Niantic, the developer behind the wildly popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is reportedly negotiating a $3.5 billion sale of its video game division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned company. Bloomberg first reported the news, citing an anonymous source who indicated that while the deal isn't finalized, a confirmation could arrive within weeks.
The potential sale would encompass Pokémon Go, the hit mobile game that has captivated millions by blending the virtual world of Pokémon with real-world exploration. Niantic, Scopely, and Savvy Games Group (Scopely's parent company) have all declined to comment publicly on the acquisition rumors.
This potential acquisition follows Scopely's own $4.9 billion acquisition by Savvy Games Group in April 2023, a move that came after the Saudi Arabian government expressed its intention to acquire a leading games publisher. Scopely's portfolio includes popular mobile titles such as The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go. Adding to its impressive holdings, Savvy Games Group also purchased ESL and FACEIT, two prominent esports companies, for a combined $1.5 billion in 2022.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz previously stated that Savvy Games Group is a key component of a broader strategy to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the gaming and esports industry by 2030. The goal is to diversify the Saudi economy, foster innovation within the sector, and expand entertainment and esports offerings throughout the Kingdom.
