A Saudi Arabia-backed company buys Pokemon Go

The creator of Pokemon GO, Niantic, is selling its gaming division to Scopely, a company backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), for $3.5 billion.

The deal includes mobile games like Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now and player engagement apps like Campfire and Wayfarer.

Pokemon GO legacy
Launched in 2016, Pokemon Go was one of the first augmented reality (AR) games. It became an instant hit, allowing players to use their phone camera to capture virtual creatures.

The game remains a top-grossing mobile title with 30 million monthly players from 190+ countries. It has generated over $8 billion in revenue, including $1 billion in 2023 alone.

Saudi’s gaming moves
Scopley’s purchase aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push into the gaming industry. PIF already holds stakes in companies like Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive.

Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the kingdom has made big moves in gaming; it hosted major tournaments and is planning the 2027 Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF controls 40% of the global esports market. 

However, its investments continue to face criticism due to the country’s human rights record, including alleged involvement in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.