Niantic Sold Pokemon Go

    Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, has indeed sold its gaming business, including Pokémon GO, to Scopely for $3.5 billion. Here are the key details about this transaction:

    Key Details of the Sale

    • Acquisition Value: The deal is valued at $3.5 billion, marking a significant financial transaction in the gaming industry[1][2][3].
    • Games Included: The sale includes Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now, along with companion apps like Campfire and Wayfarer[1][3][5].
    • Niantic's Remaining Business: After the sale, Niantic will spin off its geospatial AI business into a new company called Niantic Spatial, which will retain ownership of Ingress Prime and Peridot[6].
    • Scopely's Ownership: Scopely is owned by the Savvy Games Group, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund[2][3].

    Implications for Pokémon GO

    • Continuity: The entire Niantic game development team will join Scopely, ensuring continuity in the management and development of Pokémon GO[1][8].
    • Future Developments: Scopely plans to support the Niantic team in achieving their long-term goals, potentially leading to new features and experiences for Pokémon GO[4][5].
    • Community Focus: Scopely emphasizes its commitment to community-driven experiences, aligning with Pokémon GO's focus on real-world interactions and community events[4][5].

    Regulatory Approval and Future Steps

    The acquisition is contingent upon receiving regulatory approval and fulfilling other closing requirements. Once finalized, it will significantly expand Scopely's portfolio and reinforce its position in the mobile gaming sector