Core Viewpoint - ByteDance is in advanced negotiations to sell Shanghai Moonton Technology, the developer of the mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, to Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group for a deal valued between $6 billion and $7 billion [1][2]. Company Summary - The potential deal could be finalized as soon as this quarter, with initial agreements on broad terms already reached [2]. - ByteDance's sale of Moonton represents a significant retreat from the online gaming sector, following a restructuring decision made in 2023 [3]. - ByteDance acquired Moonton in 2021 for approximately $4 billion, aiming to establish a competitive international gaming business [4]. - Moonton, founded in 2014, has over 2,000 employees and operates in multiple regions, including Southeast Asia and Latin America [5]. Industry Summary - The sale of Moonton is part of a broader trend of consolidation within the video game industry, as companies seek to enhance their intellectual property (IP) and expand their market presence [3]. - Savvy Games Group, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is actively pursuing growth through acquisitions, having recently acquired Scopely for $4.9 billion [6]. - ByteDance's valuation has significantly increased over the past year, coinciding with its strategic shift away from gaming [6][9].

Core Insights - Sensor Tower data indicates that the mobile game "Whiteout Survival" by DianDian Interactive has successfully launched a Christmas-themed event, significantly boosting global player spending and securing its position as the top-grossing mobile game for overseas markets, with projected total revenue exceeding $4 billion by December 2025 [1] Group 1: Game Performance and Revenue - "Gossip Harbor" by Lemon Microfun saw a 7% increase in revenue this month, reaching a historical high and ranking second in overseas mobile game revenue [1] - "Call of Duty Mobile" experienced a 36% month-over-month revenue increase due to extensive updates, including a sixth anniversary celebration and new game modes, ranking fifth in revenue [2] - "Genshin Impact" achieved a 47% increase in overseas revenue with the launch of the new version "Moon's Three," climbing five spots to ninth in revenue rankings [2] - "Where Winds Meet," an international version of NetEase's martial arts open-world game, debuted in the overseas market, ranking 27th in overseas mobile game revenue in its first month [3] - "Love and Deep Space" by Die Paper Network saw a 38% increase in overseas revenue, ranking tenth in revenue and fifth in growth, with total overseas revenue surpassing $400 million [4] - "Zero Zone" by miHoYo experienced a 56% increase in overseas revenue, achieving its highest daily revenue since launch and topping various market charts [4] - "Nobunaga's Ambition: True War" launched in Japan, resulting in a 207% increase in overseas revenue, ranking eighth in growth [4] Group 2: Download Rankings - "Block Blast!" by Hungry Studio topped the overseas mobile game download chart with an 11% increase in downloads [6] - "Vita Mahjong" by Vita Studio ranked second in downloads, with over 170 million downloads since its launch in December 2023 [6] - "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" by Mouton Technology saw an 8% increase in downloads, securing the third position in the download rankings [7]

Core Insights - The mobile gaming industry continues to see significant revenue growth, with several titles achieving record earnings and player engagement in December 2023 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Revenue Highlights - "Whiteout Survival" by DianDian Interactive achieved global cumulative revenue exceeding $4 billion by December 2025, solidifying its position as the top-grossing mobile game in the overseas market [1]. - "Gossip Harbor" by Lemon Microfun saw a 7% increase in revenue this month, reaching a historical high and ranking second in overseas mobile game revenue [1]. - "Call of Duty Mobile" experienced a 36% month-over-month revenue increase, ranking fifth in overall revenue due to significant updates and events [2]. - "Genshin Impact" by miHoYo reported a 47% increase in overseas revenue, climbing five positions to rank ninth in revenue [2]. - "Where Winds Meet," the international version of "燕云十六声" by NetEase, entered the overseas revenue rankings at 27th place in its first month [3]. - "恋与深空" by Paper Games saw a 38% increase in overseas revenue, ranking tenth in revenue and fifth in growth [4]. - "绝区零" by miHoYo experienced a 56% increase in overseas revenue, achieving its highest daily revenue since launch [4]. - "信长之野望 真战" by Lingxi Interactive saw a 207% increase in overseas revenue after launching in Japan [4]. Group 2: Download Performance - "Block Blast!" by Hungry Studio led the download rankings with an 11% increase in downloads, reaching a historical high [5]. - "Vita Mahjong" by Vita Studio ranked second in downloads, surpassing 170 million total downloads since its launch in December 2023 [5]. - "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" by Mutong Technology saw an 8% increase in downloads, maintaining its position in the top three for downloads [5].

