In a deal set to shake up the mobile game scene, Niantic has sold augmented reality (AR) megahit Pokémon Go and the rest of its portfolio to fellow gaming powerhouse Scopely, the maker of Monopoly Go, for US$3.5 billion (S$4.66 billion).
The deal also sees Niantic distributing an additional US$350 million of cash, with the payout for its equity holders totalling US$3.85 billion. Moving forward, its other current AR titles, including Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now, will be owned and operated by the Saudi-owned Scopely, alongside companion apps Campfire and Wayfarer.
As shared in an official announcement post, Niantic’s gaming division saw over 30 million monthly active users (MAUs), over 20 million weekly active players, and earned over US$1 billion in revenue in 2024. Pokémon Go is, unsurprisingly, its biggest driver, ranking as a top 10 mobile title every year since its launch in 2016, and racking up over 100 million unique players last year.
“This partnership ensures that our games have the long-term support needed to be ‘forever games’ that will endure for future generations,” said the company in a blog post. “Players can expect that the games, apps, services, and events they know and love will continue to receive Scopely’s ongoing investment, driven by the same teams that have always created these experiences.”
Despite the reassurance, concerns have arisen over this latest acquisition — Scopely is known for its aggressive in-game monetisation, prompting some Pokémon Go players to consider quitting the game for good.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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