ByteDance’s gaming unit Moonton said likely to be sold this quarter for over $6 billion · TechNode

ByteDance is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group to sell its gaming subsidiary Moonton Technology for a staggering $6-7 billion, according to a Reuters report. The potential deal marks a major shift in ByteDance’s gaming strategy and could reshape the mobile gaming landscape. Moonton, the developer behind the wildly popular mobile title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, was acquired by ByteDance in 2021 for an estimated $4 billion as part of its ambitious push into the global gaming market.

If finalized, this transaction would represent ByteDance’s exit from large-scale in-house mid- and hardcore game development, signaling a strategic pivot away from direct competition in the gaming industry. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that both parties are moving swiftly, with the possibility of reaching a definitive agreement as early as this quarter. However, discussions remain ongoing, and terms could still change before a final deal is struck.

The potential sale comes at a time when ByteDance has been reevaluating its gaming investments. While Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has been a massive success, generating billions in revenue and boasting a global player base, ByteDance has faced challenges in scaling its gaming ambitions. The company has struggled to replicate the success of Moonton’s flagship title with other in-house projects, leading to speculation about its long-term commitment to the gaming sector.

For Savvy Games Group, the acquisition of Moonton would be a significant coup. The Saudi-backed gaming conglomerate has been aggressively expanding its portfolio, aiming to position itself as a major player in the global gaming industry. Moonton’s expertise in mobile gaming, coupled with its proven track record of success, would provide Savvy Games with a valuable asset as it seeks to diversify its holdings and strengthen its competitive edge.

The deal also highlights the growing influence of Middle Eastern investors in the global gaming market. Savvy Games Group, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has been on a buying spree in recent years, acquiring stakes in major gaming companies and studios. The potential acquisition of Moonton underscores the region’s ambition to become a hub for gaming innovation and development.

For ByteDance, the sale of Moonton could free up resources to focus on its core strengths, such as short-form video and social media platforms like TikTok. The company has been under increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide, and divesting from gaming could help streamline its operations and mitigate potential risks.

The gaming industry has been abuzz with speculation about the implications of this deal. If completed, it would rank among the largest acquisitions in the mobile gaming sector, underscoring the immense value of successful mobile titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which has been downloaded over a billion times globally, has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it dominates the mobile gaming market.

The potential sale also raises questions about the future of Moonton’s operations and its relationship with ByteDance. While ByteDance has provided significant resources and support to Moonton since its acquisition, the studio has maintained a degree of independence, allowing it to focus on its core strengths. It remains to be seen how Savvy Games Group would integrate Moonton into its broader strategy and whether it would allow the studio to continue operating autonomously.

As negotiations continue, industry analysts are closely watching for any developments. The deal, if finalized, could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry, influencing trends in mobile gaming, investment strategies, and the competitive landscape. For now, all eyes are on ByteDance and Savvy Games Group as they work toward what could be one of the most significant transactions in gaming history.

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