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

Scopely's acquisition of Niantic for a staggering $3.5 billion brings some of the biggest names in augmented reality 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, continues to dominate, 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 joins Scopely. Its popularity surged in 2024, with players logging an incredible 3.94 trillion steps and thousands attending in-person events globally.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's newest title, launched in September 2023 and has already surpassed 15 million downloads. The acquisition also includes Niantic's development teams and companion apps, Campfire and Wayfarer. Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, while Wayfarer allows players to contribute new locations, adding over 11.5 million since its 2019 launch. In 2024 alone, over six million players utilized Campfire for in-person event check-ins.

What Does This Mean for Players?

For players, the immediate impact is minimal. Scopely's existing portfolio, including MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, demonstrates a strong track record. Scopely promises increased resources for Niantic's development teams and the potential integration of new AR experiences into existing games.

Don't forget to check out Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors on the Google Play Store! And for more gaming news, read about KartRider Rush+'s Season 31: Journey to the West.