Savvy Games Group Nears Multi-Billion Dollar Acquisition of Moonton

The Potential $7 Billion Deal

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is reportedly in the final stages of a massive transaction involving its gaming division. Recent reports indicate that Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group is positioned to acquire Moonton for a sum estimated between $6 billion and $7 billion. This move marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape, as ByteDance prepares to make one hell of a transaction to divest its major gaming assets.

The Significance of Moonton and Mobile Legends

Based in Shanghai, Moonton is the developer behind the globally successful title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. This free-to-play MOBA has been active for nearly a decade and has achieved remarkable milestones, including approximately 110 million monthly active users and 1.5 billion unique installations. It is currently recognized as the number one mobile esports game by viewership, serving as the foundation for an ecosystem that attracts tens of millions of viewers annually.

ByteDance’s Strategic Retreat

The proposed sale signals ByteDance’s major retreat from the gaming industry. ByteDance originally acquired Moonton in 2021 for approximately $4 billion. By selling the unit now for a potential $7 billion, the company is looking to exit the space despite the high earnings and massive player base associated with the Mobile Legends label.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence in Gaming

The acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing strategy to deepen its involvement in the gaming and esports sectors. As mobile esports continues to experience rapid growth, Savvy Games Group’s interest in securing one of the world's most popular mobile titles highlights the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a dominant force in the global gaming market.