Saudi Arabia Now Owns a 6% Stake In Nintendo

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has raised its stake in Nintendo from 5.01% to 6.07%.

This follows a swathe of investment by the PIF within the gaming sphere. The state-run fund also purchased stakes in Koei Tecmo and Capcom, giving it a bigger foothold within the gaming industry.

You'll remember that this was the same entity that more or less owns SNK now, and it has enabled the company to go beyond fighting games with SNK's president, Kenji Matsubara stating late last year, that the company now has ambitions to go beyond making fighting games and there are plans to even venture into the world of action adventure titles. It has widely been speculated that this move was made possible by the investment of the PIF. 

On Nintendo's part, the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate developers have stated that they will not comment on any individual stakeholders. But, the general understanding is that this increase in PIF's power within Nintendo will not in any way impact the day-to-day operations of the company.

That said, it is unknown if this will remain the case especially if the PIF increase their stake again.

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund was established in 1971 for the purpose of investing on behalf of the gulf nation. They have so far put their hands in various industries most recently acquiring Newcastle Football Club in England. Their influence in the gaming sphere has increased in recent times and it would be interesting to see how they look to influence gaming in the future.