Saudi Arabia Reportedly Weighs $7 Billion Acquisition of Mobile Game Developer Moonton
Public Investment Fund-linked gaming arm said to be assessing blockbuster deal as kingdom accelerates push into global esports and mobile titles
Saudi Arabia is reportedly exploring a potential acquisition of mobile game developer Moonton in a transaction that could value the studio at around seven billion dollars, according to industry sources familiar with the discussions.
The move would mark one of the largest gaming investments yet linked to the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund-backed expansion into interactive entertainment.
Moonton, best known for the global hit "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang", has built a substantial international user base, particularly across Southeast Asia and emerging markets.
Sources indicate that preliminary assessments are under way, though no final agreement has been announced.
The reported interest aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to establish itself as a global gaming and esports powerhouse under its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.
Through Savvy Games Group and other investment vehicles, the kingdom has already taken stakes in major international publishers and committed tens of billions of dollars to develop domestic studios, host international tournaments and attract talent.
Mobile gaming, which generates a significant share of global industry revenues, is seen as a critical pillar of that strategy due to its rapid growth and accessibility across markets.
An acquisition of Moonton would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s foothold in competitive multiplayer titles and esports ecosystems, particularly in Asia.
"Mobile Legends" has a strong professional league structure and a broad fan base, factors that align with Riyadh’s ambition to become a central hub for global esports events.
Market analysts note that a transaction of this scale would likely attract regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, especially given the cross-border nature of gaming intellectual property and data considerations.
However, Saudi-backed entities have demonstrated both financial capacity and strategic intent in pursuing transformative deals within the sector.
If completed, the purchase would further cement the kingdom’s position among the most influential investors in global gaming, reinforcing its effort to diversify revenue streams while building soft power through digital entertainment.
The move would mark one of the largest gaming investments yet linked to the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund-backed expansion into interactive entertainment.
Moonton, best known for the global hit "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang", has built a substantial international user base, particularly across Southeast Asia and emerging markets.
Sources indicate that preliminary assessments are under way, though no final agreement has been announced.
The reported interest aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to establish itself as a global gaming and esports powerhouse under its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.
Through Savvy Games Group and other investment vehicles, the kingdom has already taken stakes in major international publishers and committed tens of billions of dollars to develop domestic studios, host international tournaments and attract talent.
Mobile gaming, which generates a significant share of global industry revenues, is seen as a critical pillar of that strategy due to its rapid growth and accessibility across markets.
An acquisition of Moonton would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s foothold in competitive multiplayer titles and esports ecosystems, particularly in Asia.
"Mobile Legends" has a strong professional league structure and a broad fan base, factors that align with Riyadh’s ambition to become a central hub for global esports events.
Market analysts note that a transaction of this scale would likely attract regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, especially given the cross-border nature of gaming intellectual property and data considerations.
However, Saudi-backed entities have demonstrated both financial capacity and strategic intent in pursuing transformative deals within the sector.
If completed, the purchase would further cement the kingdom’s position among the most influential investors in global gaming, reinforcing its effort to diversify revenue streams while building soft power through digital entertainment.
