Savvy Games Group has agreed to acquire Moonton, the studio behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, from ByteDance for £4.5 billion ($6 billion). The deal announced this week marks the latest move by the Saudi-backed firm to build a global gaming empire while the TikTok owner focuses on artificial intelligence.
The transaction, expected to close in the coming months, values the Shanghai-based developer higher than ByteDance's original purchase. Moonton's management team, led by chief executive Zhang Yunfan, will stay in place, with employees offered incentive programmes to support a smooth transition.
Savvy Games Group's Ambitious Expansion
The Riyadh-based Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy as part of the kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil. Previous deals include the purchase of Scopely, the studio behind Monopoly Go, and a major investment in Niantic, creator of Pokémon Go.
The addition of Moonton strengthens Savvy's mobile gaming division and enhances its esports capabilities, potentially supporting plans for a dedicated gaming district in Qiddiya City near Riyadh. This move positions the firm as a significant player in an industry where mobile titles dominate spending worldwide. Industry observers suggest it could help Moonton titles reach new audiences in the Middle East and beyond, while leveraging Savvy's resources for further development.
Savvy chief executive Brian Ward said the acquisition would 'further strengthen our leadership in mobile games, deepen our talent pool, expand our global footprint, and enhance our reach across esports'.
What the Deal Means for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has been a standout success since its 2016 launch, amassing more than 1.5 billion downloads and attracting over 110 million monthly active users, with particular strength in Southeast Asia. The free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena game has grown into a cultural staple, complete with professional esports leagues and regular content updates that keep players engaged year round.
Under Savvy ownership, the game is expected to continue much as before in the short term, with no immediate changes to gameplay or community features. Zhang Yunfan told staff the transaction would be finalised soon and that management would remain unchanged.
💰 Savvy Group to Buy Mobile Legends Studio for $6B+
— Yalgamers (@yalgamers_gg) March 20, 2026
Saudi-owned Savvy Games has signed a deal to acquire Moonton (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang) from ByteDance for over $6 billion, pending regulatory approval.
Mobile Legends has:
• 110M monthly active users
• 1.5B+ downloads… pic.twitter.com/EpRLqDOO69
As noted on X by the Yalgamers account, the title's huge player base makes it ripe for continued growth. The partnership is likely to boost investment in updates, new heroes, events and international tournaments, ensuring the game's popularity endures for years to come.
ByteDance's Strategic Pivot
For ByteDance, the sale forms part of a broader retreat from gaming. The company has sold several other units in recent years as it doubles down on artificial intelligence development, including proprietary chips and language models. The profit from Moonton provides additional capital for its AI ambitions in a competitive market.
The deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the video games sector, where major players seek scale and intellectual property. It also highlights the rising influence of sovereign wealth funds in entertainment and technology investments around the world.
With regulatory approvals pending, the acquisition is set to reshape the future of one of mobile gaming's biggest hits. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang remains a key title in the industry, and its new backers are poised to drive the next phase of its evolution while maintaining its core appeal to millions of fans.
