Saudi Arabia-owned Scopely continues its mobile investment spree with Umamusame: Pretty Derby director’s new company Studio AuKnow
Scopely, the Saudi Arabia-owned mobile gaming giant, has announced a strategic investment in Studio AuKnow, a newly formed studio led by Takuma Akitsu, the former director of award-winning mobile title Umamusame: Pretty Derby.
The investment is part of Scopely’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in the Japanese gaming market. Studio AuKnow is described as housing experienced mobile game developers, with Akitsu having directed Umamusame: Pretty Derby through its surge in popularity until 2024.
This move signals Scopely’s continued aggressive expansion in the mobile sector. The company’s investment strategy has been particularly active in recent years, highlighted by its 2025 acquisition of Niantic for $3.5 billion—a landmark deal that gave Scopely control of the Pokémon GO developer. The new investment in Studio AuKnow extends this pattern of acquisitions and strategic partnerships designed to bolster Scopely’s portfolio and tap into Japanese market opportunities.
Takuma Akitsu’s track record with Umamusame: Pretty Derby, which has achieved significant commercial and critical success, positions Studio AuKnow as a potentially valuable addition to Scopely’s operations. This investment reflects broader industry trends of major publishers consolidating studios and talent to secure development capacity and market positioning.