Saudi Arabia’s Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC) has acquired a 5.03% stake in Capcom, the Japanese video game powerhouse behind iconic franchises like Resident Evil and Street Fighter. The transaction, involving 26.7 million shares, highlights a sustained drive by the Kingdom to consolidate its influence in the global digital entertainment sector.
Quick Facts
- EGDC acquired a 5.03% stake in Japan’s Capcom.
- The transaction includes purchasing 26.7 million company shares.
- Saudi entities now hold a combined 10% in Capcom.
Deepening Saudi Arabia’s Global Gaming Presence
The acquisition by EGDC, a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation established by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was characterized as a “pure investment” by Japanese gaming industry tracker Gamebiz.jp.
By taking a position in Capcom, the Saudi firm gains exposure to a highly lucrative catalog of multimillion-selling intellectual properties. Beyond Resident Evil, Capcom’s portfolio includes major titles such as Monster Hunter, Mega Man, Devil May Cry, and Ace Attorney.
This latest move reinforces an aggressive strategy by Saudi entities to transition from regional players to major shareholders in international gaming developers.
Building a Multi-Billion Dollar Gaming Empire
EGDC’s purchase builds directly upon existing Saudi investments in the Japanese market. In 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired an initial 5% of Capcom’s shares, alongside an undisclosed stake in Tokyo-listed publisher Nexon. That dual acquisition was estimated at roughly $1 billion. With EGDC’s new 5.03% stake, total Saudi ownership in Capcom now reaches 10%.
EGDC has an established track record in Japan. The company previously acquired a majority stake in SNK, the hardware and software studio responsible for classic fighting game franchises like The King of Fighters and Fatal Fury. That initial minority investment eventually resulted in near-full ownership of the studio.
The Kingdom’s ambitions extend well beyond Asian markets. Saudi Arabia is currently involved in a massive $55 billion leveraged buyout of video game giant Electronic Arts (EA). The ongoing deal involves private equity firms Silver Lake, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and the PIF. If finalized, the acquisition of the studio behind EA Sports FC and Apex Legends would register as one of the largest private equity buyouts in gaming history.
About Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC)
Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC) is a Saudi-based investment entity focused on the video game and digital entertainment sectors. Operating as a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation, EGDC strategically acquires stakes in major global gaming studios and publishers to advance Saudi Arabia’s position in the international gaming industry.
Source: Entarabi
