Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Moonton Technology, the developer behind the popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, from ByteDance. The proposed deal is valued between $6 to $7 billion, with the acquisition expected to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Moonton, renowned for its flagship game that has garnered over 1.5 billion installs and boasts 110 million monthly active users, would represent a significant addition to the growing portfolio of the Savvy Games Group. Owned by Saudi Arabia’s state-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), the group has been acquiring substantial stakes in notable gaming companies including Nintendo, Capcom, and Nexon, and had previously proposed a $55 billion buyout of EA.
This strategic move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision of positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading hub in the global gaming industry. However, this ambition continues to be scrutinized by human rights organizations that criticize the regime.
For ByteDance, selling Moonton would represent a significant step back from the online gaming sector, allowing the company to concentrate on its core businesses. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, such acquisitions highlight the shifting landscapes and growing influence of state-backed investments in popular gaming enterprises.

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Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group is negotiating to acquire Moonton Technology, developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, from ByteDance for $6-7 billion. The deal, expected to close by Q1 2026, would add a game with 1.5 billion installs and 110 million monthly active users to Savvy's portfolio. This acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategy to become a major gaming industry hub through state-backed investments, while ByteDance shifts focus away from gaming to its core businesses.

Savvy Games Group in Talks to Acquire Moonton Technology from ByteDance