Pokémon Roam Acquired by Monopoly Maker for $3.5 Billion
Pokémon Go will be transferred to the Saudi-backed Monopoly Go developer Scopely as part of a $3.5 billion agreement, the developer Niantic has confirmed.
It was initially disclosed that a deal was in progress last month. As expected, the sale encompasses Niantic’s entire third-party gaming sector, which includes Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom.
“Few games globally have matched the scale and longevity of Pokémon Go, which surpassed 100 million players just last year,” stated Tim O’Brien, Scopely’s chief revenue officer.
“This experience also stands out for its unique ability to promote real-world connections, with Pokémon Go live events drawing millions of participants. After engaging with the Niantic team, it became evident that this organization shares our ambition to create market-leading results and outstanding player experiences. We are excited about a promising future ahead.”
Pokémon Go enthusiasts have expressed significant concerns regarding Scopely’s acquisition of the game prior to today’s announcement, with many highlighting how the publisher has acquired and increasingly monetized various mobile games such as Knockout Strike Force and Star Trek: Rapid Response.
In apparent response to these apprehensions, today’s announcement is accompanied by a lengthy blog entry by Ed Wu, Niantic’s senior vice president of Pokémon Go and a former developer on the title, outlining more about the deal’s implications. Wu specifically emphasized Scopely’s respect for the Pokémon Go community and the game’s development team, both of which will remain intact during the transition and become part of a new entity entirely dedicated to gaming.
“I firmly believe that Pokémon Go will continue to prosper as a part of Scopely, not only into its second decade but for many more years ahead, under the mission of exploring Pokémon in the real world and encouraging individuals to discover together,” Wu wrote.
“Our new partnership, coupled with our decade-long collaboration with The Pokémon Company, ensures we can maintain this long-term focus. Scopely fully supports our mission and ongoing objective to deliver the best possible Pokémon Go experience. Their priority will be to aid our team, providing resources to keep delivering the gameplay you all know and love.
“The same dedicated individuals who have been guiding and enhancing the game for years will continue doing what we are passionate about,” Wu added. “We are continuously evolving the game – Raid Battles, friends, GO Battle League, Routes, Dynamax/Gigantamax, and, of course, Pokémon Go Fest and our live events – which I am eager to keep developing for many years to come.”
The Pokémon Go creator downplays sale’s impact
To date, Pokémon Go has been the product of Niantic, a company renowned for its commitment to creating games that encourage outdoor play and community building, yet it has often felt sidetracked from its core focus on augmented reality.
“Scopely allows their game teams to operate as independent groups to pursue their visionary roadmaps based on what each team feels is best for player satisfaction,” Wu explained. “This approach is very appealing to us at Niantic Games. I’ve spoke with numerous game leaders at Scopely who have instilled great confidence in how the company empowers each game to independently grow and creatively flourish.”
Should Pokémon Go fans be concerned about Scopely’s track record with aggressive monetization? Wu pointed out that he believes “short-term profits” are not worth any long-term risk.
“I believe that Pokémon Go can continue to thrive with Scopely’s steadfast and long-term commitment to game development,” he stated. “Scopely’s status as a private entity also allows us to prioritize what’s best for you, our Trainers, over the long haul. We believe that focusing on short-term benefits at the expense of our long-term goals would be counterproductive and self-sabotaging. Every interaction I’ve had with Scopely leaders has reaffirmed our complete agreement on this matter.