Niantic Cuts 68 Jobs After $3.5B Game Sale Shocker
Apr 16, 2025 9:47 AMIn a significant restructuring move, Niantic has laid off 68 employees after selling its gaming portfolio to Scopely for $3.5 billion. This sale includes beloved titles such as Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and Pikmin Bloom, all of which are now owned by Scopely. The layoffs are targeted at remaining staff as Niantic rebrands itself as Niantic Spatial, positioning itself as a startup focused on AI mapping and digital geospatial technology. Niantic has secured a $250 million investment to innovate and develop new solutions for machine navigation and understanding the physical world.
What changes is Niantic undergoing after the sale of its gaming portfolio?After the sale, Niantic is rebranding as Niantic Spatial and focusing on AI-driven digital mapping solutions while laying off 68 employees in a restructuring effort.
Niantic is best known as the developer behind Pokémon Go, which revolutionized mobile gaming with its Augmented Reality gameplay. The game has maintained a massive player base since its launch in 2016, merging the concepts of gaming and physical exploration. As Niantic pivots towards AI mapping, its transition could reshape how digital experiences interact with the real world, particularly for future technologies like smart glasses and AI-driven navigation systems.
Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
Follow us
Fans
Fans
Fans
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2025-04-16 10:06:08
It’s bittersweet seeing Niantic move on from gaming—Pokémon Go was a cultural reset, but AI mapping could be the next big thing if they nail it. Here’s hoping their new direction doesn’t get lost in the weeds like some of their less successful AR games did.
N3rdo commented on: 2025-04-16 09:54:10
Wow, Niantic shifting from AR gaming to AI mapping feels like a huge pivot—hopefully they can recapture that Pokémon Go magic in a new space. Kinda wild to see them lay off staff right after a multi-billion dollar sale, but I guess that’s the restructuring life for you.
