Scopely's recent acquisition of Niantic for a staggering $3.5 billion marks a significant shift in the augmented reality (AR) gaming landscape. This deal brings some of the most iconic AR games under Scopely's wing, including Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.

Pokémon GO, a phenomenon since its launch in 2016, continues to dominate with over 100 million unique players in 2024 alone. Its consistent ranking in the top 10 mobile games year after year underscores its enduring appeal.

Pikmin Bloom, a collaboration with Nintendo that debuted in 2021, has also seen remarkable growth. In 2024, players logged an impressive 3.94 trillion steps, and in-person events in Japan, the U.S., and Germany drew thousands of enthusiasts. This game encourages players to plant virtual flowers as they walk, blending fitness with gaming.

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest offering since its launch in September 2023, has already surpassed 15 million downloads. Alongside the games, Niantic's development teams and companion apps such as Campfire and Wayfarer will transition to Scopely. Campfire facilitates real-world player connections, while Wayfarer helps map new locations for Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players used Campfire for in-person events, and Wayfarer added more than 11.5 million new location points since its inception in 2019.

What Does the Scopely and Niantic Deal Mean for Players?

For players, the immediate impact might be minimal. Scopely's existing portfolio includes successful titles like MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, suggesting that Niantic's games will remain in good hands. Scopely has committed to bolstering the development team with additional resources and introducing new AR experiences, which could enhance the gameplay of Niantic's titles in the future.

Stay tuned for potential exciting updates to these beloved games. In the meantime, don't miss out on Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors, available on the Google Play Store.

Before you go, be sure to catch up on our latest news about KartRider Rush+ launching Season 31, featuring Journey to the West.