Pokémon GO fans need not worry: Niantic assures there will be no drastic changes to the game’s monetization
One of the main people responsible for Pokémon GO assures that the popular video game will not suffer any drastic changes in its monetization system after Niantic’s acquisition by Scopely.
The recent change in ownership of Pokémon GO has many players worried, as they are suspicious of the recent purchase of Niantic by Scopely. This acquisition of the Saudi Arabian company has raised all kinds of doubts and concerns about a very relevant issue of the video game: user data and the monetization system of the popular mobile title. Many fear that the purchase will bring drastic changes to the game, which could range from the inclusion of intrusive ads to the sale of user data to advertising companies. However, one of Pokémon GO’s main leaders has come out to calm the waters, assuring that neither the business model nor the privacy policy will be changed under Scopely’s umbrella, and that the company understands the importance of keeping the basic essence of the title intact.
Niantic responds to rumors: Pokémon GO will not trade or sell user data
The purchase of Niantic’s games division by Scopely, a Saudi Arabian-owned company, has raised concerns among Pokémon GO players. The acquisition, which closed in early March 2025 for $3.5 billion, is one of the largest in the history of the video game industry. With such impressive figures involved, one of the biggest fears among fans of the title was that this acquisition would bring drastic changes to the game, such as the inclusion of intrusive ads or the sale of personal data to third parties. To allay these concerns, Michael Steranka, the game’s senior director, recently assured Polygon in an interview that Pokémon GO will remain true to its principles and that there will be no changes to its business model or privacy policy.
Some of these concerns are not unfounded. Over the years, and since its launch in 2016, Niantic has made controversial decisions regarding the monetization of the game. One of the most criticized changes occurred in 2023, when there was a general price hike along with an increase in the requirements to obtain Remote Raid Passes for free, key elements to participate in PvE fights without the need to physically move around. This change was widely panned by the community and resulted in a significant loss of players, reinforcing the idea that certain changes can have a negative impact on the game experience. This title is free to play and funded by micropayments, but this change was so drastic that the community reaction was mostly negative.
Despite this background, Steranka has insisted that Scopely has no intention of changing the basic formula of Pokémon GO. In his words, the company is aware of the game’s success and it would be a mistake to change what has made it a global phenomenon. He also confirmed that Niantic will retain control over key development decisions despite the Saudi company’s acquisition, so they will still have full control over new content such as new seasons or new Pokémon introduced. He also assured that in-person events, such as the Pokémon GO Fest, will continue to be held, so that the game’s community from different parts of the world can continue to enjoy them.
With these statements, Niantic is trying to reassure its community and reaffirm its commitment to the long-term viability of the game. Only time will tell if Scopely will live up to this promise, or if the acquisition will bring the feared unexpected changes. In the meantime, the company is already working on Pokémon GO’s tenth anniversary celebration in 2026, which promises to be its biggest event yet.
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