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

Scopely's acquisition of Niantic, a deal valued at $3.5 billion, brings some of the biggest names in augmented reality (AR) gaming under one roof. This includes the incredibly popular Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.

Pokémon GO, despite its longevity (nearly a decade!), continues to dominate, 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 thrives under the Scopely umbrella. Its unique gameplay, encouraging players to plant virtual flowers during walks, saw a significant surge in popularity in 2024, with players logging a staggering 3.94 trillion steps and thousands participating in in-person events globally.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's newest title, launched in September 2023 and has already surpassed 15 million downloads. This 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—over 11.5 million since its 2019 launch. In 2024 alone, over six million players utilized Campfire for in-person events.

What Does This Mean for Players?

For players, the immediate impact is minimal. Scopely's existing portfolio—including MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force—demonstrates their success in the mobile gaming market. Scopely promises increased resources for Niantic's development teams and the potential introduction of new AR experiences to their games.

Don't forget to check out Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors on the Google Play Store! And for more gaming news, read about KartRider Rush+'s Season 31: Journey to the West.