Core Viewpoint - ByteDance is reportedly restarting negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group regarding the acquisition of its subsidiary, Moonton, which indicates a potential revival of a previously shelved acquisition plan [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The specifics of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and both ByteDance and the Saudi fund have not provided comments, leaving the latest valuation of Moonton uncertain [3]. - The sale of Moonton was initially considered in 2023 when ByteDance began restructuring its gaming business, with several bidders including the Saudi fund and Tencent. However, high valuation premiums during the initial acquisition led to a stalemate [4][10]. - Following the appointment of Zhang Yunfan in May 2023, ByteDance's gaming strategy shifted towards a more pragmatic approach, focusing on sustainable growth rather than chasing blockbuster hits [4][6]. Group 2: Strategic Shifts - ByteDance's gaming division has adopted a strategy that balances mature products with experimental ones, aiming for both mainstream appeal and niche markets, which has resulted in stable revenue and new growth [6][7]. - The collaboration between ByteDance's subsidiary, Xishiyuan, and Moonton has yielded successful products, such as the domestic version of "Decision Peak," showcasing the effectiveness of their partnership [7]. Group 3: Saudi Fund's Position - The Savvy Games Group, established in 2021 and fully owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to create a global gaming empire by investing heavily in game development and esports [8][10]. - The Saudi fund's recent acquisition of EA for $55 billion reflects its aggressive investment strategy, and its renewed interest in Moonton may stem from a desire to fill gaps in its gaming portfolio, particularly in the MOBA genre [10][16]. - The failure of the esports Olympics project has prompted the Saudi fund to increase investments in gaming companies, recognizing the need for control over game development and distribution to support its esports ambitions [12][14].

Core Viewpoint - Savvy Games Group, a Saudi Arabian gaming giant, is in talks to acquire ByteDance's wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Moonton Technology, indicating a potential restart of ByteDance's sale plans for Moonton [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Talks - The negotiations between Savvy and ByteDance are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a deal will be finalized [1]. - ByteDance initially acquired Moonton for approximately $4 billion in 2021, aiming to leverage its successful game "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" and its global operations team [3]. - ByteDance is reportedly seeking a sale price of no less than $5 billion for Moonton amid significant restructuring of its gaming business [3]. Group 2: Company Background - Savvy Games Group was established in 2021 and is fully owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), focusing on game development, publishing, esports, and investments in global gaming companies [5]. - Savvy has previously engaged in significant acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire EA for approximately $55 billion [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The potential acquisition of Moonton by Savvy could enhance its influence in the global mobile gaming market and leverage the popularity of "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" in Southeast Asia [5]. - The ongoing discussions reflect a broader trend of consolidation and strategic positioning within the gaming industry, particularly as companies seek to expand their market presence [6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of the global gaming industry, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities for Chinese gaming companies in the international market. It emphasizes the need for long-term operational capabilities and innovative marketing strategies to succeed in a competitive landscape [3][4][5]. Industry Overview - The global gaming industry experienced rapid growth from 2011 to 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 9.7%, and the mobile gaming market in China growing nearly 145% during the same period [5][6]. - However, post-pandemic, the industry has entered a downturn, with global market growth projected to drop to 2% in 2024 and 3% in 2025 [6][9]. Market Dynamics - The competition in the gaming market has intensified, with players increasingly gravitating towards established service-based games, which accounted for over 60% of user engagement time in 2022 [7]. - Emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, are showing significant growth potential, with mobile gaming revenue in Latin America reaching 48% of total gaming revenue [9][10]. Successful Strategies - Successful examples include Supercell's Brawl Stars, which achieved over $400 million in monthly revenue five years post-launch through effective long-term operations [3]. - Chinese gaming companies are adapting by utilizing advanced marketing tools, such as Google Ads and YouTube, to enhance user acquisition and retention [4][11]. Marketing Evolution - The traditional approach to user acquisition through low-cost downloads is becoming less effective, with a shift towards more sophisticated marketing strategies that focus on user value and engagement [13][14]. - Companies are increasingly integrating brand advertising into their marketing strategies to reach broader audiences and enhance user recognition [15][16]. Technological Advancements - The article highlights the role of AI and advanced advertising platforms, such as Google's Gemini, in reshaping the gaming landscape, enabling companies to better understand and target their audiences [17][18]. - The integration of AI in game development is expected to democratize the creation process, allowing more individuals to participate in game design [18]. Conclusion - The future of gaming globalization for Chinese companies lies in leveraging new marketing capabilities and technological advancements to create and sustain high-quality gaming experiences in emerging markets [10][18].

