Niantic, the developer behind the wildly popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is reportedly in discussions to sell its video game division to Scopely, a company owned by Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, for a staggering $3.5 billion. According to Bloomberg, this potential acquisition would encompass Pokémon Go, which has captivated players worldwide by encouraging them to explore their surroundings to catch virtual Pokémon.
A source who spoke to Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity indicated that although the deal is not yet finalized, it could be confirmed within weeks if all parties agree. Representatives from Niantic, Scopely, and Savvy Games Group have remained silent on the matter, declining to provide any public comments regarding the reported acquisition.
This move comes on the heels of Savvy Games Group's acquisition of Scopely in April 2023 for $4.9 billion, following the Saudi Arabian government's declaration of interest in purchasing "a leading games publisher." Scopely is known for its array of successful mobile games, including The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go.
Additionally, Savvy Gaming Group made headlines by acquiring two of the largest esports companies, ESL and FACEIT, for $1.5 billion in 2022. These strategic acquisitions align with Saudi Arabia's vision to become a global hub for the gaming and esports industry by 2030, as articulated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
"Savvy Games Group is one part of our ambitious strategy aiming to make Saudi Arabia the ultimate global hub for the games and esports sector by 2030," the Crown Prince stated. He emphasized the country's goal to leverage the potential within the esports and games industry to diversify the economy, spur innovation, and expand entertainment and esports competition offerings throughout the Kingdom.
