Pokemon Go’s $3.5 Billion Saudi Surprise: Is This Game-Changer?

According to reports, it appears that the creators of Pokemon Go, Niantic Inc., are potentially planning a massive sale for around $3.5 billion to a company based in Saudi Arabia, which is controlled by them.

Over nine years since it first appeared, Pokemon Go continues to dominate the mobile gaming industry, raking in hundreds of millions annually.

Originally operating under Google’s parent company, the San Francisco development studio gained independence in 2015 and has operated independently since then. Now, it appears that the American team at Niantic is on the verge of finalizing a deal with a company backed by Saudi investors, which could result in the sale of its entire gaming division.

Based on Bloomberg’s report, Niantic is discussing a potential sale of its gaming division to Scopely Inc, a company under Savvy Games Group, an affiliate of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. If the deal goes through, it could be worth approximately $3.5 billion, according to one source.

Niantic Inc. is negotiating a deal to transfer ownership of their video game division, which includes Pokémon GO, to Scopely Inc., a corporation based in Saudi Arabia. (Source: @business)

— ScreenTime (@screentime) February 19, 2025

Pokemon Go reportedly close to selling to Saudi Arabia-controlled company

If the agreement is finalized, Savvy Games Group will have full authority over Niantic’s gaming-related operations across all their current projects, not only Pokémon Go.

The developers based in San Francisco also focus on various tasks, such as developing tools for capturing 3D scans of real-world settings. However, this specific agreement is only related to its gaming division, with Pokemon Go being their most prominent game launch so far, and Monster Hunter Now another significant title within the division.

The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is known as one of the largest pools of wealth globally, currently valued at approximately $930 billion USD. About 60% of its investments are directed towards Saudi-related ventures and initiatives, while the remaining 40% is used to acquire controlling interests in foreign companies.

It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no certainty the agreement will be finalized, given the recent disclosure of details to the public. At present, all we know is that a proposed $3.5 billion deal has been put forward, but no formal signing has taken place as of yet.

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It’s worth noting that this move by Niantic isn’t their first in Saudi Arabia. In fact, they had already taken a step towards expanding their operations back in August 2024, when they signed an agreement with Savvy to help them grow in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.

📣 Exciting news! Pokémon GO has finally made its debut in Saudi Arabia! If only the Mewtwo raids could go on a little longer, it would have been even more thrilling!😮 @PokemonGoArabia #CatchEmAll #PokemonGO #Riyadh

— Bhebe Ganda (@bhebe_ganda) November 8, 2024

Pokemon Go officially launched in Saudi Arabia on November 9, 2024.

Bloomberg suggested that a deal might be made public within the next few weeks, so we won’t have to wait much longer – either for good news or an update on its progress.

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2025-02-19 05:18