Ayar First Investment Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has significantly expanded its portfolio by acquiring stakes in four leading Japanese gaming companies. This move underscores the Kingdom’s deepening commitment to the global entertainment sector as part of its economic diversification strategy. Disclosures submitted to Japan’s Ministry of Finance reveal that the entity has secured multi-million dollar positions in some of the industry’s most storied developers.
A Diverse Portfolio of Gaming Heavyweights
The regulatory filings indicate a calculated approach to capturing value across the Japanese gaming ecosystem. Ayar First Investment Company has acquired a 6.6% stake in Capcom, the legendary developer behind franchises such as Street Fighter and Resident Evil. Additionally, the firm has secured a 5.05% stake in Bandai Namco, known for Tekken and Pac-Man.
Beyond these two giants, the investment vehicle has taken even larger positions in other key players:
- Nexon: A 10.71% stake in the specialist online games publisher.
- Koei Tecmo: A 9.3% stake in the developer famous for the Dynasty Warriors series.
The markets reacted positively to the news, reflecting investor confidence in the backing of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. Following the announcement, Capcom’s shares rose by 4.8%, while Bandai Namco saw a 3.7% increase.
Cementing Saudi Arabia’s Global Gaming Footprint
These acquisitions are not isolated financial plays but are integral to a broader vision where gaming serves as a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic infrastructure. The Public Investment Fund views the gaming sector as comparable to sports and film in its potential for global influence and soft power.
The investments by Ayar follow a series of high-profile moves by the PIF in the gaming world. Through its dedicated arm, Savvy Games Group, the fund previously acquired mobile gaming giant Scopely for USD 4.9 billion. Scopely’s hit title, Monopoly Go, has generated over USD 3 billion in revenue, validating the high-growth potential of the sector. Furthermore, the PIF has been active in broader industry consolidation efforts, including participation in a consortium exploring a USD 55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA).
About Ayar First Investment Company
Ayar First Investment Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). It serves as a specialized investment vehicle utilized by the sovereign wealth fund to execute and hold strategic international investments, particularly within the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. Through entities like Ayar, the PIF channels capital into high-growth global industries to drive returns and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 diversification goals.
Source: Waya
