A new report has emerged which claims that Niantic, the developer behind hit games like Pokemon Go and Monster Hunter Now, is in talks to sell its gaming business to a company backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
According to a Bloomberg article (which, as ever, cites the old "several people familiar with the discussions" chestnut), a deal between Niantic and the PIF-backed Scopely Inc "could be announced in coming weeks".
Bloomberg reporters Michelle Davis and Cecilia D'Anastasio say that the deal could be worth "about $3.5 billion", and that the agreement between Niantic and Scopely would include Pokemon Go as well as other games developed by the studio.
However, Davis and D'Anastasio also emphasize that "there's no assurance an agreement will be reached", so it's entirely possible Niantic will remain independent.
If the deal does go through, Niantic will become one of many video game pies in which the Saudi PIF has its fingers. Others include Nintendo, of which the PIF is now the largest external shareholder, as well as Capcom and King of Fighters studio SNK.
Additionally, rumors are currently swirling that new Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC is on the way courtesy of Saudi PIF funding sent Ubisoft's...
