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It had been rumored that Niantic was looking to get out of game development, despite having one of the most lucrative mobile titles of all-time (Pokémon GO) in its portfolio. It turns out this was more than just a rumor, as Niantic has announced it has indeed sold its gaming division to California-based mobile giant Scopely, the makers of the immensely popular Monopoly Go! The deal is for $3.5 billion and includes Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.
Here’s a bit from the statement put out by Niantic regarding the sale:
First, for Niantic Inc., we have reached an agreement for Scopely, a world leader in mobile games, to acquire Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, Monster Hunter Now, and the incredible teams working on these experiences, for $3.5 billion from Scopely with an additional $350 million of cash from Niantic being distributed as part of the deal, yielding a total value of approximately $3.85 billion for Niantic equity holders.
Scopely’s focus on building and operating incredible live services, its exceptional experience working with the world’s biggest and most beloved intellectual property, and care for its player communities and game-making teams make it the perfect fit for our games. Our game team has exciting long-term roadmaps that they will continue to build upon as part of Scopely. This partnership ensures that our games have the long term support needed to be “forever games” that will endure for future generations. Players can expect that the games, apps, services, and events they know and love will continue to receive Scopely’s ongoing investment, driven by the same teams that have always created these experiences.
Niantic says that the teams in place working on titles like Pokémon GO will remain intact with the transition to Scopely and that the goal for these titles is to become “forever games” that “endure for future generations.” Despite the assuring words from Niantic, one does wonder if the shift to Scopely might result in any reductions in staff of reshuffling of personnel; hopefully, this isn’t the case, but we’ll update you all as we learn more about the impact of this deal.
Source: Niantic Website
