ByteDance is reportedly in ‘superior talks’ to promote Shanghai Moonton Know-how (MOONTON), the developer behind Cellular Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), to Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Video games Group.
In keeping with a report by Reuters, sources claiming to have insider data shared that the deal is valued at between $6bn (~£4.4bn) to $7bn (~£5.2bn).
As of writing, neither ByteDance, MOONTON or Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Video games Group have verified the report.
Reuters alleges that an preliminary settlement has been reached on the broad phrases of the deal, and that it could possibly be formalised by the top of this quarter (March 2026).
MOONTON is the developer behind MLBB, one of the well-liked aggressive cell MOBA titles. The sport has additionally fostered a well-liked esports scene, with the M7 World Championship not too long ago changing into the fourth most-viewed esports occasion of all time.
Savvy Video games Group has continued to develop its presence within the gaming and esports scenes. It has acquired gaming builders up to now, together with Scopely in 2023 for $4.9bn (~£3.9bn). In esports, it has invested into match operators akin to VSPO in 2023, and has partnered with King Abdulaziz College to launch gaming and esports coaching programmes.
MLBB and Saudi Arabia in Esports
Solely time will inform whether or not MLBB shall be acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Video games Group, a holding firm owned by the Public Funding Fund (PIF). MLBB has crossed paths with the dominion extra incessantly in recent times.
MLBB has been confirmed to return to the Esports World Cup in 2026, a global occasion run by the Esports World Cup Basis (EWCF). The match itself receives direct funding from the Saudi Arabian authorities’s PIF because the host nation. MOONTON’s well-liked cell title was additionally the primary to be unveiled for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, additionally run by the EWCF.
