The team that makes Pokémon GO has a new name: Scopely Explore. If that sounds like a big deal, here is the reassuring part - the people are the same, the game is the same, and there is nothing you need to do.
In a short note signed simply "the Pokémon GO team," the studio that used to be Niantic's games division confirmed it now operates under the Scopely Explore banner. It is a branding change, not a change of direction.
"We're excited to debut our new look as part of joining Scopely just over one year ago. The Pokémon GO team remains the same, as does our commitment to creating the best gameplay experiences for Trainers everywhere."
- The Pokémon GO team
No new login, no data migration, no lost progress. Same app, same account, same Pokémon in your storage. This is a new name on the door, not a change to the game behind it.
Wait, so who is Scopely?
Rewind about a year. In 2025 Niantic sold off its games business - Pokémon GO very much included - to Scopely, one of the biggest mobile-games companies in the world (you have probably bumped into its hits MONOPOLY GO! or Stumble Guys). The deal was announced in March 2025 and completed at the end of May, valued at $3.5 billion, with Niantic reinvesting a further $350 million. Scopely itself is owned by Savvy Games Group.
Alongside Pokémon GO, the sale swept in Pikmin Bloom, Monster Hunter Now and the community companion apps Campfire and Wayfarer. Niantic kept its separate mapping and AR-technology arm. All the "Scopely Explore" name really does is make that new home official - it is the label for the exact same team, now sitting inside Scopely.
Does this mean Pokémon GO is about to change?
Short answer: not because of this. The team has been openly clear that its focus is growing the game you already play rather than replacing it. Ed Wu, who leads Pokémon GO and is now president of games at Scopely, has said a "Pokémon GO 2" is simply not on the table - splitting the community across two versions would do more harm than good. The plan is to keep evolving the current game.
"With Scopely's full commitment, experience, and resources, we're going to make Pokémon GO the very best it can be."
- Ed Wu, President of Games at Scopely
Perfect timing: 10 years of Pokémon GO
The new name lands in a fitting week. Pokémon GO launched on July 6, 2016, which makes right now its 10-year anniversary - a milestone the team is marking all month with anniversary bonuses, costumed Pokémon and the build-up to GO Fest 2026. As the note puts it, they are looking forward to "continuing to explore the world with you." New name, same decade-long adventure.
Bottom line: your favourite monster-hunting walk simulator is in the exact same hands it was in yesterday - they just introduced themselves with a fresh logo. Keep playing, keep exploring.
Sources: Pokémon GO - Introducing Scopely Explore, Scopely and Savvy Games Group.
