Scopely, a leading US-based gaming firm, revealed its strategic investment in Studio AuKnow on July 2.
Studio AuKnow is a Japanese gaming studio established by Takuma Akitsu, renowned for his contributions to Cygames’s blockbuster game Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Takuma served as the content director for Umamusume until 2024, overseeing its planning, development, and live operations. His newly formed studio, launched in October 2025, specializes in game development and cross-media IP creation. The studio employs 30 staff members, including professionals who previously worked on titles such as Final Fantasy Rebirth VII, Pokémon TCG Pocket, and Onmyoji, as reported by 4Gamer.
This partnership with Studio AuKnow marks another move in Scopely’s long-term investment plan in Japan. In 2025, the company purchased Niantic’s gaming division, which included its Tokyo-based development teams responsible for Pokemon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now.
Although the investment details for Studio AuKnow remain undisclosed, Scopely will offer the studio “multifaceted support,” such as enhancing the studio’s technical infrastructure and providing insights for global expansion.
Studio AuKnow has yet to announce any projects, but its job postings suggest that it is working on a new mobile game IP.