Mobile game publisher Scopely, backed by the Saudi royal investment fund, has made headlines by securing the acquisition of Niantic’s gaming operations, best known for the global phenomenon Pokémon GO, for a staggering $3.5 billion.

This deal awaits regulatory approval, but if finalized, it would mark the largest acquisition since Scopely itself was purchased by Saudi-owned Savvy Games for $4.9 billion back in 2023. Notably, Niantic is also behind other titles like Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom, but Pokémon GO is by far its most successful franchise, boasting around 100 million monthly active users.

“Niantic games have always fostered connection and initiated exploration, and I believe they will continue to do so under Scopely’s leadership,” commented Niantic’s CEO John Hanke.

Translation: Niantic’s CEO John Hanke expressed confidence that the games would maintain their community appeal after the acquisition.

Hanke added, “Scopely shares our commitment to building and maintaining exceptional live services, has vast experience with cherished intellectual properties, and deeply values its player communities and development teams.”

The Saudi investment surge in various sectors, including gaming, is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil. Yet, these investments raise eyebrows due to controversies surrounding the nation’s human rights record, including the severe penalties against homosexuality and the alleged orchestration of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The term “sportswashing” has been repeatedly used to criticize the kingdom’s efforts to enhance its reputation through high-profile sports and entertainment investments—a narrative that could now extend to this gaming acquisition, described informally as “Poké-Washing.”

During a previous interview, bin Salman shrugged off concerns about sportswashing, saying, “If it’s going to increase my GDP by one percent, then I’ll keep doing it. I don’t care.”

As Scopely prepares to integrate Niantic, the kingdom’s gaming portfolio continues to expand, further emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s aim of being a major player in the gaming landscape.