Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, has announced the sale of the game to Scopely, a leading mobile game company, for $3.5 billion. Despite the transition, Pokémon GO will continue its service, with Niantic and The Pokémon Company ensuring a smooth handover.

A Message from Ed Wu, Head of Pokémon GO at Niantic

In an official statement titled "Looking Ahead to the Next 10 Years", Ed Wu, the leader of the Pokémon GO team at Niantic, addressed the game’s future under Scopely:

🗣 "Pokémon GO is moving under the umbrella of Scopely, a company known for its strong global teams and leadership in mobile gaming. This transition marks a new chapter in our journey to ensure Pokémon GO thrives for the next decade and beyond."

Why Scopely?

Wu explained why this partnership is a positive step for players and the game’s future:

✅ Scopely values the Pokémon GO community and team

Scopely is committed to preserving the core mission of Pokémon GO: bringing people together to explore the real world with Pokémon.
The long-standing partnership with The Pokémon Company will remain unchanged, ensuring ongoing development and support.
✅ The original development team will continue working on the game

The same passionate developers who built Pokémon GO will remain involved in shaping its future.
Over the years, they have introduced innovative features such as Raid Battles, Friend System, GO Battle League, Routes, Max Pokémon, and global live events like GO Fest.
Scopely will provide the necessary autonomy and resources to further evolve the game.
✅ Integration into a game-focused company

Scopely’s long-term vision will benefit Pokémon GO’s growth.
As a privately-held company, Scopely prioritizes player-focused decisions, ensuring that Pokémon GO remains a top-tier experience.

Niantic & The Pokémon Company’s Partnership Remains Strong

Wu emphasized that Niantic’s bond with The Pokémon Company remains unchanged:

"From fine-tuning Poké Ball mechanics to building a shared vision of real-world Pokémon adventures, our collaboration with The Pokémon Company has been invaluable. Our partnership will continue as we move forward."

Pokémon GO’s Future

"Pokémon GO is a game that constantly evolves. With this transition, we remain dedicated to delivering even better experiences for our players."

Source : ORICON NEWS