Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is transferring $12 billion worth of gaming shares to its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. This move strengthens Savvy’s position in the global gaming sector.
The transfer includes stakes in major firms like Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Koei Tecmo, NCSoft, Nexon, and Square Enix. As a result, Savvy will hold roughly 10% of each company after the transfer. This gives the subsidiary significant influence over key gaming businesses.
Savvy Games Group launched in 2021 to expand Saudi Arabia’s investments beyond oil. With $38 billion to deploy, Savvy has invested in developers such as Scopely, known for Monopoly Go, and Niantic, the creator of Pokémon Go. The company also owns stakes in several esports organizations. Although Monopoly Go became a commercial hit, some esports ventures faced challenges, including staff reductions.
Amar Batkhuu, Savvy spokesperson, said the fund planned the transfer for a long time. He explained that the move places the PIF’s gaming investments under Savvy, a central part of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. He also added that the subsidiary will maintain its current investment approach.
Meanwhile, the PIF recently became the largest investor in Electronic Arts’ $55 billion buyout. Savvy will not take part directly in this transaction. Previously, the PIF moved its 11 million shares of Take-Two Interactive to Savvy in December 2025. Analysts say the subsidiary will continue to manage investments passively.
Despite Nintendo’s strong hardware sales, investors pushed its stock down about 33% in the past five months. Concerns include fewer major first-party releases, potential price increases, and uneven holiday sales in Western markets. Nevertheless, Nintendo sold 10.36 million units of its Switch 2 console in the first four months, making it the fastest-selling console in company history. Japanese sales remained strong, while Western sales lagged.
Industry experts note that Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming investments reflect a broader strategy to reduce dependence on oil revenue. By consolidating stakes under Savvy Games Group, the PIF increases its professional management and influence in international gaming markets.
Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group plans to expand its portfolio further. The subsidiary could invest more in game development, esports, and global partnerships, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role in the digital entertainment economy.
