Niantic Sells Pokémon Go : Niantic, the developer behind the hit mobile game Pokémon Go, has officially announced the sale of its gaming division to mobile gaming powerhouse Scopely for a staggering $3.5 billion. This strategic move is part of Niantic’s broader restructuring plan, allowing the company to shift its focus toward geospatial artificial intelligence (AI).
Niantic Sells Pokémon Go
Niantic CEO John Hanke emphasized that this decision aligns with the company’s long-term goal of creating “forever games.” He expressed confidence in Scopely’s ability to manage the transition smoothly. “Scopely’s expertise in operating live-service games, its strong track record with major intellectual properties, and its commitment to player communities make it an ideal home for our gaming portfolio,” Niantic stated.
The transaction also includes an additional $350 million cash payout from Niantic, raising the total value of the deal to approximately $3.85 billion for Niantic’s shareholders.
This acquisition grants Scopely, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed Savvy Games Group, control over some of the most popular augmented reality (AR) titles, including Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now. Scopely, known for successful mobile games such as Marvel Strike Force and Star Trek Fleet Command, will now expand its footprint in the AR gaming space.
Niantic has assured players that their beloved games will continue to receive robust support under Scopely’s ownership. “Our game development teams have ambitious plans for the future, and they will continue to build upon them as part of Scopely. Players can expect ongoing updates, events, and new features,” the company stated.
Ed Wu, head of Pokémon Go, also expressed confidence in the transition. “Scopely has shown a deep respect for our community and team. I firmly believe that Pokémon Go will not only thrive under Scopely but also evolve for many years to come,” Wu said. He confirmed that the existing Pokémon Go team would remain in place, ensuring continuity in development and live events.
Originally spun off from Google in 2015, Niantic built its reputation by merging gaming with real-world interactions. However, the company is now pivoting beyond gaming. As part of this transition, it is establishing a new entity, Niantic Spatial Inc., dedicated to advancing geospatial AI. The newly formed company, led by Hanke and backed by $250 million in funding, will focus on spatial computing, extended reality, and AI-driven applications for various industries.
“Our objective is to spearhead the future of geospatial AI, developing spatial intelligence solutions that help individuals better understand, navigate, and engage with the physical world,” Hanke explained. Niantic Spatial aims to harness its proprietary digital mapping and AR technology to create innovative applications in sectors such as logistics, construction, and tourism.
With this shift, Niantic is reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of digital and physical world interactions while entrusting its beloved games to an experienced industry leader.
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