Reports indicate that Niantic, the creator of the augmented reality phenomenon Pokémon GO, is negotiating a potential sale of its gaming division to Scopely.  This US-based entertainment company is owned by the Saudi Arabia state-controlled Savvy Games Group. The deal, estimated to be worth upwards of $3 billion, would see the ownership of Pokémon GO transfer to Scopely.

Pokémon GO initially launched in 2016 and quickly became a global sensation, propelling Niantic to prominence.  The game's success allowed Niantic to explore AR adaptations of other popular franchises, such as Pikmin and Monster Hunter.  However, Pokémon GO has experienced declining revenue in recent years, prompting Niantic to consider a potential sale.

Scopely, acquired by Savvy Games Group in 2023 after the success of Monopoly Go!, has emerged as a potential buyer.  According to Bloomberg, the negotiations are ongoing, with a possible public announcement expected in the coming weeks.  However, the report cautions that the deal is not yet finalized and could still fall through.

If the acquisition proceeds, Pokémon GO would fall under the umbrella of Savvy Games Group, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This potential acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy of diversifying its investments and expanding its presence in the gaming industry.

Saudi Arabia's interest in gaming has been evident through its significant investments in major gaming companies like Nintendo, Activision, and Capcom.  The country is also slated to host the inaugural Olympic eSports Games in 2025.  The potential acquisition of Pokémon GO would further solidify Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a major player in the global gaming landscape.

While these negotiations unfold, Niantic continues to develop new content for its other titles, including Monster Hunter Now.  A new monster is set to be introduced to the game coinciding with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in February 2025.