Scopely to Acquire ‘Pokémon Go’ Maker Niantic’s Games Division for $3.5 Billion

variety.com:

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Mobile gaming giant Scopely is set to acquire the games division of Niantic, the software developer behind “Pokémon Go,” “Pikmin Bloom” and “Monster Hunter Now,” in a deal valued at $3.5 billion.

Under the terms of the sale, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Niantic’s game teams will continue to be overseen by studio leaders Kei Kawai and Ed Wu as they join a workforce of more than 2,300 Scopely employees.

With this transaction, Scopely, whose most notable titles include “Monopoly Go!,” “Stumble Guys,” “Star Trek Fleet Command” and “Marvel Strike Force,” will now acquire Scopely’s full portfolio of games “Pokémon Go,” “Pikmin Bloom,” “Monster Hunter Now,” as well as apps Campfire and Wayfarer.

Following the acquisition of Niantic’s games team by Scopely, Niantic will spin off its technology platform into a new standalone entity, Niantic Spatial Inc, which will be led by Niantic founder and CEO John Hanke.