Scopely Inc., supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has reached an agreement to acquire Niantic Inc.’s gaming division for $3.5 billion. This deal encompasses the widely popular mobile game Pokémon Go, alongside other notable titles like Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now, as well as the teams responsible for their development, according to a statement.
In 2023, Scopely was acquired by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, for $4.9 billion. Despite being launched nearly a decade ago, Pokémon Go continues to be one of the highest-grossing mobile games globally, boasting 30 million active players each month. The game engages players by encouraging them to explore the real world while hunting for collectible creatures that appear on their mobile screens through augmented reality technology.
This acquisition signifies yet another move by Saudi Arabia to boost its gaming sector, an industry it has invested heavily in over recent years. Niantic’s other titles, including Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom, are also part of this acquisition, along with the talented individuals who develop these games. They will be integrated into Scopely Inc., which itself was acquired by PIF subsidiary Savvy Games Group for $4.9 billion in 2023.
Scopely is recognized as one of the leading names in mobile gaming, with its flagship title, Monopoly Go, having achieved over 50 million downloads and generating more than $3 billion in revenue. The Pokémon franchise is jointly owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, which granted Niantic the license to develop the game.
Read more: Saudi Arabia’s PIF expands stake in Japan’s Koei Tecmo to 6.6 percent
Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in gaming
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key force in the gaming landscape. Its PIF holds stakes in several major publishers within the industry, including Nintendo, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive. The country has also made significant strides in the eSports arena, successfully hosting major tournaments such as last year’s eSports World Cup, which featured a staggering prize pool exceeding $60 million. Riyadh is also set to host the planned Olympic eSports Games in 2027, further solidifying its position in the gaming world.
