This year, Niantic, the creator of Pokémon Go, sold its mobile game portfolio to Scopely, the company behind Monopoly Go, for $3.5 billion, sparking mixed reactions among the game’s dedicated community.

For some players, the shift from Niantic’s ownership promises relief from the company’s emphasis on augmented reality features, which many found intrusive. Following the sale, Niantic rebranded as Niantic Spatial, focusing solely on AR technology, while Scopely remains dedicated to gaming.

However, other fans, familiar with Scopely’s titles, worry about increased monetization and the influence of Scopely’s parent company, Savvy Games, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

In his first interviews since the $3.5 billion deal closed this month, Pokémon Go director Michael Steranka spoke with me about the transition and what Scopely’s ownership means for the popular mobile game’s future.

“We moved just a block away, so the change wasn’t drastic,” Steranka says, seated on Pokémon Go-branded deck chairs at the Go Fest 2025 event in Paris last weekend. “It was an overflow office we already used, so it felt familiar.”

“The transition has been remarkably seamless,” he continues. “It’s been business as usual.”

For Pokémon Go, that means a steady stream of in-game events, new Pokémon releases, and live events like Go Fest 2025 and the upcoming Pokémon Go Road Trip 2025, kicking off in the UK this month and concluding in Cologne in August. Steranka notes the game has operated normally through the acquisition, though he cautions it’s still early.

“The deal closed during Osaka Go Fest, and with the team so busy, the timing was deliberately non-disruptive,” he explains. “From my discussions with Scopely, they seem to take a hands-off approach with game teams.”

“Our entire development team transferred, and we still report to Ed Woo, our leader from Niantic, now at Scopely.”

What’s next? For most fans, a reduced focus on AR gameplay is welcome news.

“It’s no secret that many players haven’t embraced some of the AR features added over time,” Steranka admits. “Going forward, any AR additions will only happen if we believe they’ll enhance the fun.”

Unlike Niantic, Scopely is a gaming-focused company, which Steranka calls a “refreshing change” for his team.

“It’s exciting to be at a company fully committed to games,” he says. “At Niantic, we sometimes faced challenges aligning with broader company goals. At Scopely, the focus is on what’s best for the game, which feels like a breath of fresh air.”

Recent updates, like expanded remote-play features and new items such as the Lucky Trinket and the premium Golden Bottle Cap, reflect the team’s pre-planned roadmap, not Scopely’s influence, Steranka clarifies.

“Some players think recent changes stem from the acquisition,” he says. “But these are features we’ve been developing for months. Scopely has been supportive, not directive, about our plans. We have more exciting updates coming later this year.”

Steranka reveals the team has a two-year content plan, though it remains flexible.

After the sale was announced, Steranka addressed fan concerns in a candid interview with TrainerTips, a prominent Pokémon Go YouTuber. Now, with the deal finalized, I asked how he views community sentiment.

“Skeptics will stay cautious,” Steranka says. “Our job is to prove this is a positive move over time. Post-interview with TrainerTips, I’ve seen more optimism, though it’s tempered with healthy skepticism.”

I also asked about the Pokémon Go team’s alignment with Scopely, owned by Savvy Games, and how it fits with the game’s inclusive ethos under Saudi-backed ownership.

“I raised this directly with Walter Driver, Scopely’s co-CEO,” Steranka says. “His perspective resonated. Our team won’t interact directly with Savvy. They let Scopely operate independently. Plus, engaging with diverse groups aligns with our community-driven philosophy.”

“We don’t expect top-down changes from Savvy,” he adds. “Their support means we can invest in areas we’ve long wanted to explore. Unlike a public company facing shareholder pressure, Scopely allows us to prioritize the game’s long-term health.”

Recently, SNK, another Saudi-backed company, featured footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in its game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, tied to his role in Saudi football.

“I saw that,” Steranka says when I mention it.

So, no Ronaldo in Pokémon Go anytime soon? I ask.

“Definitely not,” Steranka replies. “That’s not really our style in Pokémon Go.”