Scopely's $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic brings some of the biggest names in augmented reality (AR) gaming under one roof. This means Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now are now part of the Scopely family.
Pokémon GO, despite its longevity (nearly a decade!), continues to attract massive numbers, boasting over 100 million unique players in 2024 alone and consistently ranking among the top 10 mobile games since its 2016 launch.
Pikmin Bloom, a 2021 collaboration with Nintendo, also falls under Scopely's wing. This game, which encourages walking and virtual flower planting, experienced a significant surge in popularity in 2024, with players logging a staggering 3.94 trillion steps and thousands attending in-person events globally.
Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's newest title, launched in September 2023 and has already surpassed 15 million downloads. The acquisition also includes Niantic's development teams and companion apps, Campfire and Wayfarer.
Campfire facilitates real-world gameplay connections, while Wayfarer allows players to contribute new locations for Niantic games. In 2024, over six million players used Campfire for in-person events, and Wayfarer added over 11.5 million new location points since its 2019 debut.
What Does This Mean for Players?
For players, the immediate impact is minimal. Scopely boasts a strong portfolio, including MONOPOLY GO!, Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, and MARVEL Strike Force, suggesting continued success for Niantic's games. Scopely promises increased resources for Niantic's development teams and the potential integration of new AR experiences.
Check out Pokémon GO's Festival of Colors on the Google Play Store!
Also, be sure to read our news on KartRider Rush+ Season 31: Journey to the West.
