Pokémon GO fans are voicing concerns over reports that Niantic’s gaming division may be sold to Scopely in a multi-billion-dollar deal. With ongoing frustration over the game’s monetization practices, many players fear that a new owner—especially one with a history of aggressive microtransactions—could make matters worse.
Niantic Reportedly Seeking $3 Billion for Gaming Division
In mid-February, reports surfaced that Niantic was exploring the sale of its gaming division for approximately $3 billion. One of the key players in this potential deal is Scopely, a mobile game publisher owned by Saudi Arabia-based Savvy Games Group.
While no official confirmation of the sale has been made, Pokémon GO players aren’t waiting to express their concerns. Many fear that a Scopely-owned Pokémon GO would introduce even more paywalls and monetization tactics—a sentiment fueled by Scopely’s existing mobile titles such as Marvel Strike Force and Monopoly GO, both of which are known for their reliance on microtransactions.
Pokémon GO Store Flooded With Pay-to-Win Packages
Even before the possibility of a sale, players have been critical of Pokémon GO’s aggressive monetization, with Niantic increasingly pushing expensive in-game purchases. The official Pokémon GO store website is now filled with pay-to-win packages, with some priced over €100.
One recent controversy involves this week’s World Tour event, which has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab. Throughout the event, players were severely limited in earning points, making it nearly impossible to reach rewards without excessive grinding. Now, at the final stage, players are expected to catch over 800 Pokémon, forcing them to play non-stop to complete the event they already paid €21 for.
To make matters worse, Niantic also offered a separate “deluxe” package on the Pokémon GO store for €32, which included the same content as the €21 in-game ticket but with only a few extra items that don’t justify the price increase. Many players have called this move deceptive and exploitative, as it punishes those who initially bought the standard event ticket without knowing a more expensive option would appear later.
The Pokémon Company’s Influence: A Safeguard or Not Enough?
Some fans hope that The Pokémon Company will act as a safeguard against extreme monetization changes, given its role in overseeing Pokémon-related projects. However, others remain doubtful, believing that a $3 billion acquisition would push Scopely to maximize revenue through additional monetization strategies.
For now, the future of Pokémon GO remains uncertain. If the sale does happen, the real challenge will be whether Scopely can recoup its investment without alienating the game’s loyal player base—many of whom have supported Pokémon GO for nearly a decade.
