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

Reports suggest Niantic, the creator of the popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is negotiating a potential $3.5 billion sale of its video game division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned company.

According to Bloomberg, the sale would encompass Pokémon Go, the immensely successful mobile game that encourages players to explore the real world in search of virtual Pokémon.

An anonymous source cited by Bloomberg indicated that while the deal isn't 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 purported acquisition.

Savvy Games Group acquired Scopely in April 2023 for $4.9 billion, following the Saudi Arabian government's announcement of its intention to acquire a leading games publisher. Scopely's portfolio includes several successful mobile games, including The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go.

In 2022, Savvy Gaming Group also invested $1.5 billion in acquiring two prominent esports organizations, ESL and FACEIT.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz stated at the time, “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. We are harnessing the untapped potential across the esports and games sector to diversify our economy, drive innovation in the sector, and further scale the entertainment and esports competition offerings across the Kingdom.”