Pokémon Go developer, Niantic, agreed to be acquired by the Savvy Scopely game Group.
The agreement, valued at $ 3.5 billion, coincides with the details that were leaked last month. It includes the entire Niantic game development team, as is The Games Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter now.
The agreement also includes complementary applications and services “Campfire” and “Wayfarer” and will see escort assume control of the popular live events of Niantic such as Pokémon Go Fest.
“Niantic games have always been a bridge to connect people and inspire exploration, and I’m sure they will continue to do both as part of Scopely,” said John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic.
“Scopely shares our approach in building and operating incredible live services, has an exceptional experience working with the world’s largest and most beloved intellectual properties, and deeply cares about their communities of players and playing teams.
“I firmly believe that this association is excellent for our players and is the best way to ensure that our games have the necessary support and investment necessary to be ‘games forever’ that last for future generations.”
Scopely was acquired by the multinational games investment games group of Saudi Arabia games in July 2023 for $ 4.9 billion. In January, he appointed Nour Nour as Senior Vice President and Chief of International Business Development.
Saudi Arabia has been increasingly active in the games of games and electronic sports in recent years, after having invested $ 38 billion through its public investment fund. The PIF has bets in companies such as Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Nexon and Capcom. It is also organizing the inaugural Olympic ESports Games, which are now scheduled for 2027.
These investments have been controversial due to the poor human rights history of Saudi Arabia, especially in gender inequality and the criminalization of homosexuality, which is still punished with the life imprisonment or execution.
