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

Niantic, the developer behind the wildly 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 a Bloomberg report, the sale would encompass Pokémon Go, the hit mobile game that has captivated millions by blending the virtual world of Pokémon with real-world exploration.

While a source speaking to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity indicated the deal is not finalized, a confirmation could arrive within weeks if negotiations are successful. Niantic, Scopely, and its parent company, Savvy Games Group, have all declined to comment publicly on the reported acquisition.

The potential buyer, Scopely, was itself acquired by Savvy Games Group in April 2023 for $4.9 billion, following a Saudi Arabian government announcement of its intention to acquire a leading games publisher. Scopely's portfolio includes several successful mobile titles such as 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 prominent esports companies, in 2022. This aggressive expansion reflects Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz's broader vision: “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,” he stated previously, highlighting the economic diversification and innovation goals driving these investments.