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Pokémon Go Director Explains Why Fans Shouldn't Worry About Scopely in New Interview

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 05,2025

Following the recent acquisition of Pokémon Go developer Niantic by Scopely, the company behind Monopoly Go, fans have voiced concerns ranging from increased ads to data privacy issues. However, a reassuring interview with Michael Steranka, a product director on Pokémon Go, published on Polygon, aims to alleviate these worries.

In the interview, Steranka praised Scopely, emphasizing that both companies share a common vision. He confidently stated that Scopely is unlikely to introduce intrusive ads into Pokémon Go. This is a significant relief for players who have been apprehensive about the game's future direction.

For players concerned about privacy, Steranka was clear: Niantic will not share or sell player data to third parties. He concluded by reassuring fans that the transition to working under Scopely would have minimal impact on Niantic's team and operations.

Pokémon Go and Niantic UpdateIf it ain't broke... While there might be some concerns about corporate influence, I believe Scopely will likely take a hands-off approach with Pokémon Go. The game has been, and continues to be, highly successful. A more significant business focus for Niantic may be the development of new AR applications through its spin-off team.

Steranka also highlighted the close collaboration between Niantic and The Pokémon Company in decision-making processes for Pokémon Go. This partnership suggests that any actions not aligned with The Pokémon Company's values would be unlikely to occur now or in the future.

If these updates have boosted your confidence in returning to Pokémon Go, don't forget to check out our list of promo codes for the latest free boosts we've compiled.