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

Scopely's $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic brings some of the biggest names in augmented reality (AR) gaming under one roof. This means Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now are now part of the Scopely family.

Pokémon GO, despite its age, remains a powerhouse, 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 saw a significant surge in popularity in 2024, with players logging a staggering 3.94 trillion steps and thousands attending in-person events globally.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's newest title, has already achieved over 15 million downloads since its September 2023 release. The acquisition also includes Niantic's development teams and supporting apps, Campfire and Wayfarer.

Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, while Wayfarer allows players to add new locations to Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players used Campfire for in-person events, and Wayfarer contributed over 11.5 million new location points since its 2019 launch.

What Does This Mean for Players?

For players, the immediate impact is minimal. Scopely's portfolio already includes successful titles like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force. Scopely has pledged increased resources for Niantic's development teams and hinted at exciting new AR experiences for existing games.

Don't miss Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors on the Google Play Store! Also, be sure to check out our news on KartRider Rush+ Season 31: Journey to the West.