Scopely has recently made headlines by announcing its acquisition of Niantic, a move that brings some of the biggest names in augmented reality gaming under its umbrella. This $3.5 billion business deal includes popular titles like Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.
Pokémon GO remains a juggernaut in the gaming world, nearly a decade after its launch in 2016. In 2024 alone, the game attracted over 100 million unique players and has consistently ranked in the top 10 mobile games every year since its debut.
Pikmin Bloom, launched by Niantic in partnership with Nintendo in 2021, is another game that will now be managed by Scopely. This game encourages players to plant virtual flowers as they walk, experiencing a significant surge in popularity in 2024. Last year, players logged an impressive 3.94 trillion steps, and in-person events in Japan, the U.S., and Germany drew thousands of fans.
Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest addition, launched in September 2023, has already surpassed 15 million downloads. Alongside these games, Niantic's development teams and companion apps, such as Campfire and Wayfarer, are transitioning to Scopely. Campfire facilitates connections for real-world gameplay, while Wayfarer helps map new locations for Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players attended in-person events through Campfire, and Wayfarer has contributed more than 11.5 million new location points since its launch in 2019.
What Does the Scopely and Niantic Deal Mean for Players?
For players, the immediate impact of this acquisition may be minimal. Scopely's current lineup, which includes titles like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, suggests that Niantic's games will continue to thrive.
Scopely has committed to providing additional resources to the development team and introducing new AR experiences to enhance Niantic's games. It will be interesting to see how these enhancements unfold in the near future.
On a related note, don't miss out on Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors, available now on the Google Play Store.
Before you go, be sure to catch up on our coverage of KartRider Rush+ launching Season 31, featuring Journey to the West.
