ByteDance in Advanced Talks to Sell MOONTON to Savvy — Reuters
ByteDance is in advanced discussions to sell Shanghai Moonton Technology, the developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, to Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group in a deal valued between $6 billion and $7 billion, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter.
Two sources told Reuters that key terms have been broadly agreed upon, and the transaction could be finalized as early as this quarter. The companies have not publicly confirmed the deal.
Sale signals ByteDance’s exit
The potential sale would mark a significant shift for ByteDance, which previously expanded into gaming through its Nuverse division.
ByteDance acquired Shanghai Moonton Technology in 2021 in a deal that reportedly valued the studio at around $4 billion. The acquisition formed part of ByteDance’s broader strategy to build an international gaming business.
In 2023, ByteDance announced it would restructure its gaming operations following a strategic review. The reported divestment of Moonton would represent a major step in that restructuring effort.
Savvy Games continues global gaming expansion
Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been actively investing in the global gaming and esports industry.
In 2023, Savvy acquired Scopely for $4.9 billion. Scopely later acquired the game division of Niantic, known for Pokémon GO, in a separate transaction valued at $3.5 billion.
If completed, the Moonton acquisition would further expand Savvy’s portfolio in mobile gaming and esports.
Mobile Legends remains a global esports title
Founded in 2014, Moonton operates offices across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and China, and employs more than 2,000 staff globally.
According to the company’s official figures, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has surpassed 1.5 billion downloads and averages more than 110 million monthly active users. The title remains one of the most played mobile games in over 80 countries and maintains a structured global esports ecosystem.
ByteDance valuation climbs amid restructuring
The reported negotiations come amid strong financial performance from ByteDance. Reuters previously reported that the company’s revenues in the first and second quarters of 2025 exceeded those of Meta, making it the world’s largest social media company by sales during that period.
In the third quarter of 2025, ByteDance launched an employee share buyback at a valuation exceeding $330 billion, reflecting continued growth despite its restructuring in the gaming sector.
Neither ByteDance, Moonton, nor Savvy Games Group immediately responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.