Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group Eyes Larger Stake in Nintendo Amid Controversies Over Human Rights

Update 23:00: Savvy Games Group has stated that the fund has no particular interest in increasing its stake in Nintendo.

In a statement to Eurogamer a spokesperson explains that Savvy is looking at the possibility of investing in all Japanese developer studios.

The fund also writes that Al-Saud is not an official spokesperson for the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which manages the Savvy game sector.

Original material continues.

Saudi Arabian authorities will consider a larger purchase of Nintendo. This is reported by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al-Saud, one of the top officials in the Savvy Games Group.

Like the website Kyodo News reports, Al-Saud attended the Tokyo Game Show last weekend. There he explained that the country wants to expand its investment in other sectors than just oil. This includes, among other things, greater investments in the entertainment industry.

Savvy Games Group – Saudi Arabia’s state-funded gaming asset – currently owns 8.58 percent of Nintendo. In recent years, the fund has also acquired holdings in EA, Activision Blizzard, Take-Two, Embracer and Capcom.

Now he will therefore consider increasing his interest in both Nintendo and other Japanese game companies. Al-Saud points out, however, that Savvy does not aim to buy in where it is not wanted.

Nintendo has not commented on the matter.

The fact that Saudi Arabia is getting large chunks of the gaming industry has been a concern for many. The country is known for its relaxed attitude towards human rights, with, among other things, strict rules on what women are allowed to do and a ban on homosexuality.

However, the country has deep pockets and the shopping areas are unlikely to end anytime soon. Recently, Saudi Arabia acquired hosting rights Official eSports Olympic Games for the next 12 years.

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