Moonton Moves to Saudi‑Backed Buyer

ByteDance, the Chinese parent of TikTok, has announced the sale of its gaming studio Moonton to a Saudi‑backed company.

• Moonton’s flagship title: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – a mobile game with millions of players worldwide.
• Deal value: Over $6 billion (source: insider reports).
• Announced in: Hong Kong, March 20.

Background

• In February, rumors surfaced that Moonton was negotiating with Savvy Games Group, a global gaming and e‑sports firm owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
• Savvy is expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and new projects, aiming to become a major player in the gaming industry.

Implications

• ByteDance’s strategy: Focus on core social media businesses while divesting certain gaming assets.
• Saudi investment trend: Reflects a broader move to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil through digital entertainment.

What It Means for Fans

With Moonton under Saudi ownership, players of Mobile Legends can expect continued support and potential new releases in the coming years.