Scopely Acquires Niantic, Developer of Pokémon GO

Scopely has recently announced a significant acquisition of Niantic, bringing major augmented reality gaming titles like Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now under its umbrella in a deal valued at $3.5 billion. This move marks a pivotal moment in the mobile gaming industry.

Pokémon GO, a game that has been a global phenomenon since its launch in 2016, continues to thrive. In 2024, it boasted over 100 million unique players, maintaining its position in the top 10 mobile games annually. This enduring popularity underscores the game's lasting appeal and its significant role in Scopely's portfolio.

Pikmin Bloom, another Niantic title launched in partnership with Nintendo in 2021, has also seen impressive growth. The game, which encourages players to plant virtual flowers as they walk, recorded 3.94 trillion steps in 2024. Its popularity surged further with in-person events in Japan, the U.S., and Germany, attracting thousands of enthusiasts.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest offering since its launch in September 2023, has quickly amassed 15 million downloads. Alongside these games, Niantic's development teams and companion apps like Campfire and Wayfarer are also transitioning to Scopely. Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, with over six million players attending in-person events in 2024. Meanwhile, Wayfarer has contributed over 11.5 million new location points since its inception in 2019, enhancing the gaming experience across Niantic titles.

What Does the Scopely and Niantic Deal Mean for Players?

For players, the acquisition promises continuity and enhancement. Scopely's impressive existing lineup, including MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, suggests that Niantic's games will remain robust and well-supported. Scopely has committed to providing additional resources to the development teams, aiming to introduce new augmented reality experiences to Niantic's titles. These enhancements could bring exciting new features to games like Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now in the near future.

As players await these developments, they can look forward to events like Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors, available on the Google Play Store. Additionally, stay updated with the latest in mobile gaming, including KartRider Rush+ launching Season 31 featuring Journey to the West.