Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of Pokémon GO, which reached over 100 million players just last year. The experience also stands apart for its unique ability to foster in-person connections, with Pokémon GO live events attracting millions of attendees.” He concluded: “We look forward to a bright future ahead.”
Pokémon GO team lead at Niantic, Ed Wu, posted on the Pokémon GO blog to share why he believes the game is in good hands with Scopely. Wu said: “First, Pokémon GO is more than just a game to me; it’s my life’s work. I’ve been part of Niantic since 2012 and deeply involved in many of our projects.”
Niantic’s official X (formerly Twitter) announcement confirmed the sale.
Wu continued: “With Scopely’s full commitment, experience and resources, we’re going to make Pokémon GO the very best it can be – with incredible battles for thousands of Trainers at a time at our live events and new ways to connect to your friends and community, all while remaining focused on the excitement and experience of discovering Pokémon in the real world.”
Niantic’s official X (formerly Twitter) account has changed its bio to read: “Building a geospatial AI company with @nianticspatial” following the announcement. Niantic Inc. is shifting from a focus on AR-enhanced gaming to developing “a geospatial AI model for perceiving the world.” Fans interested in Niantic’s next chapter can read more about its commitment to building a geospatial AI business, led by Niantic CEO and founder John Hanke.
