What in the World

Why did Saudi Arabia capture Pokémon Go?

Mar 14, 2025

In this engaging discussion, BBC tech reporter Tom Gerken reveals Saudi Arabia's strategic $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic, the publisher behind Pokémon Go. He explores the reasons behind the Kingdom's massive investments in gaming, driven by a desire for economic diversification. The conversation highlights the booming gaming scene in Saudi Arabia, fueled by government support and shifting social norms. Additionally, Abdirahim Saaed from BBC Arabic shares insights on the PIF's financial power and implications for data privacy in gaming.

13:11

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Episode guests

Tom Gerken

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Quick takeaways

Saudi Arabia's acquisition of Pokémon Go's gaming division reflects its strategy to diversify the economy away from oil dependence through entertainment investments.

The investment in gaming illustrates the kingdom's commitment to modernization and engaging its youth demographic amid broader social changes.

Deep dives

Saudi Arabia's Investment in Gaming

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made a significant move by acquiring the gaming division behind Pokémon Go for $3.5 billion, reflecting the country's ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil dependence. The PIF, a vast fund with approximately a trillion dollars, has been under the control of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since 2015 and has invested heavily in various sectors, including sports and entertainment. This strategic investment highlights the kingdom's commitment to modernization and economic restructuring, as illustrated by its hosting of high-profile sporting events and its involvement in various gaming acquisitions. These efforts aim not only to bolster the economy but also to create a vibrant entertainment culture for its predominantly young population.

Intro

3min

The Complexities of Saudi Arabia's Pokémon Go Acquisition

6min

The Rise of Gaming and Socio-Political Change in Saudi Arabia

6min

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has agreed to pay $3.5 billion to buy the gaming division of Niantic, the Pokémon Go publisher. It’s the latest in a string of entertainment and gaming investments by the PIF. BBC tech reporter Tom Gerken tells us why the Saudi government is spending billions on gaming and what the Kingdom stands to gain from it.

Plus: BBC Arabic’s Abdirahim Saaed explains where the PIF gets its money and why the gaming scene is so big in Saudi Arabia right now.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

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What in the World

Why did Saudi Arabia capture Pokémon Go?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Saudi Arabia's Investment in Gaming

The Mechanics of the Pokémon Go Deal

Cultural and Social Implications of Investments

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts