It looks like the landscape of mobile gaming will change with Niantic Pokemon Go getting new owners.
Scopely, the powerhouse behind mobile hits like Monopoly Go! and Marvel Strike Force, has reportedly closed a deal to buy out Niantic’s gaming division for $3.5 billion. The huge transaction covers not just Pokémon Go but also other games in its roster, including Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now.
What it means for Pokémon Go players:
The immediate question, of course, is whether this will change gameplay, monetization, or event structures for Pokémon Go fans. According to Scopely, players should expect continued support and future enhancements of the AR mobile game that’s defined the industry since its 2016 release.
Ed Wu, the senior VP of Pokémon Go, reassured fans with the words, “With Scopely’s full commitment, experience, and resources, we’re going to make Pokémon Go the very best it can be.” The company has promised enhancements, better live events, and new ways for players to connect with their friends and community.
Why Did Niantic Sell?
While Pokémon Go remains one of the most lucrative mobile games in the world, Niantic hasn’t had much success with any other projects. The company attempted to replicate the success of Pokémon Go with other AR-driven games, none of which succeeded. To that end, Niantic is pivoting toward geospatial AI under a new umbrella company named Niantic Spatial Inc. and will be helmed by its founder, John Hanke.
“Niantic games have always been a bridge to connect people and inspire exploration,” said Hanke. “I strongly believe this partnership is great for our players, and it secures the bright future of our games for generations to come.
Scopely’s Strategy in Mobile Gaming
Its aggressive expansion into mobile gaming places Scopely among the leaders in the industry. In total, the acquisition gives Scopely the gaming division of Niantic, which counts over 30 million monthly users. On its own, Pokémon Go grossed over $1 billion last year alone, making it among the most lucrative mobile games ever.
“Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of Pokémon Go,” said Tim O’Brien, Scopely board member. “We’re committed to making it an even better experience.”
What’s Next for Pokémon Go?
More live events, in-game collaborations, and feature updates are on the way courtesy of Scopely. This is a company that has enjoyed quite a bit of success in managing franchises on mobile and extending their models for engagement.
No major overhauls have been announced, but the future of Pokémon Go seems secure enough with Scopely at the helm. Fans will be quite interested to see how Scopely manages one of the most iconic mobile games in history as this transition unfolds.
For now, trainers can continue catching, battling, and exploring the world of Pokémon Go – which is now promising more exciting changes likely to come out very soon.
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