Is Pokémon GO Being Sold? Scopely’s Acquisition Details & What It Means for Trainers

In a landmark move that’s reshaping the mobile gaming landscape, Niantic has officially sold Pokémon GO to Scopely. As one of the most successful AR games ever created, Pokémon GO’s future now rests in new hands - prompting concerns and curiosity among millions of Trainers. Will Pokémon GO shut down? What changes will Scopely introduce? In this article, we break down the key details of the Scopely acquisition, clarify rumors, and explore what changes are coming.

Who Owns Pokémon GO Now?

As of March 2025, Niantic has officially sold the development and operational rights of Pokémon GO to Scopely, a global mobile game publisher. The $3.5 billion deal includes several titles from Niantic’s portfolio, marking a significant shift in ownership within the mobile gaming industry.

However, it’s important to note that The Pokémon Company and Nintendo still retain ownership of the Pokémon intellectual property (IP). Pokémon GO will continue to operate in collaboration with both companies to ensure brand consistency and licensing compliance.

What is Scopely and Why Did It Buy Pokémon GO?

Scopely is the world's second-largest mobile video-game developer, renowned for hit titles such as Marvel Strike Force, Stumble Guys, and Monopoly Go!. Scopely is owned by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is aggressively investing in gaming as part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative - a strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil.

The $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic’s games, including Pokémon GO, is seen as a strategic move to dominate the augmented reality (AR) gaming space. Niantic has been a pioneer in AR experiences with titles like Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom, making the acquisition highly valuable for Scopely's future in immersive mobile gaming and the evolving metaverse.

Additionally, according to the latest Pokémon GO statistics, Pokémon GO remains one of the most-played AR games in the world, with over 120 million monthly active users (MAUs). For Scopely, this acquisition not only brings AR expertise but also instant access to a massive and profitable global player base - a compelling asset for long-term revenue growth.

Is Pokémon GO Shutting Down After the Sale?

No. Pokémon GO is not shutting down. Despite rumors sparked by Scopely’s takeover from Niantic, the game remains fully active and continues to receive regular updates.

Much of the concern from Trainers stems from Scopely’s monetization practices in other titles, particularly in Marvel Strike Force (MSF). In that game, Scopely introduced mandatory 30-second video ads for claiming rewards and placed banner ads directly on the gameplay map, sparking backlash from Trainers.

While there is no official data from reputable sources quantifying the percentage of one-star reviews citing intrusive advertising in Marvel Strike Force, player feedback and reviews indicate that some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the game's monetization practices. For instance, a review from HonestGamers describes the game as "unabashedly greedy", noting that players can spend significant amounts of money to acquire and upgrade characters, which may lead to frustration and eventual disengagement from the game.

In response to growing concerns about whether similar monetization changes might come to Pokémon GO, Michael Steranka, the game’s senior product director, addressed the issue directly in a recent interview with Polygon, stating:

Steranka’s strong response has reassured the community that Pokémon GO will not adopt forced ads or disruptive monetization strategies, and that its core gameplay experience will be preserved under Scopely’s leadership.

What Changes in Pokémon GO After the Scopely Acquisition?

As of now, Pokémon GO's core gameplay and mechanics have not been changed, and Scopely has not yet introduced any new paid events or monetization mechanics into the game.

However, many Pokémon GO Trainers on Reddit and social media are speculating about future changes based on Scopely’s history with other titles. In games like Marvel Strike Force and Monopoly GO!, Scopely has implemented frequent in-game purchases, limited-time bundles, and monetized mechanics, prompting concerns that Pokémon GO may become more expensive to play over time.

There’s also growing discussion around potential new gameplay directions, including:

Team-based cooperative content: Scopely is known for its strong emphasis on social and collaborative play, which could lead to new multiplayer features.

Changes in AR priorities: Niantic’s original focus on AR innovation may take a backseat, as Scopely traditionally emphasizes gameplay systems over experimental tech.

Privacy and data collection: Some Trainers have voiced concerns about potential changes in user data policies, especially those who rely on third-party tools like Pokémon GO spoofers.

While none of these changes have been confirmed, the community remains vigilant about how Scopely may shape the game’s direction in the long term.

Pokémon GO Update 2025: Latest News & What to Expect

At the time of writing, Scopely has not released any official statement about specific Pokémon GO updates or gameplay changes for 2025. The game remains under licensing agreements with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, and Ed Wu, a key member of the original development team, has in Pokémon GO official statement confirmed that the core team remains involved in ongoing development.

Still, based on Scopely’s resources and market position, Trainers can expect several potential improvements in the future:

Expanded Live Events: With Scopely’s backing, in-person gatherings like Pokémon GO Fest could grow larger, more frequent, and more globally accessible.

Enhanced Battle Systems: Improved matchmaking, smoother Raid Battle coordination, and upgrades to the GO Battle League may be on the horizon.

Technological Innovation: Scopely may explore new integrations using Niantic’s geolocation infrastructure, potentially creating fresh interactive experiences that retain the spirit of exploration.

Importantly, Scopely has publicly committed to maintaining Pokémon GO’s user experience, explicitly stating that intrusive ads will not be introduced.

Conclusion: What Should Trainers Do Next?

While Scopely has reassured Trainers that it will respect Pokémon GO’s gameplay integrity, some Trainers have already started moving their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME as a precaution.

Looking ahead, it’s essential that Scopely maintains what makes Pokémon GO special: a balance of exploration, community, and fun - without compromising on user experience. If Scopely truly prioritizes Trainers first, long-term success and profitability will follow naturally.

For now, Pokémon GO remains active, stable, and evolving, with its future still closely tied to its community and the collaborative efforts of Scopely, The Pokémon Company, and the original Niantic development team.