Scopely Acquires Niantic, Developer of Pokémon GO

In a groundbreaking move, Scopely has announced its acquisition of Niantic, bringing some of the biggest names in augmented reality gaming under its umbrella. This monumental business deal, valued at $3.5 billion, includes popular titles like Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.

Pokémon GO, a game that has been captivating players since its launch in 2016, continues to dominate the mobile gaming scene. In 2024 alone, it attracted over 100 million unique players and has consistently ranked in the top 10 mobile games every year. The game's enduring appeal is a testament to its innovative use of augmented reality.

Pikmin Bloom, launched by Niantic in partnership with Nintendo in 2021, will now be managed by Scopely. The game, which encourages players to plant virtual flowers as they walk, saw a significant surge in popularity in 2024. Players logged an impressive 3.94 trillion steps last year, and in-person events in Japan, the U.S., and Germany drew thousands of enthusiastic fans.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest addition, launched in September 2023 and has already surpassed 15 million downloads. Along with the games, Niantic's development teams and companion apps like Campfire and Wayfarer are transitioning to Scopely. Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, while Wayfarer helps players map new locations for Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players used Campfire to attend in-person events, and Wayfarer has added more than 11.5 million new location points since its launch in 2019.

What Does the Scopely and Niantic Deal Mean for Players?

For players, the immediate impact of the acquisition might not be significant. Scopely's impressive lineup, which includes games like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, suggests that Niantic's games will continue to thrive. Scopely has committed to providing additional resources to the development team and introducing new AR experiences to enhance Niantic's games. These enhancements are eagerly anticipated and could bring exciting new features to the games soon.

As we look forward to these developments, don't miss out on Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors, available on the Google Play Store. And before you go, make sure to check out our news on KartRider Rush+ launching Season 31, featuring Journey to the West.