Pokémon Go's New Ownership: Director Reassures Fans Amid Changes

In a recent interview, Michael Steranka, director of Pokémon Go, addressed concerns regarding the game's transition to new ownership under Scopely following its acquisition from Niantic for $3.5 billion. The acquisition, finalized in June 2025, has raised questions among the game's community about potential changes in gameplay and monetization strategies, especially considering Scopely's ties to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Steranka emphasized that the shift in ownership has not disrupted the game's operations. 'We physically moved basically one block over, so it wasn't too much of a change,' he noted during the Pokémon Go Fest 2025 live event in Paris. He added, 'I would say the most remarkable thing about this transition so far is how uninterrupted it's been. It's very much been business as usual.'

Following the acquisition, players are eager to see how Scopely's focus on gaming will impact Pokémon Go. Many fans hope for a reduction in the augmented reality (AR) features that have previously dominated the game's design. Steranka acknowledged this sentiment, stating, 'The key thing that's maybe a little bit less of a priority is the augmented reality focus. If we add any AR functionality to Pokémon Go, it'll be because we as a team really believe it's going to be a fun and exciting thing to add.'

The transition to Scopely, a company solely dedicated to gaming, is viewed as a positive shift by some members of the Pokémon Go team. Steranka described it as a 'breath of fresh air,' noting that Scopely's philosophy is to support the game developers rather than impose changes from above. This hands-off approach is expected to allow the Pokémon Go team to continue implementing features planned well in advance, including the upcoming introduction of new items and events.

Despite these reassurances, skepticism remains among fans. Steranka noted that while some players express optimism, others are wary. 'I think people who are skeptical will remain skeptical,' he said. 'The biggest thing that we can do is just prove over time that this actually is a great direction for the game to go.'

The acquisition's implications extend beyond gameplay mechanics. Players have raised concerns about the influence of Scopely's parent company, Savvy Games, particularly regarding its Saudi backing. Steranka addressed this issue directly, emphasizing that the Pokémon Go team will primarily interact with Scopely and not directly with Savvy Games. He argued that engaging with diverse backgrounds is essential for fostering change, stating, 'If there's any change that you'd like to make in the world, you can't really make any changes by not engaging.'

While the transition is still in its early stages, the Pokémon Go team remains committed to delivering a game that prioritizes community engagement and enjoyment. Steranka's confidence in the new ownership structure reflects a desire to maintain the game's integrity while exploring new horizons under Scopely's guidance.

In conclusion, as Pokémon Go embarks on this new chapter, the team is poised to prove that change can lead to positive outcomes for its dedicated player base. The future holds potential for innovation while staying true to the game's core values of community and exploration.