This article was published by Expansión on April 21, 2026, and published in Spanish. It was been translated and edited for brevity and clarity.
In July 2016, thousands of people took to the streets to capture Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle or Charmander . It was the Pokémon GO phenomenon , a mobile video game that revolutionized the industry by combining augmented reality and the physical world. In its first year, the title surpassed $1 billion in revenue, marking a turning point in the sector. Consoles ceased to dominate, and smartphones democratized access to video games.
In March 2025, the Los Angeles-based US company, led by Javier Ferreira, co-CEO of the group, acquired Niantic's gaming business. The deal included Niantic's team of exceptional game creators and category-leading games such as Pokémon GO , Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now, among other apps and live experiences.
Currently, the Madrid-born executive leads one of the most important businesses in mobile entertainment , with highly successful titles such as MONOPOLY GO!, which has more than 10 million daily active users and became the fastest game to surpass $6 billion in revenue .
The company, with over 2 billion downloads, has established itself as a global leader. But its success stems from a career shaped by major multinational corporations. Ferreira began his career at Telefónica, then moved to Electronic Arts and the video game division of The Walt Disney Company, where he internalized that "the value of a company lies in what people feel for its brands."
That vision has been key at Scopely , where the executive has driven a model based on licensing and community.
"Video games are now a mass activity, and mobile is the most accessible platform," he states. The company has worked with brands like Hasbro, WWE and Marvel, focusing not only on intellectual properties but also on building strong fandoms. "We seek lasting relationships with universes that connect emotionally with millions of people," he explains.
Leadership is also part of his formula. "I always underestimate myself because I'm constantly striving to improve," he acknowledges. His approach focuses on creating high-performance environments: autonomy, tolerance for mistakes and competitive compensation are key to attracting talent in a highly competitive industry.
However, this model demands personal balance. "This business is pure adrenaline. If you don't control your emotions, they can dominate your life," admits Ferreira, who has evolved toward a more conscious management of work and personal life.
Their vision of video games transcends the professional realm and champions their cultural dimension. From Barcelona and Seville, where Scopely employs over 1,000 people, the group seeks to consolidate its global position in a rapidly expanding sector.