Scopely Acquires Niantic, Developer of Pokémon GO

Scopely has recently made headlines with its acquisition of Niantic, a major player in the augmented reality gaming world, for a staggering $3.5 billion. This deal brings popular titles such as Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now under the Scopely umbrella, marking a significant expansion for the company.

Pokémon GO remains the crown jewel of Niantic's portfolio. Despite being nearly a decade old, it continues to attract a massive audience, boasting over 100 million unique players in 2024 alone. The game has consistently ranked in the top 10 mobile games every year since its launch in 2016, showcasing its enduring appeal.

Pikmin Bloom, another Niantic creation in collaboration with Nintendo, will now be managed by Scopely. Launched in 2021, this game encourages players to plant virtual flowers while they walk, promoting physical activity. In 2024, it saw a significant increase in popularity, with players logging an impressive 3.94 trillion steps. The game's in-person events in Japan, the U.S., and Germany drew thousands of enthusiasts, further solidifying its community.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest offering since its launch in September 2023, has already achieved 15 million downloads. In addition to the games, Niantic's development teams and companion apps like Campfire and Wayfarer are also transitioning to Scopely. Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, while Wayfarer enables players to discover new locations for Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players used Campfire to participate in in-person events, and Wayfarer has contributed more than 11.5 million new location points since its inception in 2019.

What Does the Scopely and Niantic Deal Mean for Players?

For players, the acquisition promises continuity and potential enhancement of their gaming experiences. Scopely's portfolio, which includes successful titles like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, suggests that Niantic's games are in good hands.

Scopely has committed to supporting Niantic's development teams with additional resources and introducing new features such as advanced AR interactions. These enhancements could bring fresh excitement to the existing games. Players can look forward to seeing how these changes unfold in the near future.

Before you go, don't miss out on Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors event, available on the Google Play Store. Also, stay updated with our latest news on KartRider Rush+ Season 31, featuring Journey to the West.