Is Pokemon Go About to Change Hands? Niantic Reportedly Nearing Sale of Games Business

Could Pokemon Go, the global phenomenon that had everyone catching virtual creatures in parks and streets, be heading for new ownership? That’s the question buzzing in the gaming world as reports surface suggesting Niantic Inc., the developer behind Pokemon Go, is on the verge of selling off its entire games business. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Niantic is nearing a substantial deal to offload its games division to Scopely Inc., in a sale potentially valued at a staggering $3.5 billion.

The Bloomberg report indicates that an agreement for this major sale could be announced “in coming weeks,” signaling that negotiations are in the advanced stages. The deal, if finalized, would encompass Niantic’s entire video game portfolio and associated gaming intellectual properties. This isn’t just about Pokemon Go; Niantic's game stable also includes other recognizable titles like Ingress, Pikmin Bloom, and the recently released Monster Hunter Now, all of which would be part of the acquisition.

Despite the seemingly advanced nature of the discussions, the report does emphasize that the deal isn’t a certainty just yet. Bloomberg’s sources caution that “no assurance an agreement will be reached,” leaving room for the possibility that the sale could still fall through before a final announcement.

It's worth noting the context of the potential buyer. Scopely, the company reportedly poised to acquire Niantic’s games business, was itself acquired in 2023 by Savvy Games Group for a hefty $4.9 billion. Savvy Games Group is a significant player in the gaming investment landscape, being a subsidiary funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This connection to Saudi Arabian funding adds another layer of intrigue to the potential acquisition, given the increasing interest and investment from Saudi Arabia in the global gaming industry.

Interestingly, Niantic and Savvy Games Group already have a pre-existing relationship. Back in August 2024, the two companies announced a collaboration focused on Niantic assisting Savvy Games Group with its expansion plans into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, specifically Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward, at the time of that collaboration announcement, highlighted the partnership with Niantic as a “significant milestone” in their efforts to bring “cutting-edge games and esports experiences to the MENA-3 region.” This existing partnership might suggest a smoother path for the potential acquisition, given a pre-established working relationship between the companies.

Neither Niantic nor Scopely have officially commented on the potential sale. When contacted by Bloomberg for comment, both companies declined, adhering to a "no comment" stance on the ongoing rumors and reports.

The potential sale of Niantic’s games business to Scopely raises a number of questions for players and industry observers alike. What might this mean for the future direction of Pokemon Go and other Niantic titles under new ownership? Could this acquisition signal a strategic shift for Niantic itself, potentially refocusing its efforts away from game development and towards other ventures, perhaps related to its expansion plans with Savvy Games Group in the MENA region? And what does this potential deal say about the broader trend of consolidation and investment within the gaming industry, particularly the increasing role of Saudi Arabian investment? The coming weeks could reveal significant shifts in the landscape of mobile gaming and the future of some very well-known titles.