Saudi Arabia’s state-backed gaming investment vehicle, Savvy Games Group, is reportedly moving to acquire Moonton, the gaming subsidiary of ByteDance, in a deal valued at approximately $6 to $7 billion, according to Reuters. The discussions are said to be in advanced stages, with official announcements possible as early as March 2026. This would mark another significant acquisition in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing push to consolidate major gaming assets, following its pending purchase of Electronic Arts for $55 billion.
Moonton’s Market Position and Game Portfolio
Moonton, based in Shanghai, is best known for its flagship title, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a mobile MOBA that has been downloaded over a billion times since its release. In addition to Mobile Legends, the studio has expanded its portfolio with recent releases including the auto battler Magic Chess: Go Go, the RPG Silver and Blood, and the cooperative vertical shooter Acecraft.
Acecraft has drawn attention for its visual design, which draws on classic cartoon aesthetics and resembles elements of Cuphead. The game temporarily went offline for U.S. players in recent months, with Moonton promising in-game compensation once service is restored.
Saudi Arabia’s Broader Gaming Investments
The potential Moonton deal is part of a wider strategy by Savvy Games Group to secure high-performing mobile gaming assets. In 2023, the company acquired Scopely, creator of Monopoly Go!, for $4.9 billion. Two years later, it purchased Niantic, known for Pokémon Go, for $3.5 billion. These moves underscore Saudi Arabia’s focus on mobile gaming and live-service titles as key growth areas in the global industry.
The acquisition of Electronic Arts, still pending regulatory approval, represents the largest component of this strategy, extending Saudi Arabia’s reach into console, PC, and sports gaming. EA’s board and shareholders have approved the $55 billion deal, though unions and U.S. lawmakers have requested regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about foreign ownership of a major American gaming company.
Political and Regulatory Considerations
Reports have highlighted the involvement of Jared Kushner in facilitating the EA deal, with personal financial ties through his Saudi-backed investment group. While this adds a political dimension, regulatory review and due diligence are ongoing. Analysts note that approval of these deals would further increase Saudi Arabia’s influence in global gaming markets, particularly in mobile gaming.
Consolidation Trends in Mobile Gaming
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Moonton and other studios reflects broader industry trends, where major acquisitions are increasingly used to secure intellectual property and market share in an otherwise competitive landscape. Mobile gaming remains a lucrative segment, with high-performing titles providing stable revenue streams and opportunities for live-service monetization. The Moonton deal, if finalized, would reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading investor in mobile games and web3-adjacent entertainment platforms.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who owns Moonton?
Moonton is currently a subsidiary of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
What games does Moonton develop?
Moonton is best known for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and has also released Magic Chess: Go Go, Silver and Blood, and Acecraft.
How much is Moonton reportedly worth?
The potential acquisition by Savvy Games Group is reported to be valued between $6 and $7 billion.
What is Saudi Arabia’s gaming investment strategy?
Saudi Arabia, through Savvy Games Group, has acquired multiple gaming studios, including Scopely and Niantic, focusing on mobile and live-service titles while also moving to acquire large publishers like Electronic Arts.
When could the Moonton deal be finalized?
Reports suggest that the deal could be officially announced as early as March 2026, although regulatory processes may affect the timeline.
Why is the Moonton acquisition significant?
If completed, the acquisition would place Moonton among the largest gaming studio purchases in history and further consolidate Saudi Arabia’s influence in the mobile gaming market.
