Mobile game maker Scopely, owned by a Saudi royal fund, has purchased Niantic Labs' game business, including the massive hit Pokémon Go, for $3.5 billion. After struggling to replicate the success of Pokémon Go since its 2016 launch, Niantic's CEO, John Hanke, expressed confidence that this partnership would provide the crucial support and investment needed for their games. This acquisition continues Saudi Arabia's trend of significant investments in the gaming industry, raising concerns over human rights violations amid reports linked to political controversies.
"Niantic games have always been a bridge to connect people and inspire exploration, and I am confident they will continue to do both as part of Scopely," said Niantic CEO John Hanke.
"This partnership is great for our players and is the best way to ensure that our games have the long-term support and investment needed to be 'forever games' that will endure for future generations," remarked Hanke.
The Pokémon Go deal, previously reported by Bloomberg, is part of a number of big investments Saudi Arabia has made into the gaming world.
Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism over its human rights record, including the reported killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi back in 2018.
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