Why did Saudi Arabia capture Pokémon Go?

What this episode covers

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: [email protected] 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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How long is this episode of What in the World?

This episode is 13 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 14, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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...

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