In a significant move within the gaming industry, Niantic, the developer renowned for the hit augmented reality game Pokémon Go, has agreed to sell its video game division to Scopely for an impressive $3.5 billion. This acquisition, confirmed on Wednesday, marks another strategic investment by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund as it intensifies its foray into the video game sector.
Launched in 2016, Pokémon Go captivated millions globally, encouraging players to explore their surroundings to capture characters from the beloved franchise. The game's ongoing popularity continues to generate substantial revenue, contributing millions monthly to its developers. Scopely, originally based in Culver City, California, plans to incorporate Niantic's gaming teams into its operations, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the Pokémon Go experience for its 20 million+ active players.
Scopely itself was purchased for $4.9 billion in 2023 by the Savvy Games Group, an initiative backed by the Saudi government with a goal to invest $38 billion into the gaming industry by 2030. The Public Investment Fund, known for managing nearly a trillion dollars in assets, is actively diversifying the Saudi economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil.
However, this aggressive push into sports and entertainment, particularly video games, has attracted criticism. Detractors argue that Saudi Arabia's investments aim to improve its global image amid ongoing human rights concerns. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how this acquisition impacts both the industry and Niantic’s devoted community of players in the coming years.
