Well, here’s a story we didn’t think we’d be writing this morning.
According to reports coming out of the Far East (thanks, ResetEra), video game veteran SNK – famous for properties such as Samurai Shodown, Metal Slug and King of Fighters – has been purchased by the Saudi-based Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC).
The deal – which has been signed today – transfers all SNK stock to EGDC. However, it is reported that the agreement has been 100% funded by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is the largest shareholder of EGDC. It would appear that the acquisition of SNK is part of the Prince’s “Saudi Vision 2030” program, which seeks to diversify the traditionally oil-led Saudi economy via sectors such as tourism and technology.
The Crown Prince is a controversial figure in global politics and is accused of having a hand in the assassination of Washington Post journalist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. He is also accused of detaining and torturing human rights activists and actioning the mass execution of 37 civilians in 2019.
SNK was purchased by a group of Chinese investors back in 2015, with the aim to turn the company’s properties into a “Marvel-style” multimedia hit factory.
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