Savvy Games Group has agreed to acquire MOONTON from ByteDance in a deal valued at more than $6 billion as per multiple reports,
The transaction places control of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang—one of the world’s most established mobile esports titles—under Savvy, as the Saudi-backed firm continues to expand its footprint in the global gaming industry. The deal, once finalized, will be one of the biggest gaming acquisitions in recent years.
A strategic push into mobile and esports
Savvy framed the acquisition as a long-term investment in mobile gaming and competitive ecosystems.
“Our acquisition of MOONTON further strengthens our leadership in mobile games and enhances our reach across esports,” said Savvy CEO Brian Ward in a statement.
Ward added that the deal supports the company’s broader goal of driving “growth and innovation in games and esports,” aligning with its aggressive expansion strategy backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The move gives Savvy immediate access to a mature esports ecosystem which continues to anchor MLBB’s dominance in the world stage. Savvy has previously made significant investments to Electronic Arts, Take Two Interactive, Scopely, and ESL FACEIT Group.
MOONTON to remain business as usual
Despite the ownership change, MOONTON will continue operating under its current structure.
The Shanghai-based studio will retain its leadership, with CEO Zhang Yunfan remaining in charge. In an internal memo, Zhang confirmed that the company’s management setup will stay intact following the acquisition.
The continuity signals a hands-off approach from Savvy, focusing on scaling MOONTON’s existing operations.
Why MOONTON remains a key asset
MOONTON’s value lies in the sustained success of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which continues to deliver strong engagement across multiple regions.
The title’s structured esports pipeline has become one of the most stable ecosystems in mobile esports. This spans from professional leagues to the grassroots and community scenes.
This includes flagship events and leagues that consistently draw high viewership.
ByteDance pivots away from gaming
For ByteDance, the sale reflects a broader shift in priorities.
After acquiring MOONTON in 2021 for around $4 billion, the company has gradually reduced its exposure to gaming. The divestment allows ByteDance to focus more heavily on artificial intelligence, including investments in chips and large-scale AI models.
The move comes amid intensifying competition in China’s tech sector, where AI development has become a key battleground.
What’s next
The deal is expected to close in the near term, pending final approvals.
As Savvy integrates MOONTON into its portfolio, attention will shift to how it leverages one of mobile gaming’s biggest titles to scale its global esports ambitions.
With new ownership and fresh capital behind it, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang enters its next phase with significantly higher stakes on the global stage.