#What occurs to Pokémon GO if Niantic sells to Scopely? The perfect and worst case eventualities – Destructoid

Niantic is reportedly negotiating the sale of its total gaming division—together with its flagship title, Pokémon GO—to Monopoly GO writer Scopely.

The potential deal was first reported by Bloomberg on Feb. 18, describing it as a transaction that “could possibly be introduced within the coming weeks.” This probably stems from Niantic’s failed makes an attempt to broaden past Pokémon GO, together with its June 2023 layoffs of 230 staff and the cancellation of a Marvel recreation.

In accordance with Statista, Pokémon GO has struggled to take care of its pre-pandemic income ranges, producing an estimated $544 million in 2024—its worst income yr since 2017 and a 6.8% decline from 2023.

Scopely, finest recognized for Monopoly GO, has amassed a number of billion {dollars} in income since its 2023 launch. Nonetheless, not all of its ventures have succeeded—the corporate canceled an unannounced title in Sept. 2024, and its Marvel Strike Pressure playerbase has repeatedly criticized lack of assist and aggressive monetization.

Nothing is ever fully good or dangerous. Based mostly on months of expertise taking part in each Pokémon GO and Monopoly GO, right here’s what I imagine might occur within the best- and worst-case eventualities if the sale goes by means of.

Greatest Case: Pokémon GO stays the identical or will get extra frequent free fewards

For gamers already pleased with Pokémon GO, nothing modifications. However for individuals who really feel the sport might enhance, Scopely might improve free rewards by including extra Raid Passes—perhaps even distant ones, who is aware of?—, Incubators, or PokéCoins as a part of analysis duties and assortment occasions.

Scopely might additionally introduce additional, shorter occasions between world occasions, permitting gamers to earn free objects at any time. That is what occurs with Monopoly GO, the place there’s all the time an energetic occasion providing rewards—a system that would make Pokémon GO really feel extra rewarding, but in addition a bit extra like a chore.

Worst Case: Pokémon GO will get aggressive advertisements, pop-ups, and FOMO-driven monetization

Pokémon GO might change into cluttered with advertisements and sale pop-ups, showing when opening the sport, after catching a Pokémon, or after health club battles, similar to what occurs in Monopoly GO.

Scopely is thought for closely pushing limited-time gross sales, utilizing FOMO techniques to encourage spending. As an alternative of specializing in massive, one-time purchases, Scopely leans into frequent, small-value microtransactions, creating a relentless stress to spend on small benefits slightly than long-term worth.

Whereas the deal could possibly be occurring quickly, there’s no affirmation it’s near being accomplished. Destructoid has reached out to Niantic for remark.