Niantic is laying off 68 employees after selling its game business for $3.5 billion
TechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Niantic is laying off 68 employees after selling its game business for $3.5 billionNiantic is laying off 68 employees after selling its game business for $3.5 billionThe AR company has been cutting jobs to reposition its new-look business as a startup.Chris Kerr, News EditorApril 15, 20251 Min ReadImage via NianticNiantic is laying off 68 employees shortly after selling its video game business to Saudi-owned mobile publisher Scopely for $3.5 billion.The company said the deal would allow it to refocus on the geospatial AI business with the formation of a new company called Niantic Spatial Inc.Niantic CEO John Hanke announced an undisclosed number of layoffs weeks later. He claimed the cuts would enable the company to become more focused by effectively operating as a "startup organization.""After a lot of consideration, it became clear that some roles would not be required given our new focus. This week, we are sharing this news with the individuals whose roles are impacted," said Hanke in March."These decisions are never easy; they in no way reflect the individuals’ performance, and we understand their impact on people’s lives."68 workers will lose their jobs at NianticNow, as detailed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) report published in California, we know that at least 68 people will be losing their jobs at Niantic on May 20, 2025.Those cuts were announced on March 20, 2025—the very same day that Hanke announced layoffs via an internal email (subsequently posted on the Niantic website).Niantic has confirmed Hanke's note relates to the WARN report and said it doesn't have "anything else to add to that statement at this time." Related:Read more about:LayoffsAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like