Mobile gaming company Scopely has made headlines with its recent acquisition of Niantic’s gaming division for $3.5 billion, which includes popular titles like Pokémon GO. This deal not only adds Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now to Scopely’s gaming lineup but also ensures that the talented teams behind these hits will continue under their familiar leaders, Kei Kawai and Ed Wu.
Pokémon GO has been a standout since its launch in 2016, engaging over 100 million players in 2024 alone. It consistently ranks among the top ten mobile games each year, thanks to its innovative use of augmented reality and its emphasis on social interaction. The game has fostered a vibrant community, with many players participating in global events. Remarkably, last year’s Pokémon GO Fest attracted more attendees than major music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza combined.
Recent search trends underscore the game’s vast popularity. In just the last week, searches for Pokémon GO were nearly eight times higher than those for the top film on Netflix and almost ten times more than the number one song on Spotify. This level of interest puts it ahead of even global sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, reflecting its cultural impact.
Tim O’Brien, Scopely’s Chief Revenue Officer, shared his enthusiasm about the purchase, emphasizing that Scopely aims to enhance the creative efforts of Niantic’s talented teams. He stated, "We are inspired by what the Niantic team has built, and we look forward to further accelerating the team’s creativity through our partnership.”
This acquisition highlights a broader trend in the gaming industry—mobile gaming’s explosive growth continues to reshape how companies strategize and engage with players. According to a recent report by Newzoo, mobile gaming revenue is expected to surpass $100 billion globally this year. As companies like Scopely invest in well-established franchises, they are clearly preparing for a future where mobile gaming dominates the entertainment landscape.
For more information on gaming trends, you can check out Newzoo’s latest reports here.
This acquisition marks an exciting chapter for both Scopely and Niantic, demonstrating the potential for innovative partnerships in the gaming world.
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Source linkNiantic,Pokemon,Pokemon Go,Scopely
