Pokémon Go Dev Moves to Reassure Players After $3.5 Billion Sale to Monopoly Go! Company Is Confirmed

Niantic Inc. has sold its Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now franchises, along with their development teams, to Scopely, a Saudi-owned company, for $3.5 billion. An additional $350 million in cash is part of the deal, bringing the total value to approximately $3.85 billion for Niantic equity holders.

Scopely, a subsidiary of Savvy Games, announced that Niantic's games boast over 30 million monthly active users (MAUs), over 20 million weekly active players, and generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024. Pokémon Go, a standout performer, consistently ranks among the top 10 mobile games globally and attracted over 100 million unique players in 2024.

Niantic stated its game teams have robust long-term plans that will continue under Scopely's guidance. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring the games' longevity, promising continued investment and support from the original development teams. Players can expect the same games, apps, services, and events they've come to know and love.

Pokémon Go's chief, Ed Wu, addressed player concerns, assuring them that the partnership with Scopely will positively impact the game's future. He highlighted Scopely's admiration for the community and team, expressing confidence in Pokémon Go's continued success for years to come. He emphasized Scopely's commitment to supporting the team and providing resources to maintain the existing gameplay. The entire Pokémon Go team will remain intact, continuing to develop and add new features like Raid Battles, Go Battle League, Routes, and live events. Scopely's approach, allowing game teams autonomy, aligns perfectly with Niantic's vision. Wu further emphasized Scopely's long-term focus, prioritizing player experience over short-term gains, and their commitment to the game's unique real-world community. He also highlighted the continued partnership with The Pokémon Company.

Niantic is also spinning off its geospatial AI business into a new entity, Niantic Spatial Inc., with Scopely investing $50 million and Niantic contributing $200 million. Niantic Spatial will retain Ingress Prime and Peridot.