Tag Archives: Niantic

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Niantic running its 1st layoffs post selling gaming business that included Pokémon Go & Monster Hunter Now

Niantic, a pioneering game developer best known for its hit game Pokémon Go, has long been synonymous with augmented reality gaming. It earned a reputation for turning ordinary streets into magical gaming landscapes, encouraging players to explore the world around them while hunting for virtual creatures. Its innovative approach to gaming drew millions of players into its virtual worlds, blending physical activity and social engagement.

Niantic began as an internal startup within Google before becoming an independent entity in 2015. With Pokémon Go’s release in 2016, the company skyrocketed to fame, redefining mobile gaming by integrating AR technology into gameplay. The app became a cultural phenomenon, attracting players of all ages. Niantic continued to expand its portfolio with titles like Ingress and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, cementing its position as a leader in the AR gaming industry.

However, even with its success, Niantic faced challenges. In 2023, the company had to downsize significantly due to financial difficulties and unmet internal goals. This included the closure of its Los Angeles studio and layoffs impacting 230 employees. These cuts highlighted the pressures of sustaining its ambitious projects and maintaining profitability in a competitive market.

Fast forward to 2025, Niantic has entered a new chapter with its acquisition by Scopely for $3.5 billion. Scopely, a renowned gaming company under Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, now owns Niantic’s gaming division. This acquisition has led to significant restructuring, including the formation of Niantic Spatial—a new entity focusing on geospatial AI technology.

As part of this transition, Niantic announced that it would lay off 68 employees, effective May 20, 2025. The layoffs, according to CEO John Hanke, are aimed at aligning the company with its new startup-like approach and geospatial AI focus. Hanke assured that these layoffs are not performance-related but are necessary for streamlining operations.

With Scopely’s involvement, there have been concerns among players about potential changes to Niantic’s games, particularly Pokémon Go. However, Niantic has reassured fans that the core experience of its games will remain intact under the new leadership. Despite the challenges, Niantic continues to boast a robust player base, with over 30 million monthly active users across its games.

The acquisition represents a pivotal moment for Niantic, as it shifts from its gaming roots to explore broader applications of geospatial AI. Whether this new direction will yield success and innovation remains to be seen, but Niantic’s journey thus far underscores its resilience and adaptability.

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Pokémon Go & other popular AR games could land in Saudi Arabia Kingdom’s hand

Niantic, the developer behind the global phenomenon Pokémon Go, is reportedly exploring the sale of its gaming division to Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). This potential deal could significantly reshape the mobile gaming industry and raise questions about the future of Niantic’s popular AR games.

The Potential Deal

According to reports from sources of Bloomberg, Niantic is in advanced discussions with Savvy Games Group to sell its gaming business for approximately $3.5 billion. The deal would likely include Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and other titles developed by Niantic. While the terms of the deal remain confidential, sources suggest that an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks.

For Niantic, the sale would allow the company to focus on other ventures, including the development of AR technology for various applications beyond gaming. Niantic has been exploring areas such as geospatial data projects and the creation of a real-world AR metaverse. The sale would provide the company with the resources to pursue these initiatives more aggressively.

Impact on Pokémon Go and Other AR Games

The potential acquisition raises questions about the future of Pokémon Go and other Niantic games. Players are curious about Savvy Games Group’s plans for the acquired titles and whether they will continue to support and develop them. While Pokémon Go remains a major hit for Niantic, its subsequent games have not achieved the same level of success. The acquisition could provide Savvy Games Group with a platform for future growth in the AR gaming space.

The gaming community is closely watching the developments. Many fans of Pokémon Go and other Niantic games are concerned about potential changes under Savvy Games Group, especially regarding monetization and game updates. The community has expressed mixed feelings about the potential sale, with some hoping for continued support and others worried about the impact of the new ownership.

The potential sale of Niantic’s gaming division to Savvy Games Group could mark a new chapter in the company’s story. While the deal is not yet finalized, the fact that discussions are reportedly taking place indicates a potential shift in the gaming industry and the strategies of both companies. The future of Pokémon Go and other AR games remains uncertain, but the acquisition could provide opportunities for growth and innovation in the AR gaming space.