Pokemon GO Sold to Scopely: Here’s What It Means for Fans

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Summary

  • Scopely has bought Pokemon GO and Niantic’s other games for $3.5 billion.
  • The Pokemon GO team will stay together post-acquisition.
  • Though changes may occur, Scopely vows to prioritize players’ experiences.

Following initial reports suggesting negotiations for Niantic’s video game division, it is now official that Pokémon GO will be acquired by Scopely. This company, owned by Saudi Arabia, has been a source of concern among Pokémon GO players since rumors of the sale surfaced last month due to its aggressive monetization strategies in games like Monopoly GO, which some find unsettling.

It appears that early rumors suggested Niantic was considering selling its entire video game division. This sale would not only cover “Pokemon GO”, but also all other video games created by the mobile gaming titan, with the exception of their first game, “Ingress”. Now, these reports have been verified as true, with “Pokemon GO” and Niantic’s other video games being transferred to Scopely.

The games such as Pokemon GO, Pikmin Bloom, Monster Hunter Now, Campfire, Wayfarer, and those developed by Niantic Games are being purchased by Scopely for a whopping $3.5 billion. Given that Pokemon GO is Niantic’s flagship game, enthusiasts of this title may have concerns about its future. However, the lead of Pokemon GO, Ed Wu, has spoken positively about Niantic’s decision to sell Pokemon GO, expressing his belief that it will be a beneficial move for the game. Wu, who has been part of the team since its inception and whose 2-year-old daughter was the first player to ever throw a Poke Ball in the game, mentioned that Scopely holds a profound appreciation for the community and team. “Scopely is confident in our mission and ongoing goal to deliver an exceptional Pokemon GO experience,” Wu added.

Scopely Has Purchased Pokemon GO and Niantic’s Other Games

In any major acquisition, there’s often apprehension about potential job losses. Over the last few years, Niantic has let go of hundreds of employees and terminated numerous projects. However, as reported by Wu, the Pokemon GO team will remain intact following the Scopely takeover. Wu stated that he has been reassured by game leaders at Scopely about their ability to foster individual game development and creativity. Moreover, since Scopely is a privately-owned company, they can focus on what’s best for the players rather than shareholders. However, fans might still worry about increased monetization tactics similar to those used in Scopely’s successful games like Monopoly GO potentially being implemented in Pokemon GO, which is a legitimate concern.

I won’t say that Pokemon GO will remain the same because it has always been a work in progress.

Wu concluded his statement by reassuring that The Pokemon Company would still be part of Pokemon GO, yet the game might undergo modifications. “I can’t guarantee that Pokemon GO won’t change,” Wu noted, “since it has always been evolving.” Since its debut in 2016, updates for Pokemon GO have introduced new elements and expanded the collection of catchable Pokemon. Given this trend, it appears these enhancements will persist in the future. For now, players can expect a continuation of regular operations, but eventually, the effects of the Scopely acquisition are likely to become noticeable somehow.

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2025-03-12 17:04