Niantic Labs has announced that it sells its video games section for the developer of mobile phone owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for $ 3.5 billion after struggling to repeat success Pokémon Go Via other AR games. The newly seized agreement includes Niantic’s Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter now, and Blum Blum Portable games addresses.
“Niantic games have always been a bridge to connect people and inspire exploration, and I am sure that she will continue to do it as part of Scopely,” said John Hank, CEO of Niantic. “I think a firm belief that this partnership is great for our players and it is the best way to ensure our games get support and investment in the long term to be” games forever “that will continue for future generations.”
The acquisition is subject to organizational approval and other closing conditions. If the deal continues, it will also bring Niantic Social Companion applications Pokémon Go – Campfire and Wayfarer – Under the ownership of Scopely. Scopely says he will get the “entire Niantic team from exceptional games and leading games in the categories.” However, the Peridot and entrance The AR games addresses, which are also supported through the Maping Wayfarer app, will remain under the ownership and development of Niantic Spatial.
Pokémon Go It attracted more than 500 million players in its first year, but its popularity was affected in 2020 when the Global Covid Lockdowns kept people inside their homes. The company has since then Multiple projects canceled and At least 310 employees have been demobilized Between 2022-2023 in an attempt to “settle the current challenges in the market”.
Today’s announcement is the last attempt by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Her muscle to the game industryAfter using the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to acquire risks in Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, and EA. PIF was also used to create Esports and Gaming Company Savvy Games Games in 2021, which was later obtained The monopoly of going! SCOPELY developer for $ 4.9 billion in 2023.
This advertisement seems to be “Megadeal” for the year 2025, which was hosted by the SCOPELY Tim Operation’s revenue official last year, saying during a question and answer that it will include “a measured global concession that does at least a billion dollars of revenue.” Niantic Labs does not reveal her profits to the public, but she said in its announcement that the Niancic games had paid a billion dollars last year, and Pokémon Go lonliness Revenue is estimated at $ 7.9 billion Since its launch in 2016.
