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

Niantic, the developer behind the wildly popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is reportedly negotiating a potential $3.5 billion sale of its video game division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned gaming company. According to Bloomberg, the deal would encompass Pokémon Go, the mobile game that captivated millions by blending the virtual world of Pokémon with real-world exploration.

While a source speaking to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity indicated the deal is not finalized, a confirmation could arrive within weeks if negotiations are successful. Niantic, Scopely, and its parent company, Savvy Games Group, have declined to comment publicly on these reports.

The potential acquisition comes after Savvy Games Group's April 2023 purchase of Scopely for $4.9 billion, a move following the Saudi Arabian government's stated intention to acquire a leading games publisher. Scopely's portfolio includes successful mobile games such as The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go.

This acquisition follows Savvy Games Group's 2022 purchase of ESL and FACEIT, two prominent esports companies, for a combined $1.5 billion. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz previously stated that Savvy Games Group is a key component of a broader strategy to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the gaming and esports industry by 2030, aiming to diversify the Saudi economy and foster innovation within the sector.