Core Insights - In July 2025, 32 Chinese game publishers made it to the global mobile game publisher revenue TOP 100, collectively generating $1.95 billion, accounting for 34% of the total revenue of the TOP 100 publishers during this period [1] Group 1: Top Performers - Tencent maintained its position as the top global mobile game publisher, with a 20% increase in revenue driven by popular titles like "Honor of Kings" and "PUBG MOBILE" [2] - Point Cloud Interactive secured the second position, with a 10% revenue increase, bolstered by strong performances from "Kingshot" and "Tasty Travels: Merge Game," which saw revenue growth of 34% and 52% respectively [2] - NetEase ranked third, with a 23% revenue increase attributed to the anniversary celebration of "Party of Eggs," which doubled its income [4] Group 2: Notable Revenue Growth - miHoYo's "Honkai: Star Rail" experienced a 325% revenue surge in July, marking a new high for 2025, contributing to a 28% increase in overall revenue for the company [4] - Florere Game's new title "Last Z: Survival Shooter" saw a 44% revenue increase, helping the publisher achieve a 24% overall revenue growth [4] - Paper Games' "Love and Deep Space" reached a record high in revenue following a major update, resulting in a 33% increase in overall income [5] Group 3: Emerging Publishers - Momo Technology's flagship title "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" continued to perform well, with a 32% revenue increase, while its new title "Silver and Scarlet" debuted strongly in the iOS download charts [6] - Youka Network's two titles, "Three Kingdoms Kill" and "Finger Mountain and Sea," saw revenue increases of 110% and 252% respectively, leading to a doubling of overall income [6] - Giant Network's "Supernatural Action Group" experienced significant revenue growth of 76%, climbing to the 29th position in the revenue rankings [6] Group 4: Additional Publishers - Other Chinese game publishers that made it to the global TOP 100 include Bilibili and Mattel163, totaling 32 publishers [7]

Core Insights - The gaming industry is experiencing a shift where creating a hit game is seen as both an art and a science, with data-driven approaches becoming increasingly important [1][12][13] - Companies like Century Huatong and 37 Interactive Entertainment have successfully launched popular games by blending genres and leveraging data analytics to understand user preferences [3][4][5] Group 1: Game Development Strategies - Century Huatong's subsidiary, Didi Interactive, developed "Whiteout Survival," which has generated over 16 billion RMB in revenue, surpassing major competitors like Tencent and Mihayou [1][5] - 37 Interactive Entertainment's "Puzzles & Survival" has achieved over 10 billion RMB in revenue within five years, demonstrating the potential of merging casual and strategy gameplay [3][5] - The integration of casual elements into traditionally heavy games has attracted a broader audience, including a significant percentage of female players [4][5] Group 2: Market Trends and Challenges - The gaming market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies needing to focus on long-term strategies and user engagement rather than quick wins [20][23] - The success of games in international markets often hinges on effective localization, which goes beyond mere translation to include cultural adaptation [15][16][17] - Companies are recognizing the importance of building local teams to enhance market understanding and tailor content to regional preferences [17][18] Group 3: Data-Driven Decision Making - Data analytics plays a crucial role in game development, with companies relying on various metrics such as user retention rates to guide their strategies [12][14] - Successful game development requires a balance between data-driven decisions and creative innovation, ensuring that games remain engaging while meeting user expectations [14][21] - The industry's focus on data has led to a more scientific approach to game design, where understanding player behavior is essential for success [12][13] Group 4: Long-Term Commitment and Experience - Companies that have been in the industry for over a decade tend to have a better understanding of market dynamics and are more likely to seize opportunities [20][21] - The journey of companies like Didi Interactive and 37 Interactive Entertainment illustrates the importance of persistence and strategic focus in achieving success in the gaming sector [20][22] - The evolving landscape of the gaming industry requires companies to adapt continuously and innovate to maintain relevance and profitability [23]