Saudi PIF secures Pokémon Go in $3.5bn acquisition

GHADA.ISMAIL
Mar 13, 2025

Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to acquire Niantic's gaming division for $3.5 billion, through its subsidiary Scopely.

According to Scopely’s announcement, the deal includes Pokémon Go, the hit augmented reality game that still boasts 30 million monthly players nearly a decade after its launch.

The acquisition is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing push to expand its gaming industry, where it has already invested billions. Niantic's other games, such as Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom, are also included, along with the teams behind them. These assets will become part of Scopely Inc, a major mobile gaming company that PIF subsidiary Savvy Games Group acquired for $4.9 billion in 2023.

Scopely is known for its success with Monopoly Go, which has surpassed 50 million downloads and generated over $3 billion in revenue.

Pokémon itself remains jointly owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, with Niantic licensed to develop Pokémon Go.

Ed Wu, head of the Pokémon Go team at Niantic, described the sale as "a positive step" for the game's future. He said: "Pokémon Go is more than just a game to me, it's my life's work," he said. "I hope we can make the experience even better."

Saudi Arabia's influence in gaming continues to grow. The PIF has built significant stakes in major publishers like Nintendo, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive. The kingdom has also made its mark in eSports, hosting major tournaments including the eSports World Cup, which featured a $60 million prize pool. 


Share

Related News

Derayah Financial backs Alpaca’s $52mn Series C
News
Calendar Icon
April 27, 2025
Derayah Financial backs Alpaca’s $52mn Series C
readmore
Pemo launches in Saudi Arabia, offers smart expense management
News
Calendar Icon
April 23, 2025
Pemo launches in Saudi Arabia, offers smart expense management
readmore
40 Indian firms open regional offices in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
April 22, 2025
40 Indian firms open regional offices in Saudi Arabia
readmore
Savills wins construction management contract for Lenovo’s facility in Riyadh
News
Calendar Icon
April 22, 2025
Savills wins construction management contract for Lenovo’s facility in Riyadh
readmore
ZainTECH obtains commercial license in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
April 17, 2025
ZainTECH obtains commercial license in Saudi Arabia
readmore
ViAct collects $7.3mn to expand in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
April 16, 2025
ViAct collects $7.3mn to expand in Saudi Arabia
readmore
Sika Group unveils strategic expansions in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
April 15, 2025
Sika Group unveils strategic expansions in Saudi Arabia
readmore
Jordan Canning eyes expanding into Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
April 14, 2025
Jordan Canning eyes expanding into Saudi Arabia
readmore
UAE’s Quiqup launches operations in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
April 14, 2025
UAE’s Quiqup launches operations in Saudi Arabia
readmore
Saudi Batterjee Holding plans $200mn investment in Egypt
News
Calendar Icon
April 13, 2025
Saudi Batterjee Holding plans $200mn investment in Egypt
readmore