Saudi Sovereign Fund Expands Gaming Empire with Niantic Purchase

In a significant move within the gaming sector, Scopely has acquired Niantic's video game business, including the blockbuster Pokémon Go, for $3.5 billion, signaling Saudi Arabia's investment ambitions in gaming.

In a groundbreaking announcement made early Wednesday, Scopely, a gaming company now under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has confirmed its acquisition of Niantic's video game operations for a staggering $3.5 billion. Niantic, renowned for its globally acclaimed augmented reality mobile game, Pokémon Go, which launched in 2016, has seen millions of players immerse themselves in its unique capture-the-monster gameplay across various landscapes.

This acquisition highlights the ongoing efforts of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to establish a strong foothold in the gaming industry, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify its economic interests. Pokémon Go remains a juggernaut in the mobile gaming sphere, consistently generating substantial revenue and maintaining a robust player base, with over 20 million active users each week.

Scopely, based in Culver City, California, stated that it intends to retain Niantic’s entire gaming team following the acquisition. This marks a pivotal moment, as Scopely itself was acquired for $4.9 billion in 2023 by Savvy Games Group, founded by the Saudi government to spearhead investments in esports and gaming. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has committed to investing $38 billion in the video game sector by 2030, wielding nearly a trillion dollars in assets and pursuing a diverse portfolio that spans real estate, artificial intelligence, and entertainment.

However, these investments are not without their controversies, as critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s foray into sports and gaming may serve to redress its international image, particularly regarding ongoing human rights challenges. With this acquisition, the landscape of digital entertainment in Saudi Arabia and beyond is set to evolve substantially in the coming years.