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Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to acquire the gaming division of Niantic, the company behind the popular mobile game Pokémon Go, in a deal worth $3.5 billion.
The acquisition marks the latest step in Saudi Arabia’s push to establish itself as a global gaming and esports hub. This initiative is a key part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategy to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond its dependence on oil revenue.
Pokémon Go, a mobile game that blends augmented reality with real-world exploration, remains one of the highest-grossing mobile games, boasting around 30 million active monthly players.
Critics have raised concerns over the implications of the deal, particularly regarding access to vast amounts of location data from users worldwide. Some experts warn that the acquisition will provide Saudi Arabia with valuable AI-driven mapping technology, enabling the creation of an extensive geospatial model.
Saudi Arabia has previously faced accusations of using major gaming and esports investments as a form of “games-washing”—an attempt to improve its global image despite ongoing criticism of its human rights record.
