Pokémon Go's parent company 'Niantic' in advanced talks for $3.5 Billion sale: Report

Scopely could reshape Mobile Gaming

Niantic, the mastermind behind Pokémon Go, is reportedly very close to selling its gaming diving including the mega-hit game to Scopely Inc. This is a Saudi Arabia-owned company and they are ready to purchase it for $3.5 Billion.

According to Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, this transaction might be completed in the coming weeks, shaking up the mobile gaming sector. Let’s check out more details in this article.

Niantic’s rise and challenges

Since the debut of Pokémon Go in 2016, the game has become a worldwide phenomenon with millions of players and fans playing and catching Pikachu and other Pokemon on their devices.

Niantic, founded in 2015 by former Google Geo division executive John Hanke, soared high on its success. However, duplicating the enchantment proved difficult. Projects such as Harry Potter: Wizards Unite failed and were shut down in 2022, while staff layoffs and canceled ventures dominated 2022 and 2023 as Niantic fought to sustain momentum.

Now this rumored sale to Scopely Inc. could also include Pokémon Go which is the most downloaded and profitable AR app. Also, there will be many other titles that will be included in the portfolio as well according to the reports.

Beyond games, Niantic’s San Francisco team has been advancing with 3D scanning technology, most recently revealing a “large geospatial model” in November 2024 that uses app data for worldwide machine-learning research.

Also Read: Batman Arkham series revival? Rocksteady Studios’ new job listing sparks rumors

Who is Scopely Inc.?

Scopely, a mobile gaming powerhouse, has been acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group (a Public Investment Fund subsidiary) for $4.9 billion in 2023. Savvy’s CEO Brian Ward hinted last year at ambitions to snag a “genre-leading” title for its lineup, and Pokémon Go fits the bill perfectly.

This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to diversify its economy through gaming investments, and Scopely is a key player.

For the, the sources are saying that a follow-up report will soon arrive next week. We will keep you guys updates as the story unfolds related to Pokémon Go.

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