The reported ByteDance Moonton sale could value the developer of Mobile Legends at between $6 billion and $7 billion. The potential buyer is Savvy Games Group, and reports say the two sides are in advanced discussions. However, the transaction has not been confirmed, so its terms and timing remain subject to change.
Image credit: Moonton Technology
What is known about the ByteDance Moonton sale?
ByteDance is reportedly negotiating to sell Moonton Technology to Savvy Games Group. The companies are said to have reached an initial understanding on the broad terms, and the deal could close by the end of the current quarter. Neither a final agreement nor a completed sale has been announced.
Savvy Games declined to comment, while ByteDance and Moonton did not respond to requests for comment. That means the reported price range and proposed timetable should be treated as provisional rather than confirmed deal details.
What to watch: Any official announcement would clarify whether the companies have signed a binding agreement, whether the reported $6 billion to $7 billion valuation is accurate, and when ownership could change.
Why ByteDance may be considering a sale
Reports about a possible sale of the Shanghai-based developer first emerged in 2023, two years after ByteDance acquired Moonton in 2021. ByteDance was also reported to be considering a sale last November. In 2024, the company confirmed that it was discussing the sale of its games business, with Tencent identified as a potential buyer at the time.
If the Moonton transaction proceeds, it would represent a significant pullback by ByteDance from online games, according to reports. The outcome could therefore offer a clearer indication of the company’s direction in gaming, but the talks alone do not confirm that ByteDance has completed a wider exit from the sector.
Who is Savvy Games Group?
Savvy Games Group is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Its investment portfolio includes stakes in Nintendo, Capcom, Nexon, Take-Two, Activision Blizzard and Koei Tecmo. A purchase of Moonton would add the Mobile Legends developer to Savvy’s gaming interests if the reported deal is finalized.
PIF is also part of an investor group that includes Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. That group is acquiring Electronic Arts in a transaction valued at $55 billion. It is set to acquire 100% of EA and roll over its existing stake in the company.
What the reported deal means for readers
For now, the ByteDance Moonton sale remains a reported possibility, not a completed transaction. The proposed price, closing date and final terms have not been publicly confirmed by the companies. Readers following the story should look for official statements before treating the reported valuation or ownership change as settled.