Scopely Acquires Niantic, Developer of Pokémon GO

Scopely has recently made headlines with its acquisition of Niantic, a move that brings some of the most popular augmented reality games under its wing. This $3.5 billion deal includes major titles such as Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now. Pokémon GO, which has been a sensation since its 2016 launch, continues to thrive, boasting over 100 million unique players in 2024 and consistently ranking in the top 10 mobile games annually.

Pikmin Bloom, developed in collaboration with Nintendo and launched in 2021, has also seen a significant increase in popularity. In 2024, players logged an astounding 3.94 trillion steps, and large-scale in-person events in Japan, the U.S., and Germany drew thousands of enthusiasts. Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest addition since its September 2023 launch, has already surpassed 15 million downloads.

Alongside the games, Niantic's development teams and companion apps like Campfire and Wayfarer are transitioning to Scopely. Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, with over six million players attending in-person events in 2024. Wayfarer, on the other hand, has contributed over 11.5 million new location points since its 2019 launch, enhancing the gaming experience.

What Does the Scopely and Niantic Deal Mean for Players?

For players, the transition to Scopely ownership should be seamless. Scopely's portfolio already includes successful titles like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, indicating that Niantic's games are in good hands. Scopely has committed to bolstering the development teams with additional resources and introducing new AR interactions, which could lead to exciting updates in the near future.

As we anticipate these enhancements, don't miss out on Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors, available on the Google Play Store. And before you go, take a moment to catch up on the latest with KartRider Rush+ as it launches Season 31, featuring the Journey to the West theme.