Pokémon Go maker Niantic now valued at $9bn after latest funding Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Pokémon Go maker Niantic now valued at $9bn after latest funding As Ed Sheeran collaboration begins. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 23 Nov 2021 2 comments Niantic, the company behind Pokémon Go, is now worth $9bn (£6.7bn) following a new $300m investment (thanks Techcrunch). The money will go towards Niantic's previously-detailed company plan at building a "real-world metaverse" via its AR map of the world. Earlier this year, Niantic set down its vision for how we use technology in the future, and how its version of the so-called metaverse is different from those other companies (such as Epic Games and Facebook) are pursuing. Watch on YouTube Simply put, Niantic wants to build a metaverse layer over the real world - so you keep going outside and getting exercise, rather than sitting at home turning into the future humans from WALL-E. That's different to the traditional idea of a metaverse where all human interaction, commerce and entertainment takes place in 3D spaces accessed via a static screen - like some nightmarish labyrinth of Microsoft Teams. Niantic aims to build its metaverse layer using its industry-leading database of physical locations - the points of interest which power PokéStops in Pokémon Go - supplemented by photoscan data of each area. Of course, Niantic still stands to profit from all of this too - as it does already in a limited way via sponsored content and locations in Pokémon Go. This week, Pokémon Go began its first big collaboration with a popstar, as it teamed up with Ed Sheeran to host a video of an exclusive performance, and various other in-game activities. It's a somewhat rudimentary first step, with no AR or location tie-ins, but a timely reminder to the industry of its ability to rope in big names. Last month I sat down with Niantic to discuss Pokémon Go's next five years and the future of AR - as well as what might happen if (or, when) the game finally runs out of Pokémon. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 13 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090: a new level in graphics performance The Digital Foundry video review - and how the new GPU champion delivers for 4K 120fps gaming. Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Feature Evercore Heroes wants to wind people up the right way "There's less rage at them, because they didn't end your fun." Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store