PIF’s Savvy game is reportedly in talks to buy ByteDance’s Moonton, the studio behind Mobile Legends, in a move that could reshape Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions.
PIF’s Savvy Games Group, the gaming and esports subsidiary fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is reportedly in discussions to acquire Shanghai Moonton Technology, a major gaming studio owned by TikTok parent company ByteDance.
Also Read: Savvy Games Group Expands Global Reach with New China Investment Push
According to a report, the talks are progressing but may not necessarily result in a final deal and remain subject to negotiation.
The discussions revive ByteDance’s previously paused plan to offload Moonton, the developer behind the global hit Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and the action RPG Crystal of Atlan. ByteDance purchased Moonton in 2021 for nearly $4 billion, but has been reassessing its gaming portfolio over the past year.
Savvy Games Group, founded in 2021, has rapidly expanded its global influence. The company has already made significant investments across the gaming world, including a stake in Nintendo and the $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely in 2023.
This momentum aligns with broader ambitions from Saudi Arabia’s leadership. In September 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled a SAR142 billion ($37.8 billion) strategy to transform the Kingdom into “the ultimate global hub for the games and esports sector by 2030.”
Moonton’s acquisition, if finalised, would mark another major step in PIF’s drive to shape the future of global gaming and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a dominant force in entertainment technology.
Why PIF’s Savvy Game Move Matters for MENA Startups
Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push into gaming creates ripple effects across the wider MENA tech ecosystem. More capital, more talent demand, and more infrastructure investment could open pathways for founders across game development, AI, and immersive technologies.
