Pokémon Go Developer Niantic Reportedly in Talks to Sell Video Game Business to Saudi-Owned Company Behind Stumble Guys

Niantic, the developer behind the globally popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is reportedly negotiating a potential $3.5 billion sale of its video game division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned gaming company. According to Bloomberg, the sale would encompass Pokémon Go, the flagship title that propelled Niantic to prominence. While a source speaking to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity indicates the deal is not finalized, a confirmation could arrive within weeks if approved. Niantic, Scopely, and its parent company, Savvy Games Group, have declined to comment publicly on the reported acquisition.

Scopely, acquired by Savvy Games Group in April 2023 for $4.9 billion, following a Saudi Arabian government declaration of intent to purchase a leading games publisher, boasts a portfolio of successful mobile games including The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go. Savvy Games Group further solidified its position in the gaming industry with the $1.5 billion acquisition of ESL and FACEIT, two major esports organizations, in 2022.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz previously stated that Savvy Games Group is a key component of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to establish itself as a global leader in the gaming and esports sectors by 2030. This initiative aims to diversify the Saudi economy, foster innovation within the gaming industry, and expand entertainment and esports competition within the Kingdom.