Niantic Makes Waves: Acquired for $3.5 Billion by Saudi Arabia's Scopely in a Bold Move!

March 12, 2025

Niantic Makes Waves: Acquired for $3.5 Billion by Saudi Arabia's Scopely in a Bold Move!

In a groundbreaking move, Niantic, the creative force behind Pokémon GO, has officially been acquired by Scopely for an impressive $3.5 billion. For those unfamiliar, Scopely is a key player within Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group. Ed Wu, the project lead for the beloved game, shared the exciting news on the Pokémon GO website, emphasizing that this acquisition signifies "a positive step for all of you and the game’s future." Here’s a closer look at what this partnership means for Pokémon GO:

  • Scopely has a genuine appreciation for our community and team. Wu expressed confidence that under Scopely’s guidance, Pokémon GO will continue to thrive well into its second decade and beyond. The combined efforts of the Pokémon GO team and Scopely aim to enhance the experience of discovering Pokémon in the real world and inspiring shared exploration. This partnership, alongside a decade-long collaboration with The Pokémon Company, ensures that the focus remains on achieving long-term success and delivering the best Pokémon GO gameplay possible.
  • The entire Pokémon GO team remains intact. The talented group that has passionately crafted and nurtured the game over the years will continue their mission. With ongoing updates, from Raid Battles to exciting live events like Pokémon GO Fest, they are committed to bringing new experiences for years ahead. Scopely's empowering approach allows these game teams to pursue their creative visions autonomously, fostering an environment of innovation that Niantic values highly.
  • Joining a larger organization focused on gaming. Wu believes that Pokémon GO is poised to flourish within Scopely’s dedicated ecosystem. As a private company, Scopely prioritizes the long-term interests of players over short-term profits, a mindset that aligns perfectly with the mission of Pokémon GO. Every interaction with Scopely’s leaders has reinforced the shared commitment to maintaining the game’s exceptional longevity and the vibrant community that makes it one-of-a-kind.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting chapter for Pokémon GO!