Chinese technology giant ByteDance is reportedly exploring the sale of its gaming subsidiary, Shanghai Moonton Technology, in a move that signals a strategic shift away from the gaming sector. The potential buyer is said to be Savvy Games Group, a major gaming investment firm backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth vehicle.
Moonton is best known as the developer of the globally successful mobile multiplayer game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, one of the most popular MOBA titles on mobile platforms. Since its launch, the game has attracted hundreds of millions of downloads worldwide and built a strong esports ecosystem, particularly in Southeast Asia and emerging markets.
ByteDance’s Strategic Shift Away From Gaming
ByteDance acquired Moonton to strengthen its presence in the global gaming industry. However, in recent years, the company has reportedly reevaluated its business priorities. As competition intensifies in the gaming market and regulatory environments evolve, ByteDance appears to be refocusing on its core strengths, including short-form video platforms, artificial intelligence development, and broader digital services.
Selling Moonton would represent a significant step in streamlining operations and reallocating resources toward higher-growth or strategically aligned sectors. The potential valuation of the deal is estimated to reach several billion dollars, making it one of the most notable transactions in the mobile gaming industry in recent years.
Savvy Games Group’s Global Expansion Strategy
For Savvy Games Group, acquiring Moonton would further strengthen its international gaming portfolio. The company is supported by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, which has been actively investing in gaming and esports as part of the country’s broader economic diversification strategy.
With strong financial backing and a clear ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming and esports, Savvy has been pursuing high-profile acquisitions and partnerships worldwide. Adding Moonton to its portfolio would expand its reach in the mobile gaming segment and strengthen its presence in Asia’s fast-growing esports market.
What This Means for the Global Gaming Industry
If finalized, the sale would highlight shifting dynamics within the global gaming ecosystem. It reflects both the consolidation trend among major gaming companies and the increasing role of Middle Eastern investment in shaping the future of digital entertainment.
For Mobile Legends players and esports communities, the potential ownership change could open new opportunities for global expansion, larger tournament ecosystems, and increased investment in game development.
As discussions continue, the outcome of this deal could reshape the competitive landscape of the mobile gaming market and signal a new phase in cross-border technology and gaming investments.
