In a significant move within the gaming industry, Niantic, the company renowned for developing the augmented reality (AR) game Pokémon Go, is reportedly in advanced negotiations for a deal worth approximately $3.5 billion to offload its games division. This will include the sale of their flagship title, Pokémon Go, which has been a cultural phenomenon since its launch in 2016. Industry insiders suggest that the potential buyer may be Scopely, a mobile gaming company known for its engaging titles and acquisitions in the sector. The deal reflects Niantic’s shift in focus towards new projects, particularly in the field of augmented reality technology and beyond. A spokesperson for Niantic stated, ‘We are excited about potential partnerships that will allow us to explore innovative avenues in gaming.’ Additionally, the move follows other industry trends where gaming companies are consolidating their assets to hone in on more lucrative areas of development. The pertinence of this buyout is particularly amplified by HP’s interest in integrating AI technologies into the gaming world, as they recently purchased the capabilities of a company that specializes in AI-driven gameplay experiences, which they branded as ‘Dead AI Pin.’ This acquisition symbolizes a rising trend where non-gaming companies are immersing themselves in the interactive entertainment space, significantly altering the landscape of gaming.
Niantic Approaches $3.5 Billion Deal to Sell Games Unit, Including Pokémon Go
