Gaming M&A: Saudi Arabia, ByteDance & $6B+ Deals

Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group is nearing a deal to acquire ByteDance’s gaming unit, Moonton, for approximately $6 billion, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations.

The potential acquisition, reported by the Financial Times and Reuters, would see Savvy Games Group, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, take ownership of Shanghai Moonton Technology, the developer behind the highly popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Discussions are at an advanced stage, though the deal is not yet finalized and could still face regulatory hurdles.

ByteDance initially purchased Moonton in 2021 for $4 billion, a move intended to bolster its own gaming portfolio. The potential sale to Savvy Games Group represents a significant return on that investment, with the proposed valuation exceeding ByteDance’s initial outlay by 50 percent, according to Kotaku. The divestment underscores a broader trend of consolidation within the global gaming industry.

Savvy Games Group has emerged as a major player in the gaming sector, backed by Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to become a global hub for esports, and gaming. The group is actively pursuing strategic investments and acquisitions to achieve this goal. This deal, if completed, would further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position in the competitive gaming landscape.

The transaction is particularly notable given the current market conditions and the strategic importance of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a dominant force in the Southeast Asian mobile gaming market. The game boasts a substantial player base and generates significant revenue, making Moonton a valuable asset. Cryptopolitan reported that the deal underscores Riyadh’s ambition to build a global games powerhouse.

ByteDance has not publicly commented on the ongoing negotiations. Savvy Games Group has similarly remained silent regarding the potential acquisition. As of February 16, 2026, the status of regulatory approvals remains unclear.