Niantic

Niantic creates value by turning real-world mapping, localisation and AR interaction technology into both consumer experiences and enterprise software. On the consumer side, it uses location-based game mechanics to attract large audiences and monetise engagement. On the enterprise side, it packages core infrastructure such as mapping, visual positioning, WebAR and AR SDK capabilities into software platforms and developer tools sold to businesses building immersive applications and campaigns.

Niantic is a US technology company that built its reputation through location-based augmented reality games, most notably Pokémon GO, and later developed a broader spatial computing and AR developer platform business. Its current product set spans consumer gaming and B2B tools including Niantic Spatial Platform, Lightship ARDK, 8th Wall and VPS, which help developers, brands and enterprises build persistent, shared AR experiences tied to real-world environments.

The company makes money through a hybrid model. Historically, consumer revenue has come from free-to-play game monetisation such as in-app purchases, live events and brand partnerships, while its enterprise business monetises through software licensing, APIs, SDK access and commercial partnerships. The announced sale of Niantic’s games business to Scopely is strategically important because it shifts the company narrative from game publisher towards spatial computing infrastructure and developer tooling.