Scopely Explore

Scopely Explore is a mobile game developer and publisher specializing in location-based play and real-world augmented reality. Previously known as Niantic Labs and Niantic, the studio creates games that connect digital activities with physical places, outdoor exploration and player gatherings. Its current portfolio includes Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now, supported by ongoing development, seasonal content and live events.

The studio works with established entertainment partners on its games. Pokémon GO was developed and operated in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo; Pikmin Bloom was co-developed with Nintendo; and Monster Hunter Now was co-developed with Capcom. These projects combine mobile game production with geolocation systems, augmented reality and the continuing operation of large player communities.

Alongside its games, the company operates Wayfarer, a crowdsourced platform for curating real-world points of interest, and Campfire, a companion application for player communities and meetups. These tools connect its entertainment portfolio with shared mapping infrastructure and social coordination. Its capabilities span first-party and collaborative game development, live-service support, map curation and community event hosting.

The business began within Google in 2010 and became an independent company in October 2015. Its early work included Ingress, followed by the launch of Pokémon GO in July 2016. Pikmin Bloom followed in 2021 and Monster Hunter Now in 2023, extending its work with location-based mobile entertainment.

In May 2025, Scopely completed its acquisition of the games business. The transaction brought the principal licensed games, their development teams, Campfire and Wayfarer into Scopely while separating the spatial technology business into the independent Niantic Spatial. Ingress and Peridot transferred to that separate company. The continuing games operating entity adopted the public name Scopely Explore in July 2026.

Today, the studio continues developing and operating its mobile portfolio as a dedicated Scopely subsidiary, with teams across the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.