Niantic Reportedly Explores Sale of Gaming Arm

Niantic, the creator of the popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is reportedly negotiating a potential $3.5 billion sale of its video game division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned gaming company.

According to Bloomberg, the sale would encompass Pokémon Go, the widely successful mobile game that encourages players to explore the real world in search of virtual Pokémon.

An anonymous source, speaking to Bloomberg, indicated that while the deal isn't finalized, a confirmation could arrive within weeks if approved.

Niantic, Scopely, and its parent company, Savvy Games Group, have declined to comment publicly on the reported acquisition.

Savvy Games Group acquired Scopely in April 2023 for $4.9 billion, following the Saudi Arabian government's announcement of its intention to acquire a leading games publisher. Scopely's portfolio includes prominent mobile games such as The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go.

In 2022, Savvy Gaming Group also invested $1.5 billion in acquiring ESL and FACEIT, two major esports organizations.

"Savvy Games Group is a key component of our ambitious plan to establish Saudi Arabia as the leading global hub for the gaming and esports industry by 2030," stated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the time. He further explained the initiative's aim to diversify the Saudi economy, foster innovation within the gaming sector, and expand entertainment and esports competition within the Kingdom.