Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in the video game industry, most recently acquiring a 5.03% stake in Capcom, the publisher behind Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter.
- The Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC), owned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, has shown interest in purely profit-driven investments within the gaming sector.
- Previous acquisitions by EGDC include 100% of SNK Corporation and potential future acquisitions may involve Electronic Arts and Moonton.
- The expansion of Saudi Arabias influence in the gaming industry is not limited to Capcom, as they are also reportedly pursuing significant investments in Electronic Arts and Moonton.
Recommended products
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Saudi Arabia’s influence in the video game industry is expanding as the Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC), a Saudi investment firm, acquires a significant stake in Capcom, the Japanese publisher behind franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter. According to GameBiz, and subsequently reported by Automaton and Insider Gaming, EGDC purchased 26,788,500 Capcom shares, representing a 5.03% stake. A report submitted to the Kanto Financial Director on March 13 indicates that EGDC intends this acquisition as a pure investment, aiming to profit through share price increases and dividend payments. EGDC, owned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman through his MiSK Foundation, previously acquired 100% of SNK Corporation, the studio behind Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters. This acquisition supplements, rather than replaces, a prior investment. In 2022, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) acquired a separate stake of over 5% in Capcom as part of a $1.2 billion deal involving Nexon. Consequently, Saudi Arabia, through its various state entities, now controls over 10% of the Resident Evil publisher.
Saudi Arabia’s Expansion in Gaming Industry with Electronic Arts and Moonton Acquisitions
These financial operations underscore Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major player in the interactive entertainment sector. Furthermore, according to reports, the Saudi Public Investment Fund is pursuing a deal to acquire more than half of Electronic Arts (EA). There are also reports that Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Group may acquire Moonton, the creators of Mobile Legends. This recent investment in Capcom follows reports of a $55 billion deal for the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to fully acquire Electronic Arts (EA), with that deal expected to close soon, marking a significant expansion of Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the gaming industry.
In Case You Missed It
In other thrilling news, Jonathan Dubinski reveals that “Scream 7 Breaks Series Records” Scream 7 Breaks Series Records with a stellar opening weekend gross of $177 million, making it Paramount’s highest debut for a horror franchise and shattering previous records. This remarkable success is owed to the series’ revival since 2022 and the return of fan-favorite Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott. Meanwhile, Marcus Thompson takes us into the world of gaming adaptations with his chat with Street Fighter film director Takayuki Nakayama, who shares their vision for an intelligent live-action take on the beloved franchise. With filming in progress and a star-studded cast, we can expect this cinematic treat to hit theaters worldwide on October 16, 2026 Street Fighter Is a Very Intelligent Film, Says Capcom. But in a surprising turn, Thompson also reports on Microsoft pulling the plug on Project Moorcroft after nearly four years. Launched in 2022 with promises of playable game demos through Xbox Game Pass, this initiative aimed to boost subscriber engagement and studio visibility. However, it seems the project has reached its end, so be sure to catch up on this latest development in his post “Microsoft Cancels Project Moorcroft” Microsoft Cancels Project Moorcroft.
They also talk about it
Links to external sources for further reading
- Saudi's EGDC Owns a 5% Stake in CapcomSaudi's EGDC Owns a 5% Stake in Capcominsider-gaming.com
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's EGDC firm has acquired 5% of CapcomSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's EGDC firm has acquired 5% of Capcomvideogameschronicle.com