Pokémon Go Maker Niantic Sold to Scopely for $1.2 Billion—What’s Next for AR Gaming?

Niantic, the company behind Pokémon Go, has been acquired by mobile gaming giant Scopely for $1.2 billion. Will this deal bring new life to Pokémon Go or put its legacy at risk?

Niantic, the San Francisco-based studio behind Pokémon Go, was acquired by Scopely for $1.2 billion on March 12, 2025, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It’s a major shift for Niantic, known for pioneering augmented reality (AR) games like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.

I spotted this announcement while catching up on gaming and tech news, and it feels like one of those pivotal moments for mobile gaming.

Inside the $1.2 Billion Acquisition

Scopely, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, acquired Niantic’s gaming operations—including its popular AR technology and titles—for $1.2 billion. The purchase notably includes Niantic’s 700 employees and their tech stack but excludes their non-gaming initiatives.

While Niantic earned $672 million in revenue in 2024, growth has significantly slowed since Pokémon Go’s blockbuster launch. Scopely, responsible for hit titles such as Monopoly Go and Marvel Strike Force, views Niantic as its gateway into the expanding AR gaming market.

Niantic’s Rise and Struggles

Founded in San Francisco in 2010 as a Google spin-off, Niantic made a massive splash in 2016 with Pokémon Go. The game generated 232 million downloads and $1.9 billion in revenue during its debut year, according to Sensor Tower. Pokémon Go famously brought AR into mainstream popularity, turning cities worldwide into real-world gaming playgrounds.

However, subsequent projects like Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (2019) underperformed, and newer games such as Peridot (2022) failed to achieve notable success, as reported by GameSpot. These disappointments contributed to Niantic’s decision to seek a strategic partner or buyer.

Scopely’s Big Bet on AR

Scopely, acquired by Savvy Games for $4.9 billion in 2023, has a strong track record in monetizing casual games. Monopoly Go alone generated $2 billion in revenue in 2024, according to Pocket Gamer. By acquiring Niantic, Scopely aims to expand its portfolio beyond traditional mobile games and establish itself in the AR gaming space.

Fans are understandably cautious about this deal. Scopely’s monetization practices, particularly in Marvel Strike Force, have sparked backlash online. Players fear these aggressive tactics might negatively affect Pokémon Go, altering the community-driven model Niantic cultivated, as discussed widely on X.

CEO John Hanke will reportedly remain with Niantic, providing some continuity. Still, questions linger over how Scopely’s strategy might reshape Niantic’s flagship games.

What’s on the Line for Pokémon Go Players?

Players worry Scopely’s ownership could mean higher costs or more aggressive monetization, potentially compromising Pokémon Go’s community-driven legacy, per Polygon.

The broader AR gaming market is valued at $28.5 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $97.8 billion by 2030, according to MarketsandMarkets. Scopely’s success hinges on effectively utilizing Niantic’s AR capabilities without disrupting its core audience.

Pokémon Go’s Rollercoaster Legacy

Pokémon Go burst onto the scene in 2016, quickly becoming a global phenomenon. Developed in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, the game attracted 232 million downloads and generated $1.9 billion in revenue in its debut year, per Sensor Tower. Pokémon Go drove millions outdoors to catch digital creatures, making AR mainstream.

Yet, as the initial excitement waned, Niantic faced consistent backlash. Controversial updates—such as the nerfing of key gameplay features like the “nearby tracker” in 2017 (Polygon), and location-based restrictions criticized heavily by rural players, per TechCrunch—hurt player retention. Recent monetization choices further alienated players, prompting some to label the game “pay-to-win.”

What’s Next for Niantic and Pokémon Go?

Niantic’s acquisition by Scopely might inject new energy and resources, but there’s also significant risk of alienating the game’s dedicated fanbase. Upcoming changes and monetization strategies in Pokémon Go will be closely watched.

It’s a critical turning point for Niantic—and possibly a defining moment in mobile AR gaming.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What do you think about Scopely acquiring Niantic? Will this move revive Pokémon Go or undermine its original charm? Drop your thoughts below or on X @DREZZEDNews—let’s discuss.

News compiled by Derek Gibbs and Edgar B. D/REZZED Gaming News is part of Clownfish TV. Subscribe to our newsletter at http://drezzed.substack.com

D/REZZED provides Balanced and Based Gaming, Pop Culture, and Paranormal News. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of hosts, editors, other contributors, affiliates, sponsors, or advertisers. Our articles are human-edited but may utilize AI assistance for research and grammar. Articles may include affiliate links; we may earn commissions on purchases made through these links. Any products or services received for review are disclosed, as are any sponsored posts.

Sources / Hat Tip:

• Base article: The Hollywood Reporter, “Pokémon Go Studio Niantic Sold to Scopely for $1.2 Billion,” March 12, 2025.

• Niantic revenue: Statista, “Annual Mobile Revenue Generated by Niantic Worldwide from 2015 to 2024,” January 8, 2025.

• Pokémon Go stats: Sensor Tower, “Pokémon Go Revenue and Downloads,” 2016 archives.

• Scopely data: Pocket Gamer, “Monopoly Go Hits $2 Billion in 2024,” December 2024.

• AR market: MarketsandMarkets, “Augmented Reality Market Size & Share Analysis,” 2025 update.

• History and backlash: Wikipedia, “Pokémon Go,” updated 2025; Sensor Tower, 2016 data; Statista, user stats; The New York Times, “Pokémon Go Frenzy,” 2016; Polygon, “Nearby Tracker Nerf,” 2017; GameSpot, “Pandemic Perks Backlash,” 2021; ScreenRant, “Community Day Cuts,” 2021; TechCrunch, “Microtransaction Concerns,” 2021.

• Additional context: GameSpot, “Niantic’s Struggles Post-Pokémon Go,” 2022; TechCrunch, “Niantic’s AR Pivot,” 2024; Polygon, “Pokémon Go Community Concerns,” March 2025.

• Published on March 12, 2025.