In a significant shift within the global gaming landscape, Reuters reports that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is in advanced negotiations to sell its gaming studio, Moonton Games (Shanghai Moonton Technology). The potential buyer is Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, which is backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
ByteDance in Talks to Sell Moonton Games: Details of the Deal
According to sources familiar with the matter, the transaction is valued between $6 billion and $7 billion. If finalized, this would mark one of the largest cross-border acquisitions of a Chinese gaming firm to date. The report indicates that both parties have reached an initial agreement on broad terms, and a deal could be sealed as early as this quarter (by the end of March 2026).
A Strategic Retreat for ByteDance
This move signals a major retreat from the core gaming sector for ByteDance. The tech giant originally acquired Moonton Games in 2021 for approximately $4 billion, outbidding rivals like Tencent to establish a foothold in the international gaming market.
However, following a strategic review in 2023, ByteDance decided to restructure its gaming business, Nuverse, to focus more on its primary social media and AI-driven platforms. Despite the high popularity of Moonton’s flagship title, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, ByteDance has chosen to divest as it scales back its competition with established gaming giants.
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Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ambitions
For Savvy Games Group, the acquisition is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to become a global hub for gaming and e-sports. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a massive asset, boasting:
- Over 1.5 billion downloads worldwide.
- More than 110 million monthly active users.
- A dominant presence in the e-sports scene, particularly across Southeast Asia.
By adding Moonton Games to its portfolio—which already includes major investments in companies like Electronic Arts and Scopely—Savvy Games Group continues its aggressive expansion into the $200 billion global gaming industry.
Current Status on Moonton Games
While the report from Reuters highlights that talks are at an advanced stage, ByteDance, Moonton, and Savvy Games Group have not yet officially commented on the deal. As the deadline for the current quarter approaches, the industry is watching closely to see if the TikTok parent will officially hand over the keys to one of the world’s most successful mobile gaming franchises.
