Technology & Internet • Video Games

Niantic

Niantic is an American technology and video game company originally founded as Niantic Labs inside Google in 2010.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Niantic is an American technology and video game company originally founded as Niantic Labs inside Google in 2010. It became independent in 2015 and became widely known for augmented reality mobile games such as Ingress and Pokémon Go. In 2025, Niantic’s games business was acquired by Scopely, while its non-game operations were spun off as Niantic Spatial.

Overview

Niantic was a San Francisco-based American software and game developer focused on augmented reality and location-based gameplay. It was formed in 2010 inside Google and later became an independent company in 2015.

Games

Niantic became best known for Ingress and Pokémon Go, and it also released other AR mobile titles including Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Pikmin Bloom. Several sources also list NBA All-World, Marvel World of Heroes, and Peridot among its projects or titles.

Ownership changes

Niantic operated independently after spinning out from Alphabet in 2015. In 2025, Scopely acquired the games business, while Niantic’s geospatial technology operations were spun off as Niantic Spatial.

Layoffs

Niantic carried out layoffs in 2023, including a reported reduction of more than 100 employees in Los Angeles after the closure of a studio. This was part of wider restructuring before the 2025 sale of its games business.

Key facts

Niantic began as an internal startup at Google before becoming an independent company in 2015.
The company developed augmented reality mobile games, including Ingress and Pokémon Go.
Niantic also developed or published games such as Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Pikmin Bloom, NBA All-World, and Peridot.
In 2025, Scopely acquired Niantic’s games business, and the remaining non-game business was separated as Niantic Spatial.
Niantic is associated with location-based, real-world augmented reality experiences.

🍁

Canadian context

Niantic’s games, especially Pokémon Go, have been widely used by Canadian players and are part of the global mobile gaming market familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Niantic?

Niantic is an American augmented-reality and video game company best known for location-based mobile games such as Pokémon Go and Ingress.

Who owns Niantic?

Niantic’s games business was acquired by Scopely in 2025, while its non-game operations were separated into Niantic Spatial.

What is the Niantic games list?

Commonly listed Niantic titles include Ingress, Pokémon Go, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Pikmin Bloom, NBA All-World, Marvel World of Heroes, and Peridot.

What is Niantic and Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go is Niantic’s best-known game and one of the most successful augmented-reality mobile games, using real-world location-based play.

Did Niantic have layoffs?

Yes. In 2023, Niantic laid off more than 100 workers in Los Angeles after announcing a studio closure.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niantic,_Inc.
Supports: Founding, headquarters, game titles, and 2025 acquisition/spin-off details.
Contrary Research — https://research.contrary.com/company/niantic
Supports: Founding story, internal Google startup origin, and products including AR games.
Wikipedia (Dutch) — https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niantic_(bedrijf)
Supports: 2025 sale of games business to Scopely and refocus as geospatial AI company.
Wantedly — https://www.wantedly.com/companies/nianticlabs/about
Supports: Company description and list of current or notable titles.
GlobalData — https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/niantic-inc/
Supports: Headquarters, business description, and AR gaming focus.
TrueUp — https://trueup.io/co/niantic
Supports: Layoff reporting in 2023.