Niantic, the creator of the wildly popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is reportedly negotiating a potential $3.5 billion sale of its video game division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned gaming company. According to Bloomberg, the deal would encompass Pokémon Go, the mobile game that has captivated millions by blending the virtual world of Pokémon with real-world exploration. While a source speaking to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity indicated the deal is not finalized, a confirmation could arrive within weeks if approved. Niantic, Scopely, and its parent company, Savvy Games Group, have declined to comment publicly on the reported acquisition.

Savvy Games Group's acquisition of Scopely in April 2023 for $4.9 billion followed a Saudi Arabian government announcement of its intention to acquire a leading games publisher. Scopely's portfolio includes successful mobile titles such as The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, Stumble Guys, Marvel Strike Force, and Monopoly Go. Further demonstrating its commitment to the gaming industry, Savvy Games Group also purchased ESL and FACEIT, two major esports companies, for a combined $1.5 billion in 2022.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz stated at the time that Savvy Games Group is a key component of a broader strategy to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the gaming and esports sectors by 2030. The goal is to diversify the Saudi economy, foster innovation, and expand entertainment and esports competition within the Kingdom.