Scopely has agreed to acquire Niantic’s gaming business in a deal worth $3.5 billion, adding popular franchises like Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now to its portfolio.
The acquisition includes Niantic’s gaming stable, including Pokémon Go, which boasts over 20 million weekly active players. The game uses augmented reality technology, allowing users to explore the real world and collect Pokémon while battling for control of gyms.
Ed Wu, senior VP of Pokémon Go, expressed his excitement about joining Scopely, stating that the company shares its mission to inspire people to discover Pokémon in the real world together. Tim O’Brien, chief revenue officer and board member of Scopely, welcomed the acquisition, highlighting the Niantic team’s expertise in creating innovative experiences.
In connection with the deal, Niantic will spin off into a new geospatial AI company, Niantic Spatial Inc., led by founder John Hanke. The remaining games, Ingress Prime and Peridot, will remain under Niantic Spatial’s ownership.
The acquisition solidifies Scopely’s position as a major player in the mobile gaming landscape, bringing its expertise to Pokémon Go and other popular franchises.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/pokemon-go-studio-niantic-sold-scopely-1236161480