ByteDance in Talks to Sell Moonton to Saudi Investors for $7 Billion: Major Shift in Global Gaming Industry
In a move that could reshape the global gaming landscape, ByteDance is reportedly in advanced discussions to sell its gaming subsidiary Moonton to investors from Saudi Arabia for approximately $7 billion. The potential deal signals a significant shift in the international gaming market and highlights Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing ambitions in the esports and gaming industry.
ByteDance’s Strategic Shift
ByteDance, best known as the parent company of TikTok, acquired Moonton in 2021 as part of its expansion into the gaming sector. Moonton is the developer behind the globally popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, one of the highest-grossing multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games worldwide.
However, recent reports suggest that ByteDance is reconsidering its gaming investments amid restructuring efforts and changing business priorities. The potential sale of Moonton could mark a strategic pivot, allowing ByteDance to refocus on its core platforms, including social media, AI technologies, and content-driven ecosystems.
Why Moonton Is a Valuable Asset
Moonton has established itself as a powerhouse in mobile esports, especially in Southeast Asia. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang boasts millions of active players globally and hosts major international tournaments with significant prize pools. The game’s success has positioned Moonton as one of the most profitable mobile gaming studios in Asia.
With strong revenue streams from in-game purchases, esports sponsorships, and global tournament rights, Moonton represents a highly attractive acquisition target for investors seeking exposure to the booming gaming industry.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Gaming Ambitions
Saudi Arabia has been aggressively investing in gaming and esports as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil. The Kingdom has already invested billions into global gaming companies and esports ventures through sovereign wealth funds and state-backed entities.
A $7 billion acquisition of Moonton would further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global gaming ecosystem. It would also give the country control over one of the most influential mobile esports titles in the world.
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has hosted major esports tournaments and launched initiatives to attract international gaming publishers and developers. Acquiring Moonton would align perfectly with its ambition to become a global hub for gaming and esports.
What This Means for Mobile Legends and Esports
If the deal goes through, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang could see expanded global investment, potentially leading to larger esports prize pools, improved infrastructure, and broader international reach. Saudi-backed ownership may also open new markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Industry analysts believe that under Saudi ownership, Moonton could experience accelerated expansion, particularly in regions where esports adoption is rapidly growing.
However, regulatory approvals and geopolitical considerations could influence the timeline and final structure of the deal. As of now, neither ByteDance nor Saudi officials have officially confirmed the transaction details.
The Bigger Picture: Global Gaming Consolidation
The reported $7 billion valuation reflects the rising value of mobile gaming studios in the global market. With mobile gaming revenues surpassing console and PC segments in many regions, companies like Moonton have become strategic assets.
This potential sale also highlights a broader trend of consolidation within the gaming industry, where major corporations and sovereign investors are competing to acquire successful studios and intellectual properties.
If finalized, the ByteDance-Moonton deal could become one of the largest gaming acquisitions in recent years, reinforcing the Middle East’s expanding role in the global entertainment and digital economy.