Niantic May Sell Pokémon Go to Saudi Firm Behind Stumble Guys

Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon Go, may be on the verge of a major transition as reports indicate they are in talks to sell their video game division to Saudi-owned Scopely for an estimated $3.5 billion. This reported acquisition could include the beloved augmented-reality game Pokémon Go, which encourages players to explore the real world to catch Pokémon. The deal is not finalized yet, but if it progresses smoothly, an announcement could come in a matter of weeks.

The acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a key player in the global gaming and esports industry by 2030, a strategy reinforced by their recent 2023 acquisition of Scopely for $4.9 billion. Companies like Savvy Gaming Group, which owns Scopely, are seeking to expand their influence in the gaming sector, highlighted by their previous investments in significant esports organizations.

If the sale to Scopely goes through, it's expected that Pokémon Go will benefit from Scopely's experience in publishing mobile games, potentially leading to new features or expansions for the game. However, the full impact will depend on how Scopely decides to manage and develop the franchise moving forward.

Pokémon Go, released in 2016, revolutionized mobile gaming by integrating augmented reality with a real-world exploration element. The game allows players to find, catch, and train virtual Pokémon in real-world locations, contributing to its long-standing success and an active global community.