Scopely Acquires Pokémon Go in $3.5 Billion Deal

CULVER CITY, CA — Scopely will acquire the games portfolio of Niantic, including the highly popular ‘Pokémon Go‘, for $3.5 billion, the companies announced Wednesday.

The acquisition will see San Francisco-based Niantic transfer its gaming assets to Scopely, a mobile game developer known for titles like ‘Scrabble Go’ and ‘Monopoly Go!’. This deal marks a significant shift for ‘Pokémon Go’, which has maintained over 30 million monthly active users and generated $1 billion in revenue in 2024, according to Niantic.

Ed Wu, head of the Pokémon GO team at Niantic, expressed optimism about the partnership during the announcement. He stated, “I’m very excited about today’s announcement,” emphasizing that Scopely’s resources and commitment will enhance the game further.

Wu highlighted his personal connection to the game, noting his decade-long involvement and its impact on players’ lives, including his own family. He shared fond memories of developing the game and conveyed gratitude for the community that has formed around it.

“The real-world community that loves Pokémon GO will remain our guiding light in all we do,” Wu said. He reaffirmed that the game would continue to evolve, while also noting that the transition would not compromise the experience players have come to love.

‘Pokémon Go’ allows players to catch and battle digital creatures in real-world locations using augmented reality technology. The game drew over 100 million unique players last year and sustained a weekly active user base of approximately 20 million.

Tim O'Brien, Scopely’s chief revenue officer, lauded the game’s longstanding impact, stating, “Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of ‘Pokémon Go’.” He also acknowledged the game’s ability to foster in-person connections through live events.

As Niantic integrates its technology into a new company, Niantic Spatial Inc., concerns have emerged among players regarding potential changes under Scopely’s ownership. Some fans fear that the acquisition could lead to pay-to-win models or increased microtransactions.

In light of these apprehensions, many players are transferring their Pokémon to Pokémon Home, a cloud service that stores Pokémon across compatible games. Wu reassured players that the existing team behind ‘Pokémon Go’ will remain intact, and they are committed to maintaining a focus on community-driven gameplay.

“I believe a partnership with Scopely will be a positive step for all of you and the game’s future,” Wu concluded, aiming to alleviate fears about the acquisition.