Scopely, the Studio Behind Monopoly GO, Is Acquiring Pokémon GO Developer Niantic

Scopely's acquisition of Niantic, a deal valued at $3.5 billion, unites some of the biggest names in augmented reality (AR) gaming under one roof. This means popular titles like Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now are now part of the Scopely portfolio.

Pokémon GO, despite its longevity (nearly a decade!), continues to attract massive player numbers, boasting over 100 million unique players in 2024 alone and consistently ranking among the top 10 mobile games since its 2016 launch.

Pikmin Bloom, a 2021 collaboration with Nintendo, also falls under Scopely's wing. This game, which encourages players to plant virtual flowers during walks, experienced a significant surge in popularity in 2024, with players collectively logging 3.94 trillion steps and thousands participating in in-person events across Japan, the U.S., and Germany.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's newest addition, has already achieved over 15 million downloads since its September 2023 release. The acquisition also includes Niantic's development teams and companion apps, Campfire and Wayfarer. Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, while Wayfarer allows players to contribute new locations for Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players utilized Campfire for in-person events, and Wayfarer added over 11.5 million new location points since its 2019 launch.

What Does This Mean for Players?

For players, the immediate impact is minimal. Scopely already boasts a strong portfolio, including titles like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force. Scopely has pledged increased resources for Niantic's development teams and hinted at exciting new AR experiences for existing games.

In the meantime, be sure to check out Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors on the Google Play Store.

Also, don't miss our news on KartRider Rush+'s Season 31, featuring a "Journey to the West" theme.