Pokémon Go developer Niantic is reportedly in discussions to sell its video game division to the Saudi-owned company Scopely for a staggering $3.5 billion. According to a report from Bloomberg, this potential deal would encompass the immensely popular augmented-reality mobile game, Pokémon Go, which encourages players to venture into the real world to capture Pokémon.
A source, speaking to Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity, indicated that while the transaction is not yet finalized, it could be announced within weeks if all parties give their approval. As of now, neither Niantic, Scopely, nor its owner Savvy Games Group have made any public statements regarding the rumored acquisition.
Scopely, which was acquired by Savvy Games Group in April 2023 for $4.9 billion, aligns with the Saudi government's goal to purchase "a leading games publisher." Scopely boasts an impressive portfolio, including successful mobile games like The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go.
Savvy Games Group has also made significant investments in the esports industry, acquiring ESL and FACEIT—two of the largest esports companies globally—for a combined $1.5 billion in 2022.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has expressed ambitions to position Saudi Arabia as the ultimate global hub for the games and esports sector by 2030. He stated, “Savvy Games Group is one part of our ambitious strategy aiming to make Saudi Arabia the ultimate global hub for the games and esports sector by 2030. We are harnessing the untapped potential across the esports and games sector to diversify our economy, drive innovation in the sector, and further scale the entertainment and esports competition offerings across the Kingdom.